Office of the President, Republic of Palau

Signing Presidential Proclamation 26-426: “Declaring May 6-12, 2026, as Palau Nurses Week”

Koror, Palau (May 6, 2026) – During a press conference, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. signed Presidential Proclamation 26-426 to recognize the hard work of Nurses and the profound impact they have on our community.

Themed “Empowered Nurses Save Lives: Care in Action, Humility in Heart,” the proclamation emphasizes that primary and preventive healthcare requires a workforce of experienced Nurses to ensure coverage and to guarantee that efforts to increase access to care are not compromised.

Witnessed by Vice President and Minister of Health Raynold B. Oilouch, Senator Nakamura, House of Delegates Speaker Kanai, Floor Leader Umetaro, Delegates Rechelulk and Ngirchoimei, and Cabinet members, the President signed the proclamation to celebrate the nurses' commitment to addressing public health challenges and to shift the focus toward health and wellness, rather than just illness care.

Ministry of Health & Human Services - Republic of Palau

PALAU TAKES UNITED STAND AGAINST DRUGS; PRESIDENT WHIPPS SIGNS DRUG LAW REFORM ACT INTO PL 12-5

KOROR, Palau (May 6, 2026) — Flanked by Speaker of the House Gibson Kanai, Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, and Delegate Mengkur W. Rechelulk, Delegate Stephanie Ngirchoimei, and Senator Chico Nakamura, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. signed the Palau Drug Law Reform Act (House Bill No. 12-1-1) into Public Law 12-5.

Also joining the President for the signing was First Lady Valerie R. Whipps, an active member of the National Working Group on "Just Say No" to Illegal Drugs. The First Lady noted that the 2026 Palau Taiwan Small Grants Program, is calling for local non-government organizations to assist with to this call to action with community-based activities. The deadline for organizations to submit their applications has been extended to May 15, she said. The grant application form and additional information can be found on https://www.palaugov.pw .

During the press conference, the President emphasized the need for a "whole-community" approach to drug reform, calling for the active involvement of families, schools, churches, and traditional leaders.

Ministry of Justice, Republic of Palau Ministry of Health & Human Services - Republic of Palau House of Delegates 12th OEK, Palau National Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2026

The deadline for applications for the 2026 Palau Taiwan Small Grants Program has been extended to May 15, 2026. With awards of up to $10,000, made possible through the generous support of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the 2026 Palau-Taiwan Small Grants Program supports small-scale community-based projects that promote this year’s theme: "A Kot a Rechad Er Belau – Just Say No to Illegal Drugs.”

The 2026 Palau Taiwan Small Grants Program is open to local communities and organizations, including community groups (cheldebechel), men’s and women’s councils, civil society organizations (CSOs), local governments, and faith-based
organizations. Applicants are encouraged to design and implement community-based activities that promote drug-free lifestyles, strengthen family and community values, and
empower individuals—especially youth—to make healthy and informed choices.

To be eligible, applicants must submit a Certificate of Good Standing or an endorsement letter from their respective state government. Organizations that do not maintain a bank
account must have an agreement with an implementing partner that holds a verified and current Certificate of Good Standing. The Small Grants Program of the Office of the President will provide the agreement template upon request. Organizations that were awarded in previous Palau Taiwan Small Grants Program cycles must demonstrate good reporting status in order to qualify for the 2026 Palau Taiwan Small Grants Program.

The application packet and detailed grant guidelines are available at www.palaugov.pw. Interested organizations are strongly encouraged to review the guidelines carefully before filling out the application.

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Evita Mira
Small Grants Program
Office of the President
Telephone: 488-4410 / 775-6968
Email: [email protected]

President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. has written to the Olbiil Era Kelulau requesting to postpone the State of the Republic Address (SORA) scheduled for April 23, 2026. With their concurrence, a new date will be determined.

Swearing-in Ceremony of Roland T. Merar as Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Palau to Australia

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. attended the swearing-in ceremony for Roland T. Merar, who was sworn in as the first Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Palau to Australia. A large gathering of supporters attended, including Vice‑President Raynold B. Oilouch, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, Delegate Mengkur Rechelulk (Chair, Ways and Means Committee), senators, delegates, governors, state speakers, cabinet members, traditional leaders, the Diplomatic Corps, and Ambassador Merar’s family and close friends.

