A SHINTO shrine in Kagman was “discovered” 15 years ago, but it had been known for half a century to 69-year-old Francisco “Kumoi” Deleon Guerrero, who received yesterday a certificate of recognition for his major contribution in preserving a Northern Marianas historical site.
The older brother of Sen. Ramon S. Guerrero, American Reform-Saipan, Deleon Guerrero said he had been taking care of the Japanese shrine, which is adjacent to his property, since 1951, long before the public knew it existed.
The historical site is called “Hachiman Jinja” or Tea Shrine, and it was built by a Japanese couple during the Japanese administration of the Northern Marianas.
“I do my best to preserve it. I always knew that it’s something of value to our culture,” Guerrero said in an interview.
Guerrero’s daughter, Josephine, said the Japanese shrine used to be her favorite place as a young girl.
“I’ve known it since I was eight. We’d always go there because it’s very near our house,” she said.
Her father said he was honored by the recognition given to him by the Historic Preservation Office.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta handed the certificate of recognition to Deleon Guerrero during yesterday’s Historic Preservation Week proclamation signing.
Babauta designated May 26 to June 1 as the CNMI’s Historic Preservation Week.
“I urge all residents to recognize this week with contributions to the islands’ understanding of our history and culture,” Babauta said.
He said CNMI “possesses a wealth of historic, archeological and cultural resources documenting the islands’ long and interesting history.”
He added, “The development of the commonwealth’s historic resources is important to the economic development, education and sense of cultural identity of the people.”
During the ceremony, Babauta also acknowledged the newly appointed HPO executive director, Epiphanio E. Cabrera Jr.
HPO officials led by Cabrera gave out certificates of appreciation to former HPO historian Scott Russel, and former executive director and now Rep. Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan.
Three high school students who won HPO’s essay writing contest were given awards during the ceremony. They were Li Yingluan, 1st place, Marianas Baptist Academy; Didiich Temarsel, 2nd place, MBA; and Maylynn Babauta, 3rd place, Marianas High School.
