By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The women of Peleliu were the special guests during the start of the Ninth Regular Session of the House of Delegates last Tuesday Jan. 9.
The goodwill trip was through the invitation of Peleliu Delegate Jonathan Isechal.
The 32 Mechas are from two organizations called Ngarakerubang the traditional women leaders led by Balang Ulang Wong, and Tatirou, which is composed of younger Mechas led by Reiko Kubarii.
Joseph Giramur, a re-elected member of the Peleliu State Legislature which had its opening session on the same day, accompanied the Mechas on this trip.
One of the traditional women, Masae Yosiwo, did a chant for the HOD members.
Isechal said that the theme of the chant was basically to urge the Delegates to work together for the betterment of the country as well as to wish for blessings.
The women were later hosted to a lunch by High Chief Reklai Raphael Ngirmang at the old age center in Melekeok.
Vice President Elias Camsek Chin along with some of the cabinet members joined the Delegates led by Speaker Mesebeluu during the late lunch.
The Ministers include Mario Katosang of Education, Otoichi Besebes of Commerce Trade, Alexander Merep of Community and Cultural Affairs, Fritz Koshiba of Resources and Development.
Isechal said that when Chief Reklai learned about the trip to the Capitol, he immediately decided to arrange the luncheon meeting as a way of expressing gratitude to the women, which is a traditional consultation and protocol.
Isechal said that Chief Reklai recalled a Palauan proverb which says that ‘everything starts from Peleliu," it is thus appropriate that the New Year begin with a visit the chief of Melekeok.
Chief Reklai mentioned about the long-standing and long-relationship between Peleliu and other states of Babeldaob like Ngaraard, Ngiwal and Melekeok.
Isechal said that despite the distance and the bad weather that delayed their trip, the trip pushed through.
VP Chin, who is also from Peleliu, welcomed the Peleliu women, on behalf of the national government and invited them to visit the Executive Branch offices.