White House celebrates Filipino American History Month

Filipino American History Month was celebrated at the White House on Oct. 21. Photo by Elton Lugay

WASHINGTON – The White House hosted a celebration for Filipino American History Month on Monday, acknowledging the contributions of Filipinos in the United States.

Organized by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), the event gathered nearly 100 Filipino Americans at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

The annual White House celebration, first organized by former AAPI liaison Jason Tengco in 2015, convened elected officials, federal appointees and staff, community advocates, private sector leaders and artists to celebrate the history and achievements of Filipinos and Filipino Americans across the country.

Notable figures included Nani Coloretti, the deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget and the highest-ranking Filipina in the Biden-Harris administration.

Nani Coloretti, the deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget is the highest-ranking Filipina in the Biden-Harris administration. Photo by Elton Lugay

Congressman Bobby Scott, representing Virginia’s 3rd District, was also present, highlighting political achievements within the community. 

Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia’s 3rd District / Photo by Elton Lugay

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Gina Ortiz Jones, the former US Undersecretary of the Air Force and the first openly gay person to hold the position, brought attention to strides made in representation and inclusivity.

Former Air Force Undersecretary Gina Ortiz Jones / Photo by Elton Lugay

Dr. Kevin Nadal spoke on behalf of the Filipino American National Historical Society, (FANHS) which established Filipino American History Month more than three decades ago, emphasizing the importance of cultural recognition. 

Dr. Kevin Nadal and FANHS colleagues / Photo by Elton Lugay

Brendan Flores, the outgoing chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), and Tengco, now a liaison at the White House Office of Personnel Management, were notable attendees as well. 

Loida Nicolas Lewis, a prominent business leader and philanthropist, was present, along with Cris Comerford, the former White House executive chef and the first woman and first person of Asian descent to hold the post, underscoring the diverse contributions of Filipinos in various fields.

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Former White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford (left) and media pioneer Jannelle So / Photo by Elton Lugay

Nurse Unseen, an excellent and heart-wrenching documentary by Emmy-award winning filmmaker Michele Josue about Filipino nurses, was also featured in the program.

The film is now Academy Awards-eligible. It is showing at the Quad Cinema in New York, now extended all the way to the end of the month.

President Biden, in a statement honoring the Filipino community, said, “By reflecting on the proud history and heritage of this vibrant community, we come closer to realizing the full promise of America for all Americans.”

Enhanced public tour of the White House

Meanwhile, on the same day, the White House unveiled a revamped public tour, spearheaded by First Lady Jill Biden. 

First Lady Jill Biden / Photo by Elton Lugay

This marks the first major update in decades, transforming the tour into a dynamic educational experience with interactive features. 

Biden, with over 40 years of teaching experience, emphasized the importance of engaging learning. “We hope the tour inspires everyone who visits the White House to learn more about our shared history,” she said during the program on Monday.

The key enhancements to the White House tour include interactive features that utilize new technology and storytelling elements to provide a sensory-rich experience.

Visitors now have expanded access to iconic rooms, such as the Diplomatic Reception Room, which are enriched with historical context. 

Additionally, educational installations, including a “Living Timeline” and a 3D architectural model, deepen visitors’ understanding of US history.

Supported by The History Channel and ESI Design, the tour aims to preserve history and engage future generations.