[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 150 (Tuesday, October 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HU KOMPLIMENTA I PLANUN HAGATNA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to commend the efforts of 
the many citizens on Guam who organized an effort to recognize the 
history and development of Guam's capitol city of Hagatna. This 
endeavor, properly named ``Project Hagatna,'' has been a tool to 
educate younger generations of Guam's historical past. The various 
activities produced by the team leading Project Hagatna has brought 
younger generations closer to their Chamorro heritage and has instilled 
in them the common values shared as native Pacific islanders.
  The birth of Project Hagatna resulted from ideas between two local 
men tossing around ideas of how to celebrate the Centennial 
Commemoration of Guam's relationship with the United States. 
Historically, Guam's capitol city has always been a center point for 
activities and social gatherings of occupying countries. Though the 
early Chamorros had been subjected to their rule, they still managed to 
retain the dignity and spirit of their capitol city. Hagatna remained 
one of the most populated areas on Guam and thus a focal point for 
passing on the traditions, stories and culture of the Chamorro people.
  Upon approval by Guam's Centennial Task Force, Project Hagatna's 
director, Mr. Peter Alexis Ada, set out to plan a grand celebration. 
Appropriately, Mr. Ada was born and raised in Hagatna and has seen the 
transformation of Guam's capitol throughout his life. His experiences 
and memories, especially in the aftermath of World War II, have made 
the celebration of Hagatna memorable and personable. Mr. Ada's 
recollections of his family and neighbor's everyday routines have 
helped to lay the groundwork for Project Hagatna's role in the 
centennial commemoration.
  In designing the various activities, it was decided that events 
hosted by Project Hagatna would rely on the generosity and graciousness 
of individuals and Guam's private sector to make it happen. This spirit 
of cooperation existed in Hagatna's history when families helped one 
another during times of hardship or celebration. Guam's present day 
contributors to the success of Project Hagatna include; Lam Lam Tours, 
Coca Cola, Foremost Foods, Mid-Pac Distributors, Ambros, Jones and 
Guerrero K-57, McDonalds, Exxon Guam, Computerland, Marianas 
Electronics, ARROTECH, SGO Glass and Gifts and the Church of Jesus 
Christ of Latter Day Saints. Without their assistance and kindness the 
events of Project Hagatna would have never happened.
  Project Hagatna incorporated a multi-faceted approach by sponsoring 
scores of events that built upon our cultural backgrounds and renewed 
our energy to learn our history. To inaugurate the creation of Project 
Hagatna, a ceremony was held which honored and included the remaining 
residents of Hagatna that remained in the capitol despite the pressures 
to move elsewhere by the post WWII reconstruction. Other celebrations 
include reliving the genre of music that existed in the 1930's and 
40's, the baking of bread in antique beehive ovens, commemorating the 
signing of Guam's Organic Act in 1950, tracing the genealogy of 
Chamorro families, tracing the genealogy of Chamorro families with 
Japanese surnames, and participating in Guam's Liberation Day Parade.
  I would like to commend the following individuals for their 
remarkable efforts in coordinating Project Hagatna: Lourdes C.N. Ada, 
Benigno-Joseph Umagat, John San Nicolas, Annabelle Perez, Jeffrey 
Edubalad, Teresita N. Taitano, Robert J. Umagat, John Garica, Donna 
Paulino, Lelani Farrales, Lourdes Alonso, Kennedy Jim, Mayleen San 
Nicolas, Jesusa M. Hayes, Clotilde R. Peredo, Patrick S. Leddy, and 
Peter Alexis Ada.
  My congratulations to the people of Guam on the success of Project 
Hagatna, may its work continue through the rest of this year and serve 
to remind us of our unique cultural place in the world and strengthen 
our heritage.

                          ____________________