Kloulechad and Carabit work with Palau Historic Preservation Office (PHPO) and have spent much of their time doing research, conducting field work, and recording and documenting Palau’s historical sites – inclusive of sites significantly influenced by Spanish colonialism.
According to Kloulechad, the Spanish presence in Palau is evident in the artifacts and changes in architectural alterations, and social practices – including words that have been adopted and are presently used. “We are grateful to have been invited to present at the Spanish heritage Conference on Guam,” Kloulechad said. “It was an opportunity for us to share our work with renowned historians and archivist and at the same time learn of new methods, strategies, and applications that serve to enhance our work.”Carabit, PHPO Public Education Officer, further added that she and Kloulechad were also able to attend and participate in the many of the conference workshops.“We established contacts with key people,” she said. “These are people whom we are likely to call upon for direct assistance or for professional advise.”Kloulechad and Carabit presentation at the conference focused primarily on the status of Palau’s Spanish Heritage Resources.“Basically we presented all of our work that pertains to the Spanish presence in Palau during the era of colonialism,” Kloulechad said. “Our presentation also entailed how the evidence of the Spanish presence in Palau was found, identified, and catalogued; and the process taken to ensure that these evidence are preserved.”In addition, Carabit said that both she and Kloulechad are grateful to have been part of a wonderful and essential conference. Further, they are appreciative for the courtesy and cordial invitation from the Historic Inalahan Foundation, Guam.“It was a wonderful experience,” Carabit said. “I thank all of the people who made our brief stay on Guam a historic event.”PHPO has documented many historical sites in Palau – many of which are now registered. PHPO continues to look for other historical sites in Palau.
