NaFFAA Celebrates Filipino American History Month By Honoring the History of Filipino American Activism

Washington, D.C. (October 1, 2020) — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will host a virtual celebration of Filipino American History Month on Friday, October 2, 2020.  NaFFAA welcomes U.S. Representative TJ Cox, U.S. Representative Bobby Scott, California Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Mayor Ron Falconi of Brunswick, Ohio, Mayor Peter Urscheler of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Sierra Madre Rachelle Pastor Arizmendi, the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, and community leaders from across the country.

The celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States.  On October 18, 1587, “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed in what is now Morro Bay, California. 

In 2009, the United States Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the United States.

The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) announced this year’s theme as the “History of Filipino American Activism.”

“In July, NaFFAA hosted a series of webinars to have open, honest community conversations about social justice issues and systemic racism.  This year’s theme highlights the need for our Filipino American community to continuously learn from our predecessors to inform and guide our activism.  We will continue to have these tough conversations, always fight for equality, and stand with other marginalized communities,” stated NaFFAA National Chairman and President Brendan Flores.

Earlier this month, AAPI Data released their report from their 2020 Asian American Voter National Survey showing that Filipino Americans represent the most enthusiastic Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) group to vote this year. 62% of Filipino Americans are more enthusiastic about voting this election than before. NaFFAA reminds the community to make sure that they register to vote in time and to create their voting plan whether it is voting with a mail in ballot or in person early at the polls.  To learn more about your state’s election deadlines, visit vote.org. 

“In 2016, only 59% of Filipino Americans registered to vote and only 50% of eligible Filipino Americans voted in 2016.  We can do better this time around and NaFFAA’s FilAm Vote Program has been focused on get out the vote efforts.  Additionally, participation in the 2020 Census is critical to the Filipino American community.  Getting counted ensures that our communities have proper governmental representation for each population and sufficient federal funds for important services like health care, emergency and disaster response, and education programs.  We are a vital and growing sector of the American population, as the third largest Asian American group in the nation.  Yet we remain undercounted." Flores added.

The Secretary of Commerce announced a new target date of October 5, 2020 to conclude 2020 Census self-response and field data collection operations.  Individuals can complete the Census at my2020census.gov.