CAPAC Members Celebrate Filipino American History Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) celebrate the start of Filipino American History Month, which recognizes the cultural and historical contributions made by Filipino American communities nationwide. October was chosen in order to commemorate the arrival of the first recorded Filipinos arriving in the continental United States on October 18, 1587, at what is now Morro Bay, California.
In recognition of the Filipino American community, CAPAC Members released the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“Over 400 years after the first Filipino immigrants’ arrival to the continental United States, I am thrilled to recognize the rich history, culture, and accomplishments of Filipino Americans during Filipino American History Month. Filipino Americans are a diverse community representing hundreds of different ethnolinguistic groups, and they play an integral role throughout the country as our government leaders, artists, soldiers, scientists, entrepreneurs, farm workers, health care professionals, and countless others. I also recognize the only Filipino American Member of the 118th Congress, our very own CAPAC Civil Rights Task Force Chair, Rep. Bobby Scott, who was the first ever Filipino American voting member of Congress.
“CAPAC will continue to do everything we can to uplift Filipino American communities across the country. We enthusiastically endorsed bills such as the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, led by Rep. Ed Case and Sen. Mazie Hirono, to reunite Filipino veterans who served during World War II with their family members. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, so I invite all of us to learn about the history and contributions of Filipino Americans not just this month, but all throughout the year.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“I am delighted to celebrate the start of Filipino American History Month today. Filipino Americans have made invaluable contributions to this country, from serving as frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic to serving with honor in our Armed Forces. I am proud to cosponsor a House resolution that focuses on and honors the Filipino American community by recognizing October as Filipino American History Month.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“This month we celebrate the many contributions and accomplishments of the Filipino American community in Los Angeles County and around the country. Filipino Americans, the third largest Asian American population in our country, have been an important part of our culture across all parts of American society. As an immigrant, I know that our diversity is our strength. I’m happy to come together with my CAPAC colleagues this month to wish you a happy Filipino American History Month!”
CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):
“Filipino Americans have made significant contributions to our country and especially to Hawaiʻi. Since arriving in Hawaiʻi in the late 1800s to work on sugarcane and pineapple plantations, Filipinos have been a crucial part of the vibrant fabric of Hawaiʻi—including on the island of Maui and in Lahaina which recently suffered significant loss. I’m proud to join my colleagues to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and history that make up Filipino American History Month.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI):
“From the first contract laborers who arrived in Hawaii and fought in the struggle for workers’ rights, to the thousands of Filipino soldiers who have and currently serve in the armed forces, and the countless Filipino American healthcare workers who faced dangerous conditions to save lives during the pandemic—Filipino Americans in Hawaii and across the country are vital members of our communities. I am proud to introduce this resolution to celebrate the history and rich culture of Filipino Americans, as we honor their contributions and uplift their voices and accomplishments.”
Rep. Ed Case (HI-01):
“As a proud member of the Executive Board of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and the Representative of Hawaii's First Congressional District, where some 190,000 Filipino Americans live, I am grateful to join with my colleagues to once again commemorate this October as Filipino American History Month.
“The history of the Fil-Am community in Hawai‘i is particularly rich and echoes the national story. In 1906, the first fifteen sakada contract laborers arrived in Honolulu from the Philippines aboard the SS Doric, marking the first sustained immigration into our country and the humble beginnings of Fil-Ams in Hawai‘i. They endured much hardship, but like their brothers and sisters who also settled elsewhere in America, Filipinos found what separates America from other countries – a land that afforded them the fundamental rights and civil liberties guaranteed to all citizens under our Constitution. America was the land of opportunity, which enabled anyone to realize their potential and turn their dreams into reality. The story of Filipino Americans in my state of Hawaii, as well as across the country, and to an extent, the stories of all of our various ethnic groups, is the story of America.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):
“Filipino American History Month is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the amazing contributions that the Filipino Americans have made to our country. In Seattle, Washington State, and across America, they are an essential part of our society, rising above prejudice and discrimination to achieve great things and help shape our communities. I am proud to join my colleagues this month in celebrating our Filipino American community and continuing our work to lift up their accomplishments and push for policies that will help them thrive.”
Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):
“This October, I join in celebrating our Filipino American communities and honoring their vast contributions to our nation. Filipino Americans’ lives, stories, and culture are a valued part of who we are and our country’s collective story. Filipino American History Month is an opportunity to both celebrate this rich history and its impact. I hope we can all move forward together and take as many moments as we can to uplift the gift and strength found in our diverse backgrounds. Together we can and should build a future for our kids and future generations that is inclusive and accepting.”
Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03):
“As the only currently serving Member of Congress with Filipino ancestry and Co-Chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I am proud to celebrate Filipino American History Month which is celebrated annually in October to recognize the first arrival of Filipinos in America on October 18, 1587. This is a time to recognize Filipino Americans’ contributions as our veterans, our healthcare workers, our educators, and so much more. I am proud to celebrate this month with Filipino Americans across the nation as well as my Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus colleagues.”
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01):
“Filipino Americans have made valuable contributions to Oregon and our country. This Filipino American History Month, we recognize and celebrate their vibrant culture, traditions, and stories. I’m pleased to join my CAPAC colleagues in celebrating Filipino American History Month.”
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):
“As we mark the beginning of Filipino American History Month, we recognize the contributions Filipino Americans have made to our country and our community. I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and neighbors in Houston in celebrating Filipino American achievements, culture, and history. I look forward to continuing to partner with our dynamic Filipino American community.”
Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15):
“I am proud to represent one of the largest Filipino American communities in the country and am honored to join them in celebrating Filipino American History Month. Filipino Americans have played a crucial role in the history and culture of our country and our state - a role that we recognize and celebrate this month. I thank the thousands of Filipinos who fought under the American flag during World War II and the Filipino Americans who continue to serve in our military. Filipino Americans deserve our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary contributions they have made to our communities.”
Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52):
“I’m proud to join my Congressional colleagues in recognizing Filipino Americans and their contributions to the United States. During this month, we celebrate their rich history and culture that make up the diverse fabric of our nation. I’m honored to represent more than 84,000 Filipino Americans in Congress, as we commemorate their legacy in my district and across our country.”