WHEREAS, In 2009, the United States Congress officially recognized October as Filipino American History Month to celebrate the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their historic contributions to the Nation; and
WHEREAS, In 1587, the first Filipinos set foot on what would be American soil at Moro Bay, California, as sailors on a Manila-built Spanish galleon who were part of an exploratory mission; and
WHEREAS, In 1763, the first permanent Filipino American settlement was founded in St. Malo, Louisiana by Filipino sailors who had served on Spanish galleons. These sailors became known as “Manilamen” and pioneered shrimp harvesting techniques; and
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have long been an integral and important part of the life and leadership in the City of Philadelphia through art and culture, politics and policy, science and technology, business and commerce, sports, medicine, religion, education, charitable works, and service and sacrifice alongside other Philadelphians in the Armed Services of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Filipino American communities across the country make up the second largest Asian American ethic group with approximately 3.8 million people. Our City recognizes and celebrates their leadership, service, and contributions; and
WHEREAS, In the midst of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we wish to pay tribute to all Filipino healthcare frontline workers in Philadelphia and across the country, who make up over 7% of the national healthcare workforce; and
WHEREAS, Our City has benefited greatly through the contributions of the Filipino American Community to the richly diverse tapestry of our population that is Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, On October 2, 2021, the fifth annual “Taste of the Philippines USA,” a Filipino culinary and cultural exhibition to commemorate Filipino American Heritage Month, will be held virtually due to the pandemic. The prior in-person events held at the Bellevue and Reading Terminal Market attracted thousands of attendees; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphians of all ethnic origins take pride in our City’s Filipino heritage and history; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHIALDELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes October 2021 as Filipino American History Month in the City of Philadelphia.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the National Federation of Filipino American Associations Pennsylvania, and Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia,
as evidence of the respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End