Dededo is the most populous village of the American island of Guam. According to the U.S. census bureau estimates, Dededo's population was 46,000 in 2004. The village is located on the coral plateau of Northern Guam.
History
Before World War II, Dededo Village was located at the bottom of the Macheche Hill. Dededo grew into a major village after World War II when the U.S. Navy constructed housing for Guamanians displaced by the war and for laborers coming from off-island to help in Guam's development.
Following Typhoon Karen in 1962, the Kaiser subdivision in Dededo was constructed for island residents displaced by the storm. Further housing subdivisions were constructed increasing the village's population.
Description
Dededo is located at the north central part of the island of Guam where most of the population presently centers. It encompasses an area of about 30 square miles (78 km2) of Guam’s 209 square miles (540 km2). The word, “Dededo,” comes from a system of measurement using the fingers in which each finger signifies an inch. So as one measures “one inch, two inches, three inches …” the name “Dededo” was derived from the measurement of two fingers indicating two inches. There is another word that could have possibly given this village its name. The word, “dedeggo,” is a person who walks on tiptoes so as not to wake up those who are sleeping. It is not clear whether Dededo got its name because someone long ago measured the place with his fingers, or because the people habitually walked on tip toes.
Education
Primary and secondary schools
Public schools
Guam Public School System serves the island.
The village has six K-5 elementary schools:
- Astumbo Elementary School
- Finegayan Elementary School
- Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School
- Liguan Elementary School (opened on August 21, 2008[2])
- Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School
- Wettengel Elementary School
Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School and Astumbo Middle School (opened on August 21, 2008[2]) are in Dededo.
Prior to 2008 rezoning, Some Dededo students continued on to John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning and some continued on to Simon Sanchez High School in Yigo.[3] On August 21, 2008 Okkodo High School opened.[2]
Private schools
Sta. Barbara Catholic School is in Dededo.
Public libraries
Guam Public Library System operates the Dededo Library at 283 West Santa Barbara Avenue.[4]
Sister cities
See also
References
- Rogers, Robert F (1995). Destiny's Landfall: A History of Guam: University of Hawai'i Press. ISBN 0-8248-1678-1
Notes
External links
Coordinates: 13°30′55″N 144°50′10″E / 13.51528, 144.83611
|
