A bill to officially rename the Municipality of Asan to "Assan-Ma’ina" got support during a public hearing friday.  Senator Telo Taitague’s Bill 124 seeks to codify what residents, cultural leaders, and historians have long recognized – that “Assan” and “Ma’ina” more accurately reflect the identity, pronunciation, and traditional spelling of the village’s name in the CHamoru language. 

"Maming is power. Reclaiming it is self-determination. Yes, there are many administrative updates to make. Yes, not everyone may understand or agree. But the truth remains. This is our land, our language, our story – and no one should speak it for us," said the senator.

Asan-Maina mayor Frankie Salas, alongside former congressman Dr. Robert Underwood from the CHamoru Language Commission, testified in support of the measure.  “Many may see this as a minor adjustment, but for me, as the current mayor of Assan-Ma'ina, it is a remarkable achievement. it represents an important step in preserving and revitalizing our identity, inspiring younger generations to embrace and carry forward the CHamoru culture," he stated.

Six villages have been restored to CHamoru names through bills authored by Taitague and enacted during the 36th Guam Legislature - Inalåhan, Hågat, Humåtak, Malesso’, Sånta Rita-Sumai, and Talo’fo’fo’.