IN celebration of Commonwealth Covenant Day, the Northern Marianas Humanities Council on Friday honored the late Edward DLG Pangelinan at the American Memorial Park Visitor Center.
Pangelinan chaired the Marianas Political Status Commission which negotiated the drafting of the Covenant with the U.S. He was also the first male Chamorro lawyer of the Northern Marianas, and the CNMI’s first Washington representative.
He passed away on Feb. 4, 2023 at the age of 81.
With the theme “Crafting the Covenant,” the Humanities Council also held a panel discussion with guest speakers former Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio and retired local businessman David Sablan.
The Humanities Council adopted a resolution in recognition of Pangelinan’s contributions and service to the people of the Marianas.
The resolution honored Pangelinan’s efforts to negotiate a separate political status for the NMI amid serious opposition from the other Trust Territory districts.
The Humanities Council also recognized Pangelinan’s dedication to expressing and advocating for the will of the people of the Marianas to exercise self-determination and form a novel political relationship with the U.S.
Moreover, the council expressed its gratitude to Pangelinan “for leaving an indelible imprint on the foundations of CNMI democracy that continues to preserve the rights of the…people to local self-government, provide the economic benefits and protection of U.S. citizenship and reflect the CNMI’s collective desire to remain in control of their lives.”
Pangelinan’s family members received a framed copy of the council’s resolution.
In an interview, his brother, Pedro Pangelinan, said he was overwhelmed by the recognition.
“It’s quite moving. What they presented I know already by heart…. What my brother did to our Marianas, to better the education of our children and to bring the Marianas closer to the U.S.,” he said.
He said because of the contributions of his brother, the members of the younger generation are able to pursue better educational opportunities, and a better future.
His message to the young generation is to continue their education. “Strive for better opportunities,” he added.
Family members of the late Edward DLG Pangelinan receive a framed copy of a resolution from the Northern Marianas Humanities Council honoring one of the CNMI’s founding fathers.
