PIBBA Conference a Success!

The 30th Annual International Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference held in the beautiful Pacific island of Tinian was a success! The conference theme, “Economic Challenges for the Pacific Islands: Fuetsan I Lingguahi Yan Kuttura (Economic Potentials of Languages and Cultures” was highlighted in each of the conference days from June 21-23, 2011. Each day featured the gathering of everyone singing the PIBBA song, which includes all the languages of the region, such as the following chorus: “Iokwe, Raan Annim, Kaselehlia, Alii, Aloha, Olomwaay, Hafa Dei, Tuwoh, Mogethin, Talofa.”

Among the entities that attended the conference this year are Pohnpei, CNMI, Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Hawaii. The mission of PIBBA is to bring these entities together to promote cultural and language activities by disseminating information, involving communities, and encouraging quality education programs through the western Pacific.

A pre-conference reception was held at Taga Beach. The fellowship shared during the gathering allowed PIBBA family members to reconnect on various topics and events affecting the Pacific islands and memories shared over the years.

The first day of the PIBBA Conference began with a continental breakfast/registration at the Kammer Beach Pavillion. The opening ceremony included posting of colors by the Tinian High School ROTC, lighting of the torch by Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz, the CNMI and U.S. National Anthems sung by Chloe Hofschneider, Invocation by Fr. Isidoro Ogumuro, Opening Remarks by PIBBA International President Cheta Anien, Welcoming Remarks by Mayor Dela Cruz, Lt. Governor Inos, and keynote speech by Dr. John C. Salas. Afternoon workshops, presentations, and demonstrations took place at Tinian High School, followed by a historical tour of the island. A dinner reception was emceed by Glen Manglona and hosted by the 13th Municipal Council at Tachogna Beach. During the gathering, a remembrance candle lighting ceremony was held, welcoming remarks were said by Chairman Patrick Manglona, and cultural presentations were performed by Tinian and Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The second day of the conference began with a continental breakfast at Tinian High School, general assembly, announcements, and a panel discussion on Indigenous Programs in the Schools and Other Areas that was facilitated by Glen Manglona and Jesus Elamento. Among the panel topics were the CNMI Dictionary Revision project by Dr. Rechebei, Tita Hocog, and Manny Borja; Frances Sablan, CNMI; Chief Hurao School by Ann Marie Arceo; Pohnpei Education Department by Linter Kiheng and Mayson Fredrick; PSS Heritage Program by Jackie Quitugua & PSS Board of Education; Indigenous Affairs by Ana Teregeyo from the Office of the Governor; Amut Yan Kutturan Natibu by Manny Borja & Lino Olopai; University of Guam by Rosa Salas Palomo; and RMI Department of Education by PIBBA International President Cheta Anien. Afternoon workshops, presentations, and demonstrations followed the panel discussion. The Taga House Pa’ot Ceremony also took place, followed by the Parade of Cultures at Natibu Park. The day ended with a dinner reception hosted by the Tinian Legislative Delegation, Welcoming Remarks by Senator Jude Hofschneider, and cultural presentations by Pohnpei and Tinian.

The final day began with a continental breakfast at Tinian High School, general sessions, and announcements. This was followed by workshops, presentations, and demonstrations. A silent auction of cultural items, arts, and crafts also took place. Thereafter, the PIBBA International Business Meeting was held, along with a special recognition for the Indigenous Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year for each of the entities, and an election of new PIBBA officers at the Tinian High School cafeteria. This was followed by an island tour and a grand finale dinner reception at Tachogna Beach hosted by Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz. The reception included cultural presentations by Guam and Tinian, gift giving, closing remarks by incoming PIBBA President Shelten G. Neth, and a special Pues Adios Esta Ki activity.

Deep gratitude goes out to all PIBBA Conference steering committee members, and all the entities that joined us to make the 30th Annual PIBBA Conference a memorable event that will always be remembered! Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu’os Ma’ase’! Kalahngan! Kommol tata! Kinissow! Mesulang! Kammagar!

30TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL PIBBA CONFERENCE SNAPSHOTS

PIBBA participants enjoy the conference. Pictured L-R: Ed Temengil, History teacher for Tinian High School; Joseph Villazon, Director for Pohnpei Department of Education; and Shrue Villazon, Teacher for Ohmine Elementary School.

PIBBA participants complete their coconut-leaf weaving of the katupat. 1st picture L-R: Alma Kisa, CCLHS Teacher; and Jack Sablan, Vice Principal of Koblerville Elementary School. 2^nd picture L-R: Melen Ruiz, Guam Delegation; and Rizalina Purugganan, Principal of Koblerville Elementary School.

Jose San Nicolas demonstrates how to weave a katupat during his arts and crafts coconut weaving presentation.

Ann Marie and Ray Arceo pose during their presentation, Eskuelan Chief Hurao, Guam. The presentation was sponsored by the CNMI Council for the Humanities.

Tinian Elementary School students perform during the PIBBA Conference dinner reception.

