An Interview with PIBBA International President-Elect Cheta Anien

1. What made you join PIBBA?

When I got my job as a Marshallese Language Arts Specialist, PIBBA started to grow in my mind bit by bit. I got involved with PIBBA for the very first time when I went to Kosrae for the 8th Annual PIBBA Conference way back in mid 1988. At this time, Dr. Robert Underwood was the keynote speaker and his speech was so inspiring it got me hooked, and I love my job to this day.


2. How long have you been a member of PIBBA?

I’ve been a member of PIBBA for 21 years, and I feel great for this wonderful opportunity!


3. Has PIBBA made an impact in the Pacific island entities?

I am not sure about the rest of the neighboring entities, but I want to share that RMI started to see the importance of preserving its own culture and language through the same vision and mission shared by PIBBA. To this day, the invigoration of the Marshallese culture and language has been done through many local festivities.


4. Why should others join PIBBA?

I think others should join PIBBA if they want to keep their cultures and languages alive and strong. We, the Pacific people, are seen as special and very unique people in the way we do things differently such as birthday celebrations, burial ceremonies, first born child, respect for the elderly, etc. We need to be together as strong PIBBA families to make PIBBA grow and grow for the sake of our future generations, and they will do likewise.

An Interview with PIBBA CNMI Head Delegation Frances Sablan

1. What made you join PIBBA?

I joined PIBBA initially because of our NMI local members. After participating in the PIBBA Conference in Kosrae in 1999 and experiencing the camaraderie of the PIBBA International members and officers, and the hosting entity, I remained a loyal member.

2. How long have you been a member of PIBBA?

I have been an active member of PIBBA since 1999.

3. Has PIBBA made an impact in the Pacific Island entities?

Yes, through the networking and sharing of best practices, etc.

4. Why should others join PIBBA?

Others should join PIBBA for the reasons I’ve stated in my earlier responses.

5. Are there any other thoughts you wish to share regarding PIBBA?

PIBBA is a very worthwhile organization that not only promotes our cultures and languages, but also friendship and camaraderie. I can now say that I am not just a daughter of the Marianas, but also of Micronesia and the Pacific in general.

Condolences for Past PIBBA President Dr. Rita Hocog Inos

The PIBBA family extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of our PIBBA friend and past president of PIBBA, Dr. Rita Hocog Inos. God Bless her and her family. May she rest in peace.




Dr. Rita Hocog Inos



Funeral Services:
Memorial Service for Saipan: Saturday 7:30am, followed by Memorial Mass at 11:00am.
Between 7:30am & 10:30 last respects and viewing & series of tributes & resolution presentions and 10:30am Eulogy , acknowledgment & Mass.

Remains will be transported to Rota Sat. afternoon at 2:30pm. Tues. morning at 7:30am viewing and last respects at San Francisco de Borja Church. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Burial follows immediately at San Jose Cemetary, Rota.

Contact person: Angel S. Hocog, email: angelshocog@yahoo.com, Tel. 483-4164, P.O Bx 5870 CHRB, Saipan, MP 96950, Mwaar Mwaar Ave, Dandan, Saipan

Condolences for PIBBA Family Member Masa-Aki Emesiochl

The PIBBA family extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to Masa-Aki Emesiochl and his family on the passing away of their beloved father. We will keep them in our prayers. God bless you all.

An Interview with PIBBA International Historian Dr. Jose Q. Cruz

1. What made you join PIBBA?

I joined PIBBA because of my commitment to expanding my knowledge of the languages and culture of Guam, the Marianas, and Micronesia. PIBBA’s annual conference has not only included reading and discussion knowledge of the language and culture of the region, but has immersed us into each other’s languages and cultures, as we interact in the islands per se.

2. How long have you been a member of PIBBA?

I have been a member of PIBBA since 1989.

3. Has PIBBA made an impact in the Pacific Island entities?

I believe it has made an impact first by the PIBBA song and subsequently the personal knowledge of persons in the region who share the same concern of bilingualism and biculturalism. It has not been spectacular but the evidence of continuing to exist outside of direct grants to most of our entities is extraordinary. Incorporating PIBBA into greater consciousness and policy directives is an uphill battle. Globalization has added to the dimension of our existence if not confirm the need for greater consciousness of our Pacific existence in a global if not macro-world.

4. Why should others join PIBBA?

Others should join PIBBA for what one can give or add to the “Family of PIBBA!”  During this 2009 PIBBA Conference I not only became more aware of the power of peoples when joining together for a task, but also my own personal learning about my CHamorru language and culture. A discussion of this from one’s language and culture may need to be opened up altogether!