‘Chamolinian Village in desperate need of money’

The Chamolinian Village, a cultural village located in the heart of the Garapan area, is in danger of closing down in April if it doesn’t get the funding needed to continue operating.

According to Indigenous Affairs Office executive director Gonzalo Q. Santos, the cultural village, which is being run with private firm Pacific Development, Inc., is in “desperate need” of financial help from the Legislature and the local government.

During his confirmation hearing last week, Santos said that PDI has been helping them financially but, unless the government steps in, the program would come to an end by April this year.

PDI has been involved with the Chamolinian Village for several years now.

“Senators, your help is needed. Let’s work for one common goal, for our indigenous people,” Santos said.

He said that supporting the indigenous people would help revive the local culture and traditions. He described the program as one of great importance, so that “our children will be proud of their rich cultures and cherished traditions.”

He also underscored the program’s role in restoring the indigenous people’s confidence in the local government. The rejuvenation of their faith in government, he said, can be done by giving them a part in developing the government.

“Señores, there is no denying that our citizens have lost their faith in their government,” he said.

By involving them in the local decision-making process, this would maximize the indigenous people’s participation in the government, allowing them to participate in high-level meetings, he added.

Santos also said the creation of a community foundation for the advancement of the indigenous people needs to be addressed, together with a long range plan that should be developed and established to assist and promote the entry of indigenous people into professional and technical institutions of higher learning.

The executive director also recommended combining similar programs of the Language Commission, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Carolinian Affairs, Arts Council, Historic Preservation Office, Aging Office, and the NMI Museum of History and Culture with that of the Indigenous Affairs Office.

He said this would “bring everyone under one umbrella for effective programs coordination, minimizing costs rather than separately trying to outshine one another.”

The director said his office has been working very hard to save the Chamolinian Village by seeking grants.