2011 PIBBA Tinian Steering Committee members pose for the camera. Pictured L-R: Victor Linan; Arsene Borja; Diane Borja, PIBBA Chairperson; Florine Hofschneider; Bernie San Nicolas; and Vida Borja.

PIBBA Conference volunteers pose for the camera. Pictured L-R: Antonio Borja and Vida Borja.

Panel discussion gets underway at the Tinian High School Cafeteria. Pictured L-R: Dr. Liz Rechebei, Tita Hocog, Lino Olopai, Manny Borja, and Frances Sablan.

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (left), PIBBA presenter; and Maria Castro, Tinian Public Library, pose after Dr. Rivera’s digital storytelling workshop, which was sponsored by the CNMI Council for the Humanities and IRA.

Merced Ada (left), Program Coordinator for the CNMI Council for the Humanities pose with Eric San Nicolas, PIBBA International Steering Committee member; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA presenter and PIBBA International Webmaster. Dr. Rivera’s workshop titled, Digital Storytelling: A Model Program to Build Cultural Diversity and Content Knowledge, was sponsored by the CNMI Council for the Humanities.

Pohnpei delegation performs their cultural Thanksgiving ritual.

PIBBA participants of the digital storytelling workshop #1 pose after they created their very own personal narrative digital story. Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (standing in center) conducted the workshop titled, Digital Storytelling: A Model Program to Build Cultural Diversity and Content Knowledge.

PIBBA participants of the digital storytelling workshop #2 pose after they created their very own personal narrative digital story. Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (sitting second from the left) conducted the workshop titled, Digital Storytelling: A Model Program to Build Cultural Diversity and Content Knowledge.

Familian Salas Doctors: Dr. John Salas (center), PIBBA keynote speaker, pose with his sisters, Dr. Arlene C.S. Diaz and Dr. Marilyn Salas-Walter.


Guam Delegation members are all smiles at the 30^th Annual International PIBBA Conference in Tinian.

Pohnpei Delegation members stand proudly at the 30^th Annual International PIBBA Conference in Tinian.

Dr. Jose Q. Cruz conducts his presentation titled, “Scaffolding Student Success Using SAT10 Results.”

Dr. Greg Tainatongo conducts his presentation titled, “The Concept of Ika and Chenchuli: Inafa’maolek.”

Guam delegation members march during the PIBBA Parade of Cultures.

Pohnpei delegation members hold their flag proudly during the PIBBA Parade of Cultures.

Outgoing PIBBA International President, Cheta Anien (left), passes the PIBBA key to Joseph Villazon, Director of Pohnpei Department of Education. Pohnpei will be hosting the 31st PIBBA Annual International Conference under the leadership of incoming PIBBA International President Shelten G. Neth.

PIBBA International Officers pose after the organization’s election. Pictured L-R: Cheta Anien, Immediate Past President; Rosa Salas Palomo, Treasurer; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster; Shelten Neth, President; Frances Sablan, Secretary, and Dr. Jose Cruz, Historian. Not pictured is Peter Onedera, President-Elect.

The conference theme and logo, which was made using natural materials and designed by Arsene Borja, stands vibrantly during the PIBBA Opening Ceremony.

30th PIBBA Conference

30th Annual International PIBBA Conference .

ECONOMIC CHALLENGES FOR THE PACIFIC ISLANDS: FUETSAN I LINGGUAHI YAN KUTTURA

. (ECONOMIC POTENTIALS OF LANGUAGES AND CULTURES)

Tuesday-Thursday, June 21-23, 2011


TINIAN

Sponsored by: Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) International and CNMI Chapter


The PIBBA Conference is an annual event in which Western Pacific educators are provided with opportunities for professional growth and cultural enrichment. This year's conference offers a wonderful selection of traditional, innovative, and practical workshops, presented by creative and imaginative educators and cultural leaders from the Pacific islands.

PIBBA Conference Chairs:



Frances Sablan, Secretary, PIBBA International



Diane Hocog Borja, PIBBA CNMI Chapter


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.... For information, e-mail Frances at francessablan@gmail.com, Diane at dhborja@yahoo.com, or pibba.international@gmail.com
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. Download Registration Form

Downlaod Presentation Form

Download Exhibit Form

Download Indigenous Teacher of the Year Packet

Download Pioneer of the Year Packet

Hotel Accomodations, Commuter Airlines, Car Rentals, and other specials

Avis Car Rental Special

Click on the image above to view the PIBBA Conference
invitation letter from the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan

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. We are pleased to announce that PIBBA Conference participants will be given a special discount of 10% off the lowest fares. However, travel period for this offer is June 14-July 2, 2011. When making the reservation, simply mention the reservation code *GC1110*. Click here to view details of the special Continental Airlines discount.


