Bill to adopt CNMI pledge of allegiance introduced
The 19th CNMI Youth Congress heard the introduction of a bill which would establish an official pledge to the Commonwealth flag during the first day of its 10th regular session.
Youth Congress Bill 19-06, co-authored by senator Ayden Yumul of Grace Christian Academy and senator Maili B. Peter of Mount Carmel School aims to establish the “Prinimeti” and the “Akkapal” as the official pledges to the CNMI flag.
In their findings, the bill states: “The Youth Congress finds that the CNMI Official Seal, Flag and Languages were established by Article XXII of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Subsequently, CNMI laws established a CNMI Official Tree, Flower, Bird, and Anthem. However, within the Commonwealth Code, there does not exist an official pledge of allegiance to the Commonwealth flag.”
“Through this legislation, the Youth Congress intends to establish an official pledge to the CNMI flag, honoring both the official languages and cultures of our Commonwealth.” The bill’s findings further states, the “Prinimeti,” written by longtime bilingual educator Carmen S. Taimanao, and the “Akkapal,” written by Jesus M. Elameto, have been recited by students of schools both public and private for an unspecified period and continues to be recited at school assemblies and at the beginning of either homeroom or bilingual classes. Should the bill be signed into law, it will add a new section to Title 1, Chap. 2, Article 3 of the Commonwealth Code, which also governs the official languages, insignia and languages of the CNMI.
The proposed subsection creating the official pledges also adds on to standard official protocol by requiring the recitation of both compositions at all official ceremonies within the Commonwealth whether it be live or recorded following the singing of the Commonwealth anthem, the raising of the flags, and prior to the posting of colors or the exit of the flags following the presentation of colors where the American “Pledge of Allegiance” might also be recited. Youth Congress speaker Vinnie Juan Sablan of Kagman High School referred the legislation to both the committees on judiciary and governmental operations as well as the committee on education for further discussion and disposal.
Also, a resolution honoring Micronesia’s longest running business was introduced by Yumul. Youth Congress Resolution 19-26 was adopted unanimously by the body. The commendation is relative to honoring Herman’s Modern Bakery on celebrating its eightieth anniversary. The company, founded in 1944 by the late Herman “Tun Herman Pan” Guerrero and now run by his children and grandchildren is not only the region’s longest running business, but Saipan’s first established locally owned business.
Yumul’s resolution goes on to add the lasting legacy of the company as an example of how a business can truly impact a community for the better, not only as an island institution but also by being a gateway into the local workforce for CNMI youth. (PR)
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