THE outcome of last Saturday’s public rally/petition signing is exactly what I expected: “To Sign and Not to Be Seen” is what I concluded. I guess the feeling of apprehension about something totally “new” such as this—a feeling of anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger lingers in the public mind is a normal human behavior.
However, I would like to thank two individuals who came and stayed for the entire duration of the event. Ken Concepcion, formerly a DJ better known a “Lanchero” and a former student of mine at Hopwood Jr. High and who now works at MVA, for his untiring effort in advocating the mission, philosophy, goals and objectives of a future Chamorro Village and who then took his time to personally solicit more signatures at the nearby plant nursery fair. It is interesting to note that aside from the many favorable signatures, he encountered certain individuals who were somewhat dismayed about the rally, citing a replica of their own version of a cultural village, but somehow agreed to the overall issue by signing the petition. The other person is Ray Tenorio, owner and CEO of Enviro-Safe. He showed his full support and shared his concerns and vision of a future Chamorro Village. Like Ken, Ray is dedicated and determined to fulfilled the dream of this endeavor explaining to newcomers and signatures about the whole idea of such a village that is long overdue and that the government had “disecha” (neglected) for decades.
A certain individual who at one time did campaign for a similar vision back in 1996 and organized a group—Northern Marianas Chamorro Organization, Inc.—was somewhat dismayed about the whole issue and called it a “copycat version of the same matter.” This individual managed to secure all the necessary legal documents and even obtained a business license. But I never came across any public notice for a general membership meeting. Were their any accomplishments? The only thing I know is that it is listed as “defunct.” Why didn’t you continue your vision, your dream?
An interesting incident took place at the rally. A certain so-called elite person who tried to pull me aside, presented his concocted issue lecturing me about protocol and diplomatic approach to “bosbusi”—those higher ups in regards to this proposal. I reminded him that he is very new in the government arena and that this issue was decades ago before his coming. The difference between HE and I is that a cultural activist sees the aftermath instigated by a politician. Artists are visionary, idealistic and futuristic individuals who can see the outcome before it happens. Keep watching and make sure you read the comprehensive proposal/plan of action I compiled.
To Rep. Frank DLG. Aldan who recently introduced a bill to construct a Micronesian Cultural Village to be erected at American Memorial Park—while I support your intention I sincerely believe that the people would rather see their cultural village first and foremost. It is vital and pertinent to promote the recognition, understanding, and acceptance of other ethnic communities and their individual uniqueness, interdependence and cultural diversity in the CNMI— the 1995 Census indicated that at least 51 ethnicities could be found on island.
To everyone who believes in this cause, this is not a “precinct matter,” but a commonwealth-wide issue for the benefit of the CNMI indigenous—a minority group on their own island. This is just the beginning. There will be another rally.
In closing, I would like to thank Rep. Andrew Salas for the picnic tables, to my brother Elbert who provided ice water and refreshments, my sister Anicia Tomokane for the encouragement and support, my mother Luisa, auntie Epa and cousin Piding who all shared their concerns about our culture and those who provided support, food and drinks one way or another and to all the people who signed the petition.NOEL QUITUGUA
Chamorro Pro-Advocate
Koblerville, Saipan
