Senator Telo T. Taitague introduced Bill 124-38 to officially change the name of the municipality of “Asan” to its native CHamoru form, “Assan-Ma’ina.” 

The measure builds on Taitague’s broader legislative effort to restore village names across the island to their native CHamoru forms, furthering the movement for language preservation, cultural respect and indigenous identity.

“Language is one of the most powerful expressions of our culture and identity,” said Senator Taitague. “By restoring our village names to their CHamoru forms, we honor our history, respect our ancestors, and preserve our heritage.”

In the 36th Guam Legislature, Senator Taitague authored and successfully passed public laws to rename 6 of Guam’s 19 municipalities, including 

  1. Inarajan to Inalåhan (P.L. 36-16)
  2. Agat to Hågat (P.L. 36-47)
  3. Umatac to Humåtak (P.L. 36-48)
  4. Merizo to Malesso’ (P.L. 36-49)
  5. Santa Rita to Sånta Rita-Sumai (P.L. 36-50)
  6. Talofofo to Talo’fo’fo’ (P.L. 36-51)

In 2021, the Asan-Maina Municipal Planning Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2021-01 in support of this change. 

The resolution followed a formal request from Senator Taitague and called for the renaming of “Asan” to “Assan” and “Maina” to “Ma’ina.”

“This isn’t just a symbolic change – it’s a step towards revitalizing our language and ensuring future generations recognize the true names of the places they call home,” Senator Taitague stated.