Two-day bilingual confab kicks off today on Tinian

The 30th International Pacific Islands Bilingual/Bicultural Association Conference is scheduled to officially begin today at the Kammer Beach Main Pavilion on Tinian.

PIBBA chair Diana Borja said the conference, which will run until Thursday, will begin with a short traditional ceremony at the nearby Taga House.

“We will then proceed to the main pavilion for the conference proper,” Borja said in a phone interview.

Some 200 individuals who have confirmed participation via email are expected to register for the three-day conference. Registration fee is $50 for adults and $5 for students. These participants, Borja said, will be flying in from Saipan, Rota, Guam, Marshall Islands, and Pohnpei.

The theme for the conference is “The Challenges of Economic Realities in the Pacific: Fuetsan I Lingguahi Yan Kuttura.”

Formally organized on January 1980, PIBBA aims to advocate for the promotion of bilingual education and to promote unity among the Pacific Islands in matters relating to bilingualism. It seeks to serve as a forum for the Pacific community to share research findings, data, and strategies in teaching indigenous languages in the classroom.

Last May 25, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos proclaimed the month of June as PIBBA Month.

“This will be the first ever PIBBA conference to be held on Tinian in 30 years,” Borja told Saipan Tribune.

Borja said the conference will help the younger generation learn more about their language and culture.

According to Borja, most of the younger members of the community can understand but cannot communicate using their native tongue.

“There are a lot of our kids who are picking up on other cultures. A lot of local customs are disappearing. What’s the point of being a Chamorro or Carolinian? It should not be that way. It’s so sad, really,” she said.

Borja said Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz will deliver today his opening remarks followed by the reading by a Tinian resident attending classes at the University of Guam of the Senate resolution honoring PIBBA.

Dr. Johnny Salas of the University of Guam will serve as the keynote speaker.

Borja said Tuesday’s opening will also feature breakout sessions in the afternoon. The next day will be highlighted by presentations and a panel discussion from panelists in various fields, including the Public School System Heritage Program, the dictionary revision and the herbal medicine making projects.

On Thursday, the last day of the conference, Borja said there will be a review of the key points during the first and second day of the conference, followed by a meeting wherein they will decide and hand over the key to the next venue for the conference.