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!