Previous Story
Tagabuel is Carolinian Affairs Office chief
From left to right: John Tagabuel’s wife Michelle, John Tagabuel, Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, and his wife Diann T. Torres during Tagabuel’s swearing in as Carolinian Affairs Office chief last Thursday at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan. (Jayson Camacho)
Supporters, family members, and the Carolinian community of Saipan attended the swearing in of John Tagabuel as executive director for Carolinian Affairs Office at the Carolinian Utt last Thursday evening.
Tagabuel became the official executive director for CAO after Gov. Eloy S. Inos swore him into office. Joining Inos was Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and his wife Diann T. Torres. Tagabuel was escorted by his wife Michelle.
In his remarks, Tagabuel said he will work “with our Carolinian elders and traditional chiefs in enhancing and continuing the preservation of our Carolinian language, for it is known that language is the umbilical cord of our arts and culture.”
“We, the Refalawaasch, are very proud people of our cultural heritage. Our unique heritage is valued through our language, customs, and traditions that we continue to embrace in our daily lives,” he added.
Tagabuel said he would continue with the present CAO programs and introduce newer programs that will benefit and improve Carolinian people’s lives.
“Social networking will be implemented. This office will be organized and prepared in connecting people with needs such as employment, assistance, welfare benefits, and educational programs. I will also be looking into bringing back after-school programs, so our children can come and continue to learn about our way of life,” he said.
Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan) congratulated Tagabuel on his appointment and challenged his fellow lawmakers and the Inos administration to support CAO and the Indigenous Affairs Office on Saipan.
Inos promised to support the CAO. “It is about time that help be provided to the CAO. I will offer my help and always know that we will always do our best and bring our Carolinian brothers and sisters together,” Inos said.
Tourists and community members later joined in a small dinner with live entertainment.
From left to right: John Tagabuel’s wife Michelle, John Tagabuel, Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, and his wife Diann T. Torres during Tagabuel’s swearing in as Carolinian Affairs Office chief last Thursday at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan.
