GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios, Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog and Office of Grants Management and State Clearinghouse Administrator Epi Cabrera unveiled on Friday a newly erected statue of legendary Chamorro Chief Taga at the Nieves Latte Quarry on Rota.
Funded by the OGM-SC’s special account, the Taga Statue is one of seven statues erected at different tourist destinations on Rota, Cabrera said. All seven statues cost $68,000.
Also joining the unveiling ceremony at 2 p.m. were the Rota Legislative Delegation led by Senate President Dennis C. Mendiola, the 20th Rota Municipal Council, Father Jesse Reyes, and Rota resident department heads.
Also unveiled on Rota were several other sculptures that “complement and amplify our cultural narrative,” Mayor Hocogo said. These are the Totot bird at the Bird Sanctuary, the Sambar deer at the Benjamin T. Manglona International Airport, the fruit bat at Alaguan Bay Overlook, the Aga bird at Talu Curve, and the coconut crab at Ugis Beach.
In her remarks, the mayor said Rota or Luta is known for its serene landscapes and warm, welcoming hospitality. She said it has always been a place where history and culture come alive in the stories passed down from generation to generation. The newly unveiled sculptures, she said, are works of art that are a testament to the strength and pride of the Chamorro people and of their unique environment.
“As we unveil the Taga Statue and the other sculptures today, we do so with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for those who have walked this path before us. Let us continue to preserve our culture and share the beauty and uniqueness of Rota with the world,” she said.
She also recognized Governor Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang and Cabrera, adding that “these beautiful sculptures would not have been possible without their support.”
The mayor likewise thanked her “hardworking staff and the awesome men at the Department of Public Works, who have worked diligently to prepare the sites and construct the base and install the sculptures for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Hocog also expressed appreciation to the following for their donations:
Fidel Mendiola for the use of his cement mixer and boom truck; the Department of Public Safety for its generator; and John San Nicolas for the use of his water drums.
Any mission is easier to accomplish when done together, the mayor said.
The new statue of the legendary Chief Taga on Rota.
Grants Management and State Clearinghouse Administrator Epi Cabrera delivers his remarks as Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, second right, and Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, right, listen during the unveiling of the Taga Statue on Rota on Friday.
Contributed photo
