UOG Organizations Donate to Japan Relief

ACEI-UOG and other UOG organizations raised more than $14,000 for the Japan relief effort to support relief efforts in Fukushima. UOG groups that fundraised include Association for Childhood Education International, Council for Exceptional Children, the Japan Culture through Movies Club, UOG Green Army and Operation Triton Giving, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Modern Language Festival, and the School of Business and Public Administration BA260 Fundamentals of Marketing class in conjuction with the UOG Entrepreneur Society.

PIBBA Conference a Success!

The 30th Annual International Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference held in the beautiful Pacific island of Tinian was a success! The conference theme, “Economic Challenges for the Pacific Islands: Fuetsan I Lingguahi Yan Kuttura (Economic Potentials of Languages and Cultures” was highlighted in each of the conference days from June 21-23, 2011. Each day featured the gathering of everyone singing the PIBBA song, which includes all the languages of the region, such as the following chorus: “Iokwe, Raan Annim, Kaselehlia, Alii, Aloha, Olomwaay, Hafa Dei, Tuwoh, Mogethin, Talofa.”

Among the entities that attended the conference this year are Pohnpei, CNMI, Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Hawaii. The mission of PIBBA is to bring these entities together to promote cultural and language activities by disseminating information, involving communities, and encouraging quality education programs through the western Pacific.

A pre-conference reception was held at Taga Beach. The fellowship shared during the gathering allowed PIBBA family members to reconnect on various topics and events affecting the Pacific islands and memories shared over the years.

The first day of the PIBBA Conference began with a continental breakfast/registration at the Kammer Beach Pavillion. The opening ceremony included posting of colors by the Tinian High School ROTC, lighting of the torch by Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz, the CNMI and U.S. National Anthems sung by Chloe Hofschneider, Invocation by Fr. Isidoro Ogumuro, Opening Remarks by PIBBA International President Cheta Anien, Welcoming Remarks by Mayor Dela Cruz, Lt. Governor Inos, and keynote speech by Dr. John C. Salas. Afternoon workshops, presentations, and demonstrations took place at Tinian High School, followed by a historical tour of the island. A dinner reception was emceed by Glen Manglona and hosted by the 13th Municipal Council at Tachogna Beach. During the gathering, a remembrance candle lighting ceremony was held, welcoming remarks were said by Chairman Patrick Manglona, and cultural presentations were performed by Tinian and Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The second day of the conference began with a continental breakfast at Tinian High School, general assembly, announcements, and a panel discussion on Indigenous Programs in the Schools and Other Areas that was facilitated by Glen Manglona and Jesus Elamento. Among the panel topics were the CNMI Dictionary Revision project by Dr. Rechebei, Tita Hocog, and Manny Borja; Frances Sablan, CNMI; Chief Hurao School by Ann Marie Arceo; Pohnpei Education Department by Linter Kiheng and Mayson Fredrick; PSS Heritage Program by Jackie Quitugua & PSS Board of Education; Indigenous Affairs by Ana Teregeyo from the Office of the Governor; Amut Yan Kutturan Natibu by Manny Borja & Lino Olopai; University of Guam by Rosa Salas Palomo; and RMI Department of Education by PIBBA International President Cheta Anien. Afternoon workshops, presentations, and demonstrations followed the panel discussion. The Taga House Pa’ot Ceremony also took place, followed by the Parade of Cultures at Natibu Park. The day ended with a dinner reception hosted by the Tinian Legislative Delegation, Welcoming Remarks by Senator Jude Hofschneider, and cultural presentations by Pohnpei and Tinian.

The final day began with a continental breakfast at Tinian High School, general sessions, and announcements. This was followed by workshops, presentations, and demonstrations. A silent auction of cultural items, arts, and crafts also took place. Thereafter, the PIBBA International Business Meeting was held, along with a special recognition for the Indigenous Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year for each of the entities, and an election of new PIBBA officers at the Tinian High School cafeteria. This was followed by an island tour and a grand finale dinner reception at Tachogna Beach hosted by Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz. The reception included cultural presentations by Guam and Tinian, gift giving, closing remarks by incoming PIBBA President Shelten G. Neth, and a special Pues Adios Esta Ki activity.

Deep gratitude goes out to all PIBBA Conference steering committee members, and all the entities that joined us to make the 30th Annual PIBBA Conference a memorable event that will always be remembered! Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu’os Ma’ase’! Kalahngan! Kommol tata! Kinissow! Mesulang! Kammagar!

30TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL PIBBA CONFERENCE SNAPSHOTS

PIBBA participants enjoy the conference. Pictured L-R: Ed Temengil, History teacher for Tinian High School; Joseph Villazon, Director for Pohnpei Department of Education; and Shrue Villazon, Teacher for Ohmine Elementary School.

PIBBA participants complete their coconut-leaf weaving of the katupat. 1st picture L-R: Alma Kisa, CCLHS Teacher; and Jack Sablan, Vice Principal of Koblerville Elementary School. 2^nd picture L-R: Melen Ruiz, Guam Delegation; and Rizalina Purugganan, Principal of Koblerville Elementary School.

Jose San Nicolas demonstrates how to weave a katupat during his arts and crafts coconut weaving presentation.

Ann Marie and Ray Arceo pose during their presentation, Eskuelan Chief Hurao, Guam. The presentation was sponsored by the CNMI Council for the Humanities.

Tinian Elementary School students perform during the PIBBA Conference dinner reception.

2011 PIBBA Tinian Steering Committee members pose for the camera. Pictured L-R: Victor Linan; Arseni Borja; Diane Borja, PIBBA Chairperson; Florine Hofschneider; San Nicolas; and Vida Borja.

PIBBA Conference volunteers pose for the camera. Pictured L-R: Antonio Borja and Vida Borja.

Panel discussion gets underway at the Tinian High School Cafeteria. Pictured L-R: Dr. Liz Rechebei, Tita Hocog, Lino Olopai, Manny Borja, and Frances Sablan.

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (left), PIBBA presenter; and Maria Castro, Tinian Public Library, pose after Dr. Rivera’s digital storytelling workshop, which was sponsored by the CNMI Council for the Humanities and IRA.

Merced Ada (left), Program Coordinator for the CNMI Council for the Humanities pose with Eric San Nicolas, PIBBA International Steering Committee member; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA presenter and PIBBA International Webmaster. Dr. Rivera’s workshop titled, Digital Storytelling: A Model Program to Build Cultural Diversity and Content Knowledge, was sponsored by the CNMI Council for the Humanities.

Pohnpei delegation performs their cultural Thanksgiving ritual.

PIBBA participants of the digital storytelling workshop #1 pose after they created their very own personal narrative digital story. Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (standing in center) conducted the workshop titled, Digital Storytelling: A Model Program to Build Cultural Diversity and Content Knowledge.

PIBBA participants of the digital storytelling workshop #2 pose after they created their very own personal narrative digital story. Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (sitting second from the left) conducted the workshop titled, Digital Storytelling: A Model Program to Build Cultural Diversity and Content Knowledge.

Familian Salas Doctors: Dr. John Salas (center), PIBBA keynote speaker, pose with his sisters, Dr. Arlene C.S. Diaz and Dr. Marilyn Salas-Walter.


Guam Delegation members are all smiles at the 30^th Annual International PIBBA Conference in Tinian.

Pohnpei Delegation members stand proudly at the 30^th Annual International PIBBA Conference in Tinian.

Dr. Jose Q. Cruz conducts his presentation titled, “Scaffolding Student Success Using SAT10 Results.”

Dr. Greg Tainatongo conducts his presentation titled, “The Concept of Ika and Chenchuli: Inafa’maolek.”

Guam delegation members march during the PIBBA Parade of Cultures.

Pohnpei delegation members hold their flag proudly during the PIBBA Parade of Cultures.

Outgoing PIBBA International President, Cheta Anien (left), passes the PIBBA key to Joseph Villazon, Director of Pohnpei Department of Education. Pohnpei will be hosting the 31st PIBBA Annual International Conference under the leadership of incoming PIBBA International President Shelten G. Neth.

PIBBA International Officers pose after the organization’s election. Pictured L-R: Cheta Anien, Immediate Past President; Rosa Salas Palomo, Treasurer; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster; Shelten Neth, President; Frances Sablan, Secretary, and Dr. Jose Cruz, Historian. Not pictured is Peter Onedera, President-Elect.

The conference theme and logo, which was made using natural materials and designed by Arseni Borja, stands vibrantly during the PIBBA Opening Ceremony.

Making a Difference in the Pacific: Guam Council IRA Officers Elected

IRA Officers: The newly-elected CY2011-2012 Guam Council International Reading Association Officers were inducted and presented to IRA members at the association's May meeting. Pictured L-R: Stephanie Flores, Treasurer; Erlinda Arriola, Corresponding Secretary; Martha Sudo, Recording Secretary; Jonathan Pilarca, President-Elect; and Neldie Pendon-Limtiaco, President.