Presidential Proclamation No. 21-310 issued by President Surangel Whipps Jr., honors the passing of the late Uongruios Paulus Wong, highest-ranking chief of Ngiwal State, and orders all flags of the Republic of Palau to be flown at half-mast.
The late Uongruios Paulus Wong led an illustrious and well-respected life, passing away at age 74 on October 25, 2021.
Uongruios Paulus Wong “dedicated 30 years of his life to the education of generations of Palauans students”, having served as a teacher at Ngiwal Elementary School from 1968 to 1969 and Melekeok Elementary School from 1969 to 1979. For 28 years, from 1975 to 2003, he served as Construction Vocational Teacher at Palau High School.
He studied Architecture at Honolulu Community College and then at the College of Micronesia in Pohnpei, he earned his Associate of Science Degree. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Diversified Liberal Arts Studies in 1990 from the United States International University in San Diego, California.
According to the proclamation, in 1997, he was bestowed his traditional title of Ngiruios of Ngiwal which he held until 2001 when he assumed the title of Uongruios, the highest-ranking chief of Ngiwal State, and also became the member of the Palau Council of Chiefs.
He joined his predeceased parents, wife, and siblings in their eternal rest. He is survived by many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings.
The Presidential Proclamation expresses on the behalf of the people of Palau the deep sadness of the passing of its outstanding citizen and pays tribute to his long distinguished career and service to his community and the people of Palau. (By: L.N. Reklai)