The Legislature advanced Bill 1‑29‑38 COR, which would designate February 21 as Sa'anen Hilañanña (Mother Language Day) in Guam, sending the measure to the voting file after broad floor discussion and the addition of co‑sponsors.

Senator Shelley Calvo, the bill’s sponsor, framed the measure as a step to preserve and revitalize Ifino Chamorro, saying the day would “encourage schools to engage students in cultural programming, empower families to embrace language use in their homes, and create space for civic institutions and media to highlight the importance of linguistic diversity.” The sponsor also said the bill aligns Guam with UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day and the U.N. Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032).

The committee appended written testimony from Anna Marie B. Arceo, COO and principal of Magalahin Hurau Chamorro Academy Charter School, who urged passage and said a consistent orthography and celebration of mother language day “is not just a policy decision. It is an act of cultural survival and justice.” Arceo’s written statement was formally added to the committee report at the sponsor’s request.

Multiple senators voiced support on the floor, citing language preservation, cultural identity, and potential tourism benefits tied to cultural programming. One senator argued the designation tells “every child, Your language matters. Your culture matters. Your voice matters.” Several speakers urged the Legislature to treat the measure as part of a broader, longer‑term strategy to restore intergenerational transmission of Chamorro.

Sponsor Calvo said the bill was amended on the floor to make certain governor and commission actions permissive rather than mandatory — the amendment authorizes, rather than requires, an annual gubernatorial proclamation and authorizes the Chamorro commission to plan activities “in collaboration with other community partners and according to available capacity.” The sponsor described the change as preserving intent while reflecting operational realities.

Floor action: The sponsor moved to add all senators present as cosponsors; the presiding officer recorded no objections, and the bill was placed on the voting file. The transcript records the motion to move the bill to the voting file and that it passed; a roll‑call tally is not recorded in the provided transcript.

What’s next: Bill 1‑29‑38 COR will appear on the Legislature’s voting file for a final vote. If adopted it will establish an annual Mother Language Day for Guam and authorize proclamations and commission coordination as amended on the floor.