Presidential Proclamation 20-283 honoring the late Ngarchelong State Speaker Tadao Ngotel was issued yesterday and flags were ordered to fly half-mast within the Republic and all its consulates in his honor.
President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. expressed appreciation on behalf of the Republic of Palau to the late Tadao Ngotel for his contribution to his country.
The proclamation states Mr. Tadao Ngotel was a “well-known national figure, widely known for his humor, compassion, and generosity.”
Amongst his many and varied accomplishments, the proclamation stated that Mr. Ngotel attended Japanese school for Palauans in Ngaraard, then Ngarchelong and then in Koror in his early years.
In 1951 he gained a high school diploma from Pacific Island Central School in Chuck and in 1953 received Certificate of Graduation from Intermediate School in Palau.
His career began right after high school as Vice Principal at Ngarchelong Elementary School in 1953 to 1954. From 1955 to 1971 he worked for United States Weather Bureau and from 1971 to 1976 he served as Palau Representative and Adjudicator for Micronesian War Claims program.
In 1973 Mr. Ngotel began his long and distinguished career in public service as member of Palau District Legislature until 1978.
He became Vice President of the Ngarchelong State Constitutional Convention in 1982 and served as one of the first members of the Ngarchelong State Assembly. He is the longest-serving politician in the history of Palau having served as member of Ngarchelong State Assembly for 26 years and of that 26 years, he served 22 years as a Speaker.
He served as Advisor to the President of the Republic of Palau on State and local matters from 2016 until passing.
In addition to his political career, Mr. Tadao Ngotel was an active participant in many aspects of the community. He was an avid education and health advocate.
In 2004 he established Tadao Ngotel Scholarship, a $500 annual grant to the top graduating senior from Ngarchelong State.
As a strong advocate for physical fitness, he demonstrated his prowess during the South Pacific Mini-Games in Palau when he was awarded the Walkathon Gold Medal at 74-years-old.
He was also active leader and contributor in the traditional leadership of his clan and community. In 2005, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to his clan, the late Tadao Ngotel was bestowed the traditional title Rdechelsong ra Ngerwisong, the second chief of Ngeiungel Hamlet, Ngarchelong State, a role in which he served with honor and integrity until his passing.
The late Tadao Ngotel was surrounded by loved ones when he was called to his eternal rest on April 24, 2020, at his home in Koror State, five days shy of his 90th birthday.
He is survived by his wife Kyoko Higa Ngotel, sister Reiko Sisang; children Brihinia Masubed, Josephine Ewatel, Lorenzo Ngiramolau, Dorothy Ueda, Merley Kuartei, Sicely Tadao, Eunice Tadao, Tehuze Tadao, and Kenyu Tadao.
Remengesau in his proclamation expressed, “the people of the Republic of Palau express deep sadness on the passing of this remarkable man, and further pay tribute to his long and distinguished service to his family, clan, community, and the people of the Republic of Palau.”