SNAPSHOTS FROM THE 29TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL PIBBA CONFERENCE HELD IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS



PIBBA Officers and Members get ready for the PIBBA International Meeting on June 25, 2010. L-R: Rosa Salas Palomo, PIBBA International President; Kanchi Hosia, Assistant Secretary for RMI Elementary Education; Cheta Anien, PIBBA President-Elect, and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA Webmaster. PIBBA Officers and Members for 2010-2011 will steer the next PIBBA Confe under the leadership of Senator Kathesolei. .

PIBBA participants from Guam, CNMI, and Pohnpei are ready to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference at the RMI International Conference Center on June 22, 2010. Pictured front row L-R: Shelten G. Neth, PIBBA Immediate Past-President; Frances Sablan, PIBBA Secretary; Julia Shore, GDOE Chamoro Teacher; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA Webmaster and GDOE ESL Coordinator/Teacher; and Jacqueline Hazen, IREI. Back row: Nelsin Iriarte, PDOE Language Arts Specialist; Koshy Reuney, GDOE ESL Coordinator; Dr. Arlene S. Diaz, GDOE, SPC-ESL; and Marie Salas, GDOE ESL Coordinator.

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The Palau Delegation actively participates in the 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference. Pictured front row left to right: Dario Harris, Julita Debngek, Elin Rebluud, Senator Kathy Kesolei, Vivian Schmull, and Jerome Megreos. Second Row L-R: Tem N. Meriang, Kerungil Tellei, and Johnson Joshua. Third Row L-R: Selina Ramon, and Lucia Tabelual. .PIBBA recipients for the Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year were awarded on June 24, 2010. Pictured L-R: Frances Sablan, PIBBA International Secretary; Rosa Salas Palomo, PIBBA International President; Antonia Salas, Guam Teacher of the Year; Cheta Anien, PIBBA International President-Elect; Marlyn Ernist, Chuuk Teacher of the Year; Zander Refilong, Guam Pioneer of the Year; Saped Santos, Pohnpei Pioneer of the Year; Alfred Capelle, Republic of the Marshall Islands Pioneer of the Year; and Shelten Neth, PIBBA International Immediate Past President. Not pictured are Ema Melander, Kosrae Teacher of the Year and Standon Andrew, Kosrae Pioneer of the Year.ed with the prestigious PIBBA Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year awards. We encourage fellow educators in the community! A PIBBA participants show off the coconut-weaving artifacts they made, as part of the presentation titled, Using Coconut Weaving in Guam Classrooms to Improve the Language Arts and Mathematics Skills of Local Students presented by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Kos Reuney, ESL Coordinators from the Guam Department of Education. .

PIBBA presenters prepare themselves for their scheduled presentations. Pictured L-R: Dr. Greg Tainatongo, Retired GDOE Administrator & Teacher; Kos Reuney, GDOE ESL Coordinator; Dr. Sharon Nelson-Barber, PREL Chief Excecutive Officer; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA Webmaster & GDOE ESL Coordinator/Teacher; and Julia Shore, GDOE Chamorro Teacher. . . .. .

. The Majuro Atoll Local Government Choir perform during the PIBBA Conference Opening Ceremony held June 22, 2010 at the RMI International Convention Center. .

Marshall Islands Choir and Special Education Students perform during the PIBBA Conference Opening Ceremony held June 22, 2010 at the RMI International Convention Center. . The students were instrumenal in providing cultural entertainment that provided much ight on their culture and and of which allowed us to g appreciation of cultural diversity..

Pohnpei presenters pose during their Values Behind Proverbs workshop. Pictured L-R: Maria Donre, Social Studies Specialist; Nelsin Iriarte, Language Arts Specialist; and Rickson Higgins, Library, Museum, and Archives Curator.

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Jaqueline Hazen from the Island Research and Education Initiative (IREI) introduced several sets of bilingual books developed in collaboration with local educators and linguists in the four states of FSM. Pictured L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA Webmaster & GDOE ESL Coordinator/Teacher; Nelsin Iriarte, PDOE Language Arts Specialist; Hazen; and Kos Reuney, GDOE ESL Coordinator. . . . .

. . Iolani Meleijon from Leipajid Handicraft Shop was one of many vendors who sold various indigenous arts and crafts from the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

PIBBA Tinian Steering Committee Hard At Work

Pictured Above: The PIBBA Tinian Steering Committee prepare for the annual PIBBA Conference to be held June 21-23, 2011.

The 2011 PIBBA Tinian Steering Committee have worked diligently to prepare for the 30th Annual International PIBBA Conference. This year's PIBBA Conference, which will be held at the Tinian High School will offer a wonderful selection of traditional, innovative, and practical workshops, presented by creative and imaginative educators and cultural leaders from the Pacific islands.

Congratulations, PIBBA Newlyweds!

Pictured above: PIBBA Newlyweds, Drs. Salas and Walter, pose at the UOG Spring 2011 Commencement.

The PIBBA Familia wishes to congratulate Dr. Marilyn Camacho Salas, PIBBA International Historian and PIBBA Guam Chapter President, and Dr. Ansito Walter, UOG SBPA Professor, on their marriage! We wish you happiness and joy for years to come!