A Youth Congress bill proposing an official Chamorro and Refaluwasch pledge to the CNMI flag has sparked both support and debate in a recent public hearing.
Activists, educators, lawmakers, and officials shared public comments on Youth Congress Bill 20-01, which aims to establish the Chamorro "Prinimeti" and Refaluwasch "Akkapal" versions as the official pledges to the CNMI flag—honoring the Commonwealth’s indigenous languages and cultures.
Chamorro and Refaluwasch (also known as Carolinian) are the CNMI’s official indigenous languages.
While many support the bill’s intent, others question the need for two separate versions.
Youth Congress Senator Ayden Sean C. Yumul, chair of the education committee, says public input will be considered.
“We have received the comments of the public,” Yumul said, “and we will take into consideration every single comment that was submitted today.”
The Youth Congress proposal has to go through a formal legislative process and approval by the governor to become a law.
