Ministry HRCTD

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 (𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗦) 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘂

NEW YORK | Following the 2025 UNESCO General Conference proclamation of April 25 as the International Day for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Palau—as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), with its partners – Kyrgyz Republic and PVBLIC Foundation– hosted the inaugural celebration on Friday, April 24. Held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the event convened senior level officials, Ambassadors, delegates, partners, and representatives from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to commemorate the first annual observance.

The International Day for SIDS honors the 1994 Barbados Global Conference on the Sustainable Development for SIDS, where the global community first recognized the “special case” of SIDS within the United Nations system.

The evening hosted by the Republic of Palau, as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) which is a group of 39 SIDS members, and its partners - Kyrgyz Republic and PVBLIC Foundation - commenced with the resonant, traditional sounding of a conch shell by Selema Navoti, Pacific SIDS Coordinator with the Permanent Mission of Fiji in New York, to call the gathering to order, followed by welcoming remarks from H.E. Ambassador Ilana V. Seid, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Palau to the United Nations, and then by special remarks by H.E. Mr. Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development of Palau, and H.E. Mrs. Aida Kasymalieva, Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations.

H.E. Mr. Tmetuchl captured the spirit of the evening, stating: “We are telling the stories of our beautiful countries. Not as one of vulnerability but of possibilities. Tonight’s gathering is not only about policies and programs, it is also about people, about exchange, and about understanding. When we understand one another more deeply, we act together more meaningfully.”

“As Palau leads AOSIS, which is a vital negotiating bloc within the United Nations, this gathering provided a key opportunity to reinforce the bond of our Alliance and showcase our commitment to international unity and cooperation," says Ambassador Seid. “Among the diverse cultural presentations, it was a point of great pride to witness the Belias dancers perform our traditional dances on stage. We extend our gratitude to Governor Norman Ngiratecheboet, First Lady Damiana Ngiratecheboet, and Dirradai Uai Skebong for making this a truly memorable experience for all in attendance.”

The celebration offered a rare and vibrant showcase of cultural heritage and flavors from across the SIDS regions. The Palau Belias dancers delivered a powerful traditional performance, followed by Mr. Earl Brooks Jr. of Trinidad and Tobago, who energized the crowd with the rhythmic sounds of the steelpan, a musical style and instrument from the Caribbean. Attendees were then invited to a curated assortment of unique flavors and desserts of all three regions. Surrounded by artistic displays, including live modeling of Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival Mas costume, cultural artifacts, and culinary traditions, the evening served as a vivid tribute to diversity and the profound importance of global unity.

As the first official celebration, this international observance symbolizes the solidarity and rich cultures of SIDS and calls for continued partnership and collaboration from members of the broader international community.

BEYOND EXCITED!!!! We are so proud to be supporting day with the Ministry of Health & Human Services - Republic of Palau, the Bureau of Behavioral Health, in partnership with the Palau Behavioral Health Advisory Council :)

and we are excited to be part of this event! It's going to be epic, we're going screen-free and enjoying all the ways to be healthy and active!

Along with our partners, we'll be hosting activities in the Four Zones: Kinetic, Discovery, Creative, and Chill 😎

If you haven't signed up yet to host an activity, it's not too late, let us know by end of day tomorrow (May 8th). Contact Mia Kuartei or Sylvester Francis Alonz to sign up or for more information.

Can't say enough about our incredible partners for this event:
Ministry HRCTD
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment
Palau Community Action Agency
Civic Action Team Palau
Oceania Engagement Team (OET)
's Natural Resources Conservation Service

Special appreciation to the Governor of Airai State for letting us host this event at the bridge and for Ministry of Education for coordinating all of the 4th & 5th graders to attend!

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 - 𝐍𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞

In observance of Senior Citizens Day, please be advised that there will be no public bus service on Tuesday, May 05, 2026. All National Bus Service operations will be suspended for the day and will resume the following day.

We appreciate your understanding as we honor and celebrate our senior citizens for their invaluable contributions to our community.

For any questions or more information, contact Chief Kelory Frederick at 488-2306 or 775-7085.

Now Open For Applications!!

The Japan Scholarship Programs of SY2027 are now open for application.

Applications open from May 1st, 2026, to May 29th, 2026.

For more information, please reach out to the following contacts:

Phone: (680) 488-6455 (Ask for Sakaguchi or Berrous)
Email: [email protected]

or

Chief Sylvester Alonz
Division of Youth
Phone: 488-8584/775-8839
Email: [email protected]

Click the link for more: https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/education.html

𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐮 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

In observance of the funeral of the late Rekemesik Surangel Whipps Sr., the Airai Supercenter will be closed. As a result, the National Bus Service will implement a temporary bus stop adjustment:

Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Location: Airai - Open Parking area near Shell Gas Station and Palau Solar.

