San Francisco mayor sets aside $150K for Filipino cultural district

Filipinos celebrating in the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. FACEBOOK

SAN FRANCISCO — City Hall has earmarked $150,000 for the Filipino Cultural Heritage District, called SOMA Pilipinas.

Mayor Ed Lee’s budget includes the allocation for the district located in the South of Market neighborhood, which is historically home to many Filipinos.

Technology companies and high-end housing are on the verge of engulfing the entire neighborhood.

“The Filipino community has a long and storied history in the city of San Francisco,” Lee said in a statement. “These investments signify our commitment to preserving the neighborhood as the cultural, economic and social core for Filipinos in the city and the families and seniors who call it home.”

The Victoria Manila Draves Park in honor of Filipinina American Olympic swimmer.

Among the future plans for SOMA Pilipinas is a night market to showcase Filipino artists and vendors that will specialize in music, fashion, food, technology and various other enterprises.

“Night Markets will showcase artists and vendors that represent the emerging culture of Filipino Americans involved in music, visual arts, fashion, design, retail, food, technology, social activism, and health and wellness,” wrote Ellen Canale, chief deputy director of communications for the mayor’s office.

“[It] will be an opportunity for the whole community—city-wide and regionally—to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of SoMa Pilipinas,” she continued.

“While only a year old, the Filipino Cultural Heritage District has great momentum and we look forward to our continued partnership,” said Lee.