Carolinians wants exemption from Managaha bill • CAO head prods Legislature to declare Chief Aghurubw burial site sacred

Carolinian Affairs Office Executive Assistant Frank M. Rabauliman has asked lawmakers to grant exemptions to the Carolinian community on legislation that will restrict activities in Managaha island and its surrounding waters as marine conservation area.

In a letter to the House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Manuel A. Tenorio, the CAO chief expressed support for the proposed marine sanctuary as he noted the depletion of the island’s marine resources due to illegal fishing practices as well as unrestricted commercial activities.

Managaha, or Ghalaghal for the Carolinians, must be protected to ensure that the cultural and natural resources found in the area will continue to grow, according to Mr. Rabauliman’s comment on House Bill 11-500 which designates it as marine conservation area.

But he offered suggestions before lawmakers can approve the proposal, stressing the need to affirm its historical and traditional values to the Carolinian community as it is the burial site of Chief Aghurubw.

In particular, he asked that the present site of the monument for the late chief should be declared as a sacred ground to protect the cultural and historical sanctity of the island.

Mr. Rabauliman explained that there is a belief that Managaha is a place for traditional healers and medicine men who practice their traditional skills and appease or consult the spirits there.

“It is a sacred place and the reverence to the island is still evident particularly during the annual celebration of the chief,” he said, adding that many species of plants found in the area are used in traditional medicine.

The proposal should include provision to safeguard this plant life from encroachment by land developers and commercial activities in Managaha.

Mr. Rabauliman likewise asked for leeway in using boats during the annual celebration of Chief Aghurubw as provisions in the bill will seek operations of watercraft within the area.

Citing practices by local fishermen, the official appealed to the committee to exempt them from the provision banning a form of fishing called tekking or panak.

Proposed by Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider, the measure is a result of months of intensive study of the fish and wildlife as well as marine resources of Managaha and its surrounding waters.

The committee is expected to endorse the bill for immediate passage by the Legislature.

A major tourist attraction, Managaha has come under close scrutiny in recent months following concerns of possible erosion and damage to marine resources due to influx of tourists who flock to its beach to swim and snorkel as well as ride in such watercraft as banana boat. (Benhur C. Saladores)