Jerick Sablan

jpsablan@guampdn.com

Eight legislative candidates answered questions in Chamorro during Inadaggao Lengguahen Chamoru, the Chamorro Language Forum, at the University of Guam Monday night.

Unlike other forums, which are conducted in English, this session "represents a chance to hear our candidates provide their opinions and ideas about the future of our island in the Chamorro language,” professor Michael Bevacqua said in a press release.

Representing the Republican side of the ballot were Sen. Mary Torres, an incumbent, as well as Wil Castro, Fernando Esteves and Eric Palacios. Incumbent Sens. Tom Ada, Rory Respicio and Dennis Rodriguez Jr. and candidate Joe San Agustin represented the Democratic side.

Some candidates are fluent in the language and answered the questions as they were given, while others used prepared answers. Questions were given to the candidates in advance.

Before the forum began, organizers reminded the audience that Guam has two official languages and it's important to use Chamorro as much as they can every day.

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Questions in the first round were light.

Torres was asked what Chamorro word was most meaningful for her, and she said “fanhasso” which means to think or imagine. She said she constantly thinks about how to make things better for the people of Guam.

Palacios said his favorite Chamorro story was Puntan Dos Amantes, or the story of Two Lovers Point. He said with a lot of bad things happening in the world, the story is a reminder of what it's like to love like the two young people in the story.

Esteves was asked whether he has a belen, or nativity scene, and if his family practices the traditional Christmas custom. He said they do every year at his mother’s house.

Castro was asked about his favorite kelaguen, and he said it was mahimahi, or botague in Chamorro.

San Agustin said although he enjoys many Chamorro songs, his favorite is the Guam hymn, Fanohge Chamorro.

Rodriguez said his favorite Chamorro food was eggplant in milk.

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Respicio was asked about his favorite governor. He said he respects every governor, but because Gov. Carl Gutierrez helped raise him in politics, he has deep respect for him.

Ada said in Chamorro culture, family is very important.

Then, the questions became more serious.

Ada was asked whether he supports the initiative to bring two million tourists to Guam by 2020. He said he does support it, but the island’s infrastructure needs to be able to support the visitors.

Respicio was asked what can be done to encourage people to speak Chamorro. He said he supports gatherings like the forum.

Rodriguez was asked whether the military build-up is good or bad for the island. He said there needs to be a balance to the plans before the military personnel come.

San Agustin was asked about his thoughts on traditional healers and whether they should have an official public place. He said he would find a place for them to gather and practice.

Castro was asked about the Chamorro Land Trust list for land, and he said he would help the administration continue its efforts to get lands out to people.

Esteves was asked how he would protect coconut trees from rhino beetles. He said he supports the use of tekken netting until a long-term solution is found.

Palacios was asked about political status, and he said he personally supports independence because it would help protect and continue the Chamorro language.

Torres was asked how to encourage the use of Chamorro in businesses and government. She said she tries to use it in the Legislature.