[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3914-H3915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF MANUEL ``MANNY'' DUENAS

  (Mr. Moylan of Guam was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Manuel, best known as Manny, Duenas, a beloved son of Guam and one of 
the strongest voices our island has ever had for its fishing community.
  For decades, Manny was more than the president of the Guam 
Fishermen's Cooperative. To many, he was the face of the Hagatna Boat 
Basin and the heart of Guam's fishing industry.
  Whether greeting fishermen before sunrise, helping them load the 
day's catch, or advocating at public meetings, Manny dedicated his life 
to protecting a way of live that has sustained our islands for 
generations.
  He understood that fishing on Guam was about far more than commerce. 
It was culture. It was family. It was tradition. It was a connection 
between our people and the ocean that surrounds us.
  Manny spent his life defending that connection. He championed local 
fishermen through challenging regulations, economic challenges, and 
environmental concerns.
  He worked tirelessly to ensure that Guam's fishermen had a seat at 
the table and that their voices were heard whenever decisions affecting 
our waters were being made.

  But perhaps what made Manny special was his belief in stewardship. 
Long before sustainability became a widely used term, he was teaching 
the importance of protecting our marine resources for future 
generations. He believed that preserving our waters and preserving our 
culture went hand in hand.
  Those who knew Manny remember not only his determination, but also 
his warmth. He welcomed visitors, mentored young fishermen, shared 
stories, and helped countless people understand the importance of 
Guam's fishing heritage.
  He was a teacher, an advocate, a leader, and a friend.
  Today, Hagatna Boat Basin will feel a little quieter. The fishermen 
who worked beside him, the families who relied on him, and the 
community he served so faithfully will deeply feel his absence.
  Yet, his legacy remains. It remains in the stronger fishing community 
he helped build. It remains in generations of fisherman he inspired, 
and it remains in the waters he worked so hard to protect for those who 
will follow.
  On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend my deepest condolences to 
Manny's family, friends, and the entire Guam fishing community. I thank 
him for a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to our 
island.
  May he rest in peace and may his legacy continue to guide future 
generations of Guam's fishermen.
  ``Thank you, Manny''; ``Si Yu'os Ma'ase', Manny.''

                              {time}  1215


                        Recognizing Frank Rabon

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master of CHamoru 
Dance Frank Rabon of Guam, who was recently named a 2026 National 
Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nation's 
highest honor in folk and traditional arts.
  For more than 40 years, Frank Rabon has dedicated his life to 
preserving and

[[Page H3915]]

revitalizing CHamoru dance, chant, and cultural traditions across Guam 
and the Mariana Islands. Through his leadership, teachings, and 
choreography, he has helped generations of CHamorus remain connected to 
their language, heritage, and identity. His work has strengthened 
cultural preservation efforts not only on Guam but throughout the 
CHamoru diaspora and across the Pacific region.
  This recognition is a proud moment for our island and a testament to 
the importance of preserving indigenous traditions for future 
generations. I thank Mr. Frank Rabon for his lifelong dedication to the 
CHamoru people, and I congratulate him on this historic honor.

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