HONORING THE LIFE OF MANUEL "MANNY" DUENAS

On 2026-06-08, Representative James C. Moylan (R-GU) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF MANUEL "MANNY" DUENAS" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE OF MANUEL "MANNY" DUENAS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3914-H3915] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF MANUEL ``MANNY'' DUENAS (Mr. Moylan of Guam was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Manuel, best known as Manny, Duenas, a beloved son of Guam and one of the strongest voices our island has ever had for its fishing community. For decades, Manny was more than the president of the Guam Fishermen's Cooperative. To many, he was the face of the Hagatna Boat Basin and the heart of Guam's fishing industry. Whether greeting fishermen before sunrise, helping them load the day's catch, or advocating at public meetings, Manny dedicated his life to protecting a way of live that has sustained our islands for generations. He understood that fishing on Guam was about far more than commerce. It was culture. It was family. It was tradition. It was a connection between our people and the ocean that surrounds us. Manny spent his life defending that connection. He championed local fishermen through challenging regulations, economic challenges, and environmental concerns. He worked tirelessly to ensure that Guam's fishermen had a seat at the table and that their voices were heard whenever decisions affecting our waters were being made. But perhaps what made Manny special was his belief in stewardship. Long before sustainability became a widely used term, he was teaching the importance of protecting our marine resources for future generations. He believed that preserving our waters and preserving our culture went hand in hand. Those who knew Manny remember not only his determination, but also his warmth. He welcomed visitors, mentored young fishermen, shared stories, and helped countless people understand the importance of Guam's fishing heritage. He was a teacher, an advocate, a leader, and a friend. Today, Hagatna Boat Basin will feel a little quieter. The fishermen who worked beside him, the families who relied on him, and the community he served so faithfully will deeply feel his absence. Yet, his legacy remains. It remains in the stronger fishing community he helped build. It remains in generations of fisherman he inspired, and it remains in the waters he worked so hard to protect for those who will follow. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend my deepest condolences to Manny's family, friends, and the entire Guam fishing community. I thank him for a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to our island. May he rest in peace and may his legacy continue to guide future generations of Guam's fishermen. ``Thank you, Manny''; ``Si Yu'os Ma'ase', Manny.'' {time} 1215 Recognizing Frank Rabon Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master of CHamoru Dance Frank Rabon of Guam, who was recently named a 2026 National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts. For more than 40 years, Frank Rabon has dedicated his life to preserving and [[Page H3915]] revitalizing CHamoru dance, chant, and cultural traditions across Guam and the Mariana Islands. Through his leadership, teachings, and choreography, he has helped generations of CHamorus remain connected to their language, heritage, and identity. His work has strengthened cultural preservation efforts not only on Guam but throughout the CHamoru diaspora and across the Pacific region. This recognition is a proud moment for our island and a testament to the importance of preserving indigenous traditions for future generations. I thank Mr. Frank Rabon for his lifelong dedication to the CHamoru people, and I congratulate him on this historic honor. ____________________