To: Board of Supervisors
From: Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Report Title: Resolution Recognizing October as Filipino American History Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ACCEPT presentation to recognizing October as Filipino American History Month
FISCAL IMPACT:
No Fiscal Impact.
BACKGROUND:
This presentation recognizes the many achievements and contributions Filipino Americans have made in Contra Costa County.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
No action to be taken.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
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IN THE MATTER OF Recognizing October as Filipino American History Month in Contra Costa County.
WHEREAS, as of 2024 US Census Data, 1,247,073 Filipino Americans make up the largest Asian American ethnic group in the State of California and the third largest group in the United States today, with a robust population dating all the way back to the first recorded settlement on October 18, 1587, when sailors of the Nuestra Señora de Esperanza known as “Indios Luzones,” arrived in Morro Bay, California; and
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have helped to stabilize and advance the United States healthcare sector, with 25% of Filipino adults serving as frontline healthcare workers, a testament to deep-rooted cultural values of warmth, hospitality, and service; and
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have a long-standing history of defending and serving our country in combat, with 250,000 Filipinos fighting on behalf of America during World War II; and
WHEREAS, the Bataan Death March, one of the most notorious tragedies of World War II, serves as an unforgettable reminder of the 16,500 Filipino and 650 American heroes who lost their lives in defense of our great nation. To this day, the courageous and selfless men who lost their lives during the Bataan Death March symbolize the eternal bond shared between Filipinos and Americans, who through this tragedy, forged strength in their unity; and
WHEREAS, in the 1920s, a wave of ambitious Filipino young men known as the “Manongs,” embraced the unknown and immigrated to America in search of prosperity, educational opportunities, and a brighter future for their loved ones; and
WHEREAS, the State of California has perennially served as an epicenter for Filipino activism and advocacy, dating all the way back to the establishment of Larry Itliong’s Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), which orchestrated the Delano Grape Strike on September 8th, 1965, and
WHEREAS, the persistence and relentless determination of Larry Itliong, Phillip Vera Cruz, and other notable Filipino labor leaders inspired the establishment of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union, which alongside Cesar Chávez and Dolores Huerta, safeguarded the rights of farmworkers and championed for labor rights reforms; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County represents an inspiring and civically engaged Filipino American population, which has seen the emergence of several honorable politicians such as the City of El Cerrito’s Gabriel Quinto, the City of Pinole’s Cameron Sasai, and the City of Hercules’ Alexander Walker-Griffin, who have each profoundly impacted their respective communities through their leadership; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, California Governor Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown appointed Benjamin T. Reyes II as the first Filipino American Superior Court Judge in Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, on March 19, 1855, the Filipino American Association of Pittsburg, with founder and President Rudy Wilas at the helm, was officially founded, with the goal of preserving Filipino traditions, empowering local community youth, and showcasing the warmth and beauty of Filipino culture; and
WHEREAS, LEAD Filipino, a San Jose based non-profit organization founded in 2015, has operated with the purpose of amplifying the Filipino voice, fostering greater civic engagement amongst the Filipino community, and creating a space for Filipino Americans to unlock their leadership potential through participation in education, cultural celebrations, and statewide advocacy initiatives; and
WHEREAS, The Lumpia Company, a proud Oakland-based restaurant, owned by Alex Retodo, Earl Stevens, and Richard Reyes, has revolutionized the food industry, introducing the vibrance of Filipino cuisine to the mainstream and shattering barriers one lumpia at a time; and
WHEREAS, on April 23, 2021, Filipino American Rob Bonta was sworn in by Governor Gavin Newsom as the 34th Attorney General of the State of California, serving as the first individual of Filipino descent and second Asian American to occupy the position; and
WHEREAS, through his actions, humility, and profound impact, Rob Bonta continues to forge a brighter, more inclusive California, with the advancement of AB 123 demonstrating Bonta's ongoing efforts to raise awareness about Filipino-American history; and
WHEREAS, Rob Bonta's unwavering commitment to public service and the pursuit of social justice serves as a testament to his parents, Warren and Cynthia Bonta, both of whom were dynamic community leaders that inspired him to become an advocate for positive change; and
WHEREAS, in 1991, the Filipino American National Historical Society championed for Congress’ recognition of October as Filipino American History Month; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, Congress first designated the month of October as Filipino American History Month; and
WHEREAS, it is paramount to educate Contra Costa County residents about the vital contributions of Filipino-Americans in shaping and enriching American society, particularly in the military, hospitality, and healthcare sectors; and
WHEREAS, October has been designated Filipino American History Month to celebrate the cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions Filipino Americans have made in Contra Costa County, the State of California, and across the country at large.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby recognize October, 2024 as Filipino American History Month.
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