By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — Hundreds of Palauans gathered at the Palau Cultural Center in Dededo, Guam, on Saturday, October 5, to celebrate Palau’s 30th Independence Day.
During the event, Guam’s Lt. Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio presented a special proclamation honoring the Palauan community in Guam as they celebrated their nation’s independence. Speaker of Guam’s 37th Legislature Therese Terlaje, accompanied by several senators, also presented a resolution congratulating Palau on three decades of independence.
The celebration, which began at 11 a.m., opened with an invocation, followed by a traditional chant and the singing of the Guam Hymn, the U.S. national anthem, and the Palauan national anthem. Lewis Ilek, president of the Palauan Community Association of Guam (PCAG), welcomed attendees with opening remarks.
The day’s program featured speeches from several key figures, including Minister Uherbelau representing President Surangel Whipps Jr., Vice President J. Uduch Sengebau Senior, Maderngebuked Tommy Remengesau representing the Rubekul Belau (Council of Chiefs), Senator Umiich Sengebau, and Delegate Gibson Kanai. Representatives from foreign governments, including the Consulate General of the Federated States of Micronesia, Japan’s General Consul, and the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Guam, also delivered remarks.
As part of the celebration, tents representing Palau’s 16 states offered food and cultural displays, while Palauan political candidates used the gathering to meet and engage with the diaspora ahead of the upcoming elections.
Dignitaries, including state governors, legislators, ministers, and ambassadors, flew in from Palau to join the festivities, which featured speeches, traditional dances, and live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the island nation’s milestone anniversary.