Because the usual stop at Airai will be closed for the day, all buses will be in this temporary location; signage will be posted for riders.

We ask our customers to please plan their trips accordingly and to follow posted signage on site.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we honor this important day.

For any questions or more information, contact Chief Kelory N. Fredrick, Division of Commerce at 488-2306 or Cell 775-7085.

Palau Eco-Friendly Public Transport

🚍 Meet Your Driver – Mr. Edward Ongrung! 🇵🇼

Say hello to one of the friendly faces behind Palau’s Public Bus Service — Mr. Edward Ongrung!

Dressed in our official public bus uniform, Edward represents professionalism, safety, and service to our community every day. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or home, he’s committed to making your ride smooth, safe, and welcoming.

👕 Our Uniform Represents:
✔️ Professionalism
✔️ Safety & Reliability
✔️ Pride in Public Service

Next time you hop on the bus, don’t forget to give Mr. Edward a wave! 👋

🇵🇼🚍

𝐏𝐂𝐂 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬-𝐎𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

On April 7, 2026, the Ministry of HRCTD joined Palau Community College’s Tourism and Hospitality class on a cultural field trip in Airai, led by local tour guides and Four Seasons Explorer through the Palau Visitors Authority’s Alii Pass program.

The students observed firsthand how skilled tour operators — both local guides and the Four Seasons crew — craft engaging cultural experiences. This opportunity encouraged them to brainstorm innovative ideas for their own future tour companies, strengthening their ability to contribute to Palau’s growing tourism sector and to collaborate with international partners.

The Ministry extends its sincere appreciation to the Airai State Government, the Palau Visitors Authority, and Four Seasons for showcasing their cultural tour, and thanks Palau Community College for their active participation. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting our youth in their journey toward academic excellence and look forward to their contributions in shaping the future of Pristine Paradise Palau.

Palau Community College - PCC Palau Visitors Authority Mhrctd - Bureau of Tourism

On April 1, 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development, through the Bureau of Tourism and the Bureau of Culture and Historical Preservation, participated as guest speakers in the Tourism School of Excellence’s class TH110 Tour Guiding and Travel Planning at Palau Community College.

Registrar and Historic Preservationist Mr. McMichael Mutok Jr. of the Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation, and Communications Specialist Ms. Dilklumech David of the Bureau of Tourism, delivered presentations highlighting their respective bureau’s projects, initiatives, and significance to Palau’s tourism and cultural landscape.

They were joined by Mr. Kelory Frederick, Chief of the Division of Commerce under the Bureau of Development and Job Placement Coordinator, and Ms. Eustoria Borja, Director of the Palau Small Business Development Bank (SBDC). Together, these organizations illustrated the synergy between tourism, culture, development, and business—pillars that form the foundation of Palau’s tourism sector.

The Ministry extends its gratitude to Palau Community College and Ms. Yoko Morisaki for this valuable opportunity, and commends the students for their attentiveness and engagement. The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to supporting academic excellence and encourages students to contribute their talents and ideas to the continued progress of our Republic.

Palau Community College - PCC Mhrctd - Bureau of Tourism Palau Visitors Authority Palau SBDC

The Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development, through the Bureau of Development, is pleased to announce the launch of 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟮 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘂’𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, beginning April 3.

Building on the success of Phase 1, this expansion introduces more frequent service in Koror, improved access between Melekeok and Koror, extended evening routes on government paydays, and the development of a mobile app to help passengers plan their trips with ease.

These enhancements reflect our continued commitment to providing reliable, accessible, and sustainable transportation for our communities, while improving connectivity across states and supporting economic activity.

We encourage the public to make use of the expanded services and take advantage of this growing transportation network.

For routes, schedules, and updates, please scan the QR code provide,

Or access via link: https://whimsical-melomakarona-6dc132.netlify.app/

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬

This is a notice from the Bureau of Tourism under the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, & Development to all TOUR OPERATORS in the Republic of Palau.

In accordance with Title 11 of the Palau National Code, all tour operator licenses must be renewed by June 30th of every year. ALL TOUR OPERATIONS are hereby advised to register and/or renew their Tour Operator Licenses with the Bureau of Tourism beginning now and must submit a completed Tour Operator's Application by May 01, 2026.

You may visit our website at https://ministryofhrctd.pw/ to download the printable application form, or you may visit our office located at the One Stop Shop building in Ngerbeched. You may also contact our office through the contact information provided below for further assistance.

BUREAU OF TOURISM
Tel: +680 488-8699
Fax: +680 4886262
Email: [email protected]

Palau Visitors Authority Mhrctd - Bureau of Tourism