The Palauan Community Association-CNMI members gathered at the Carolinian Utt to commemorate their nation’s special day.
“It was a very successful event,” said Rufino Aguon, the association president.
This year, the youth played the most important roles in the celebration, he added.
The new officers of the Palauan Community Association-CNMI Youth took their oath of office and discussed the brief history of Palau’s Compact with the U.S.
In their message, the youth officers said they were proud to celebrate Independence Day “because we still value our traditions and cultural heritage that have been preserved and maintained well through the hard work and dedication of our forefathers who ‘dug the well,’ during the Spanish, German, Japan and American administrations.”
The youth said it is their responsibility to see that Palau’s economy is sustainable for the general wealth and well-being of its people.
They encouraged Palauans to be support each other and to practice their immemorial rights through actions and deeds.
“It is our tradition to pass down knowledge and skills to the young generation; it is the right time to pay attention to our youth. It is time that we educate them, respect them, and challenge them as they too are the great asset, the true ‘Orremel a Keruul,’ who will be our future leaders,” the Palauan elders said.
This year’s theme is “Orremel a Keruul,” which means “harnessing our economy.”
The youth challenged all citizens of Palau to combine their efforts to help their nation achieve its economical goals.
“We are the children of Palau who will work hard to preserve the historical and traditional Palau, our home and our heritage for the next generations to come,” the youth stated.
The youth officers for school year 2009-10 were: Marla Helbert, president; Joylyn Cabrera, vice president; Valyn San Nicolas, treasurer; Richelle Mungwaath, secretary; and Eltuk Chiokai, human resource officer.
The youth met on Sept. 6 at the Dandan Baseball Field and elected a new set of officers for school year 2010-11. They are: Richelle F. Mungwaath, president; Valyn San Nicolas, vice president; Maria Camacho, secretary; Noelani Baulechong, treasurer; and Lorilyn Baulechong, human resource officer.
The youth club’s goal is to “Empower PCA Youth for Life.”
