[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 88 (Monday, June 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PEDRO IRIARTE BORJA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2014

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Pedro Iriarte Borja, the former mayor of the municipality of Chalan 
Pago-Ordot in Guam. Mayor Borja passed away on May 30, 2014 at the age 
of 85.
  Pedro Iriarte Borja was born on July 1, 1928 to Francisco Borja Borja 
and Ana Benavente Iriarte Borja. Affectionately known as ``Pete,'' he 
married Maria Crisostomo Arceo, his wife of 62 years, on July 7, 1951 
and together they had seven children.
  Pedro Borja was elected mayor of Chalan Pago-Ordot in November of 
2004 and served from 2005 to 2009. During his term, Mayor Borja made 
significant improvements in the community. He oversaw the restoration 
of the Jose Atoigue Park and erected monuments to honor fallen 
servicemembers from Chalan Pago-Ordot.
  Prior to his term as mayor, Pete Borja attended the Territorial 
College of Guam, which subsequently became the University of Guam, 
where he served as Student Body President. He then joined the United 
States Navy and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged 
in 1956, and subsequently returned to Guam.
  After his service in the Navy, Pete worked at the Navy Public Works 
Center (PWC), Ship Repair Facility (SRF), U.S. Post Office, and the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In 1967, he 
joined the Military Sealift Merchant Marines. He retired as a civil 
servant after 30 years.
  Following his civil service, Mayor Borja remained an active member of 
our community. He was instrumental to developing and supporting 
activities for senior citizens of Ordot. His advocacy was key to 
developing the Ordot Community Advancement Association (OCAA) Bingo 
operations, which helped to raise funds for the San Juan Bautista 
Catholic Church. He was also the Director of Tita's Day Care, his 
wife's daycare business.
  Mayor Borja served as the President of the Korean War Veterans 
Association and was recognized as Veteran of the Year in 2011. He was 
also an active member of the Guam Caregiver's Association and served as 
the organization's treasurer.
  Mayor Borja was a dedicated public servant and leader who worked to 
help others in our community. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and 
I join the people of Guam in mourning a great veteran and public 
servant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. 
Though he will be missed, his legacy will live on in the memories of 
the people of Guam.

                          ____________________