US legislators celebrate Filipino American History Month

Fom left: Rep. Bobby Scott, Rep. Judy Chu and Rep. Grace Meng. FILE PHOTOS

WASHINGTON — Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) are celebrating Filipino American History Month, which recognizes the cultural and historical contributions made by Filipino American communities nationwide throughout the month of October.

This month commemorates the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in the continental United States on October 18, 1587, at what is now Morro Bay, California.

As early as 1763, Filipino sailors known as “Manilamen” established the first Asian American settlement called Saint Malo in present-day Louisiana.

You may like: ‘Yndios Luzones’ were in America before the Pilgrims

Rep. Bobby Scott, the only currently serving member of Congress with Filipino ancestry and co-chair of the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus, said he was proud to celebrate Filipino American History Month.

Rep. Bobby Scott / FILE PHOTO

“This is a time to recognize Filipino Americans’ contributions as our veterans, our healthcare workers, our educators and so much more,” Scott said in a statement.

“I also have the privilege of representing a rich and vibrant Filipino American community in Hampton Roads. I am proud to celebrate this month with my Congressional Asian Pacific American colleagues and Filipino Americans across the nation.”

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu said Filipino Americans are one of the largest and most diverse populations in the United States, representing over 175 ethnolinguistic groups, and “have been a part of the fabric of our nation for centuries – before America was even America.

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng highlighted the contributions of the 250,000 Filipino veterans who served in World War II, the frontline health care workers, civil rights leaders and the “Filipino American voices that continue to make an impact today.”

“I am always proud to uplift the Filipino American community in Queens (New York) and throughout the United States,” she said.

Rep. Nanette Barragán recognized the contributions, culture and legacy of community involvement of Filipino Americans across the US.

“The Filipino community is resilient, creative, hardworking, and committed to making our communities better for everyone. Maraming salamat,” she said in a statement.