The flag of the United States and the flag of the Philippines are displayed on high poles. (Adobe Stock)
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — October is Filipino American Heritage Month in the U.S. and to celebrate, there are several events being held across San Diego County.
The recognition was first proposed in 1991 by the founders of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Fred Cordova, who was born in California but moved to Washington state in 1948, and his wife, Dorothy.
Cordova often referred to Filipino Americans as the “forgotten Asian Americans” and brought up the idea of recognizing their contributions to the U.S.
In 2009, then-California Senator Leland Yee sponsored a resolution to designate October as Filipino American History Month. The month was chosen to recognize the first Filipino people who landed in Morro Bay on Oct. 18, 1587.
Congress officially recognized Filipino American History Month in 2009.
Where to find Filipino American History Month events in San Diego County
To commemorate the month, several events are being held across San Diego County, including the following:
- University of San Diego Copley Library
- 5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego
- Oct. 1, 6-8 p.m.
- Better to Give All-You-Can-Eat Brunch
- Kusina San Diego, 7580 Miramar Road, San Diego
- Oct. 5
- Text (619) 800-1569 to RSVP
- San Diego Filipino Cinema
- AMC Plaza Bonita, 3050 Plaza Bonita Road, National City
- Oct. 10-12
- Larry Itliong Day
- Pilipino Workers Center, 1365 W. Vista Way, Vista
- Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Chula Vista City Hall
- 276 4th Ave., Chula Vista
- Oct. 28, 5-7 p.m.
