THE “Hafa Adai and Tirow Pledge” was launched Friday with a special ceremony in the governor’s conference room on Capital Hill.
Among those joining Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios for the ceremony were Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, officials of the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Tan Holdings Corporation, J.C. Tenorio Enterprises, Inc., Triple J Saipan, Inc., Naked Bar & Grill, and 500 Sails.
The pledge is rooted in the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian cultures, and encompasses the call to bring the public sector, private sector, and individuals together, through the common mentality of “Tafan Unu Ha’” or “Sibwe Tipeyeew.”
Taking the pledge means committing to preserve and promote the indigenous languages, culture, and traditions.
It involves taking efforts each day to make a difference in the survival of these cultures in some way, including taking continuous steps to “go local, look local, and think local.”
Moreover, taking the pledge not only recognizes the identity of the indigenous peoples of the Marianas, but also serves as a commitment to utilize the indigenous customs, traditions, and values in order to maintain and improve the Marianas way of life.
Practitioners of the pledge are also committed to sharing the island pride with their customers, affiliates, colleagues, friends, neighbors, and visitors.
Furthermore, they encourage others to embrace and live the “Hafa Adai and Tirow Spirit” that unites the local community.
As supporters of the pledge, practitioners commit to promoting and perpetuating the indigenous cultures through language, art, traditions, history, and values.
This includes using the salutations “Hafa Adai,” “Tirow,” “Si Yu’us Ma’ase” and/or “Olomwaay,” as well as including Chamorro and Carolinian languages on signage and advertisements.
It also includes incorporating traditional Chamorro or Carolinian images and local artwork throughout public, private, and online spaces; playing Chamorro or Carolinian music in public areas and for telephone on-hold music; using indigenous symbols in designs, décor, or uniforms; and using traditional Chamorro or Carolinian performers to provide entertainment at events, including at dinner shows.
Furthermore, it includes designating Tuesdays as “Hafa Adai Tuesday” and Fridays as “Tirow Fridays,” and have all staff wear island wear to work on these days, as well as serving Chamorro and/or Carolinian snacks or food to employees, guests, or customers.
Additionally, it includes learning and/or educating family members, employees, or associates on the historical sites around the Commonwealth; organizing or participating in tours or hikes to historical and cultural sites; and knowing and sharing aspects of Marianas history and the present that make the Marianas unique.
The pledge is a commitment to encourage, organize, or participate in activities that generate goodwill and cooperation in the community; choosing language and actions that encourage goodwill, unity, and reconciliation; treating the islands’ land, sea, and sky with respect and stewardship; and organizing or participating in roadside or beach cleanups, as well as reducing, reusing, and recycling items.
Moving forward, practitioners will enlist the help of various entities with the pledge, including the Historic Preservation Office, the Carolinian Affairs Office, and the Indigenous Affairs Office.
“This is just the beginning. You will be hearing more about the program and how rich it can evolve into,” said Joe Guerrero, co-owner of Naked Fish Bar & Grill and president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.
He added, “These are just a select sample of some companies and organizations that are willing to take the pledge today, but going forward, we hope to get hundreds and hundreds of businesses and organizations and schools to pledge in their own way.”
Governor Torres, for his part, said, “For me, this is more meaningful than just a pledge… This is what we sell.”
The governor drew from his personal experience growing up in a Chamorro household as well as raising six kids in a Chamorro household, noting that it becomes harder with every generation to practice the indigenous language and culture.
Lt. Governor Palacios also drew from his personal experience growing up.
He said that at the time, some tourists would ask why there were Polynesian dances instead of indigenous dances, and why products advertised as being local products were made outside of the NMI.
“When you go to Polynesia, you want to see the Polynesian culture. When you go to Saipan, you want to see Carolinian and Chamorro cultures…. Our culture is part of that foundation, so to speak, of why people come to the CNMI. There has to be a unique takeaway when people leave here,” he said.
Mayor Apatang said he’s “glad that we’re doing this because we would like to welcome our visitors to what are unique here in the Marianas. We have beautiful islands, beautiful people, we work together, and we love each other.”
Speaker Villagomez said, “We are trying to promote our tourism again, but at the same time, this is also promoting our culture, not only to our visitors, but [also] to teach our children about our culture and how to speak the language.”
He added, “I think this will really help not only familiarize our visitors and all those in our community about our culture, but also help with the effort to teach our children and the next generation.”
MVA Managing Director Priscilla Iakopo, in her closing remarks, congratulated all those who took the pledge.
“You guys are the first to take this pledge and we hope that many more of our businesses, our public, and individuals take part of this pledge as well.”
The pledge is extended to the entire Northern Marianas, including Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands.
“This is a promise to ourselves, to our children, and to our children’s children. With that, I would like to invite everyone to promote and to be committed to this program… Let’s be proud of our traditions, history, values, languages, and arts,” she said.
