THE Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council on Friday presented a copy of a commemorative resolution to Master of Art and Culture Eusebio Camacho Borja for his “untiring contributions and perseverance towards the preservation, protection and perpetuation of the cultural and traditional heritage of the indigenous people of the NMI, and its positive impact on the customs and traditions of the Chamorros in the NMI.”
According to Council Commemorative Resolution 16-4, Borja, 64, is known on Saipan as a “Master of Arts and Culture because of his dedication and commitment to preserve the Chamorro I Taotao Tano heritage.”
A former police officer, Borja served as a bilingual teacher at William S. Reyes Elementary School before he joined the U.S. Army in 1981.
Upon his return to the CNMI in 1983, he worked as an airport police officer and then as a ramp agent and heavy equipment operator for Continental Air-Micronesia.
He returned to civil service by working for the Department of Public Works and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. before rejoining the private sector by working for the Hyatt Regency Saipan’s engineering department.
Throughout the years, Borja and his family practiced traditional “farm-to-table” living in As Teo, helping his parents raise farm animals.
On Saipan, he is best known as “Sebio and his ox cart” which has become “a central icon” in celebrating cultural events, Liberation Day parades and community volunteerism.
Borja and his family have also presented indigenous culture at the annual Flame Tree Arts Festival and Agriculture Fair.
He continues to support the Indigenous Affairs Office by providing free ox cart rides and traditional Chamorro delicacies and plants during cultural events on island.
Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Chairwoman Ana Demapan-Castro, Vice Chairwoman Antonia M. Tudela and Secretary Daniel I. Aquino handed a copy of the commemorative resolution to Borja at the Kiosku Round House in Chalan Kanoa on Friday.
Joining him were his wife, Margarita and two of his daughters, Ann Margaret and Rose Marie.
At the Kiosku Round House in Chalan Kanoa on Friday, Master of Arts and Culture Eusebio Camacho Borja, 4th right, poses for a photo with, from left, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Secretary Daniel I. Aquino, Vice Chair Antonia M. Tudela and Chairwoman Ana Demapan-Castro. Also in the photo are Eusebio’s wife Margarita and daughters, Ann Margaret and Rose Marie
