From left to right: Daphne May Leon Guerrero, Kayla Atoigue, Elianna Castro, Hannah Malaca, Melissa Waibel, Russell Ocampo, and Randy Dahilig, members of UOG PMBA Cohort 12.

In honor of a local icon, members of the Professional Masters of Business Administration class of 2016 and the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration held a Carabao Commemoration Ceremony on March 14.

A statue of a green carabao that stands in the rear entrance of the building was named after the late “Big John” Tedtaotao’s carabao Betsy. Tedtaotao passed away last year at his daughter's home in California.

“This memorial serves to cherish the memories of John "Big John" Tedtaotao and his beloved carabao named Betsy,” reads the plaque installed next to the statue. “Every day, this statue will be a reminder of all the countless joys, laughter, and memories brought to all who came across their path at Fort Soledad in the village of Humåtak. Gone but never forgotten, they embodied the spirit of ‘Håfa Adai’ in every way and remain in our hearts forever. May we continue to be inspired by them and perpetuate the Chamorro culture in all that we do.”

Geraldine Tedtaotao, niece of “Big John” Tedtaotao, and members of the Umatac Mayor's Office staff were in attendance to celebrate the contributions “Big John” and Betsy had on our island heritage.