President Whipps praised Ambassador Merar for his commitment to public service and expressed the nation’s pride and full support as the Ambassador assumes his duties in Australia. The President also thanked the Senate for its prompt consideration and confirmation of the appointment.

In closing, Ambassador Merar thanked President Whipps for the nomination and the Senate for its swift approval. He expressed gratitude to his wife, children, family members, and friends for their support. The ceremony concluded with congratulations and best wishes as Ambassador Merar embarks on his new journey to represent Palau in Australia.

PALAU AND NEW ZEALAND DEEPEN TIES IN HISTORIC FIRST VISIT

Auckland, New Zealand (April 15, 2026) — The first two days of the first-ever official visit by a Palau President to New Zealand have been filled with high-level meetings and forward-looking discussions ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting that Palau will host in September.

President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. — joined by Minister of Justice Jennifer S. Olegeriil, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro of the 12th OEK, and OOP Chief of Staff Landisang Kotaro — was formally welcomed at Government House in Auckland on Monday, where he met with Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro before holding talks with Climate Change Minister Hon Simon Watts. He later shared Palau’s vision and preparations for the upcoming PIF Leaders Meeting with the media, and that evening the delegation took part in engagements hosted by Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon.

On day two of the program, First Lady Valerie Whipps joined the delegation in New Zealand for additional meetings, including a working lunch with Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters, and business and marine industry visits, culminating in an official engagement with Conservation Minister Hon Tama Potaka. Through these engagements, Palau and New Zealand are deepening cooperation on climate action, regional security, and enhanced policing and law-enforcement partnerships across the Blue Pacific.

As they began their day on Wednesday, President Whipps expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality of the New Zealand Government and people, and his optimism for a stronger Palau–New Zealand partnership in the years ahead.

President Whipps welcomes the French Ambassador and Permanent Secretary to the Pacific to Palau

Koror, Palau (April 6, 2026) - On April 6, 2026, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., met with Her Excellency Veronique Roger-Lacan, the French Ambassador and Permanent Secretary to the Pacific, at his office in Koror. The visit marked an important step forward in the bilateral relationship between Palau and France.

During the meeting, both leaders explored several areas of opportunity for future cooperation, focusing on improving air travel connections, enhancing maritime security, and expanding educational opportunities.

To conclude the visit, President Whipps expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Roger-Lacan for France’s continued partnership. He thanked the French government for its continued dedication to supporting Palau and the Pacific region.

PALAU AND NEW ZEALAND DEEPEN TIES IN CLIMATE ACTION, CONSERVATION, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Auckland, New Zealand (April 13, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. arrived in Auckland this morning for an official visit to New Zealand from April 13 to 16. He will attend a series of high-level meetings and engagements with government and business community leaders aimed at strengthening Palau–New Zealand relations and advancing cooperation on climate action, regional diplomacy and economic opportunity.

President Whipps is accompanied by Minister Jennifer S. Olegeriil, Ministry of Justice; and Floor Leader Warren Umetaro House of Delegates 12th OEK,

During the visit, the delegation is scheduled to meet with the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, and the Hon Simon Watts, Minister of Climate Change, and will attend official engagements hosted by Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters, and Conservation Minister Hon Tama Potaka. The program also includes a business engagement, a marine industry visit, and conservation-focused activities in Auckland and Rotorua, including visits to Te Puia and Mount Tarawera.

Palau’s leadership will also discuss regional security challenges, including transnational crime, and pursue avenues for enhanced cooperation with New Zealand in the fields of policing, law enforcement, and security.

The visit underscores the close and growing partnership between Palau and New Zealand. It also comes at an important regional moment. Palau’s preparations are in full swing as host to the 55th Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting this September. New Zealand is set to host next year’s PIFLM, giving added significance to discussions on Pacific priorities and collective regional action.

President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. will be delivering his State Of the Republic Address (SORA). You are invited to join us or tune in on the day.