By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

THE Department of Chamorro Affairs yesterday presented Gov. Felix P. Camacho with a progress report on a major project aimed at properly documenting Chamorro history and promoting the Chamorro language.
Last year, DCA received an $87,000 grant to officially assess the status of the Chamorro language and its prevalence within the community.
The assessment, which indicates a low percentage of spoken Chamorro, is critical to implementing projects and programs that promote the use of the language within the school system and throughout the community.
The assessment also provides critical information that will be key to the department’s development of a 10-year strategic plan to reinforce the presence of the Chamorro language and culture with programs and additional reference materials.
“You all are making a positive difference so that future generations will always be proud of our heritage. The people of Guam thank you for your dedication and commitment to keep our culture strong for generations to come,” Camacho told DCA officials during yesterday’s presentation.
DCA, under the direction of Dr. Katherine Aguon, administrator of the Division of Research, Publication and Training, has published a number of Chamorro history, language and cultural reference books, including the “Hale-ta” series that have been adopted by the Guam Public School System.