LA school board okays Filipino Heritage and History Month    

The Los Angeles Unified School District unanimously passed Student Board Member Frances Suavillo’s resolution to celebrate Filipino Heritage and History Month in schools each October. LAUSD FILE PHOTO

LOS ANGELES –The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education on January 14 unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by Student Board Member Frances Suavillo, recognizing Filipino Heritage and History Month starting next October.

Suavillo is originally from the Philippines and moved to Los Angeles at the age of nine. She is a senior at Carson Senior High School.

“Los Angeles Unified is so diverse and rich in culture,” Suavillo said. “This resolution directs all schools ‘to accurately represent and celebrate Filipino history and heritage,’ and also provide ample opportunities for students to explore the historical and cultural aspects of the Filipino American community, and of the Philippines.”

Under this resolution, the superintendent will explore establishing dual language instruction in Tagalog or any of that country’s major dialects. Currently, dual language instruction is offered in English and Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic, Armenian or French.

“Los Angeles Unified is the most diverse big city in the country, where America comes to see its future, a future where all students have an understanding of the world around them and are prepared for all of the opportunities in an increasingly global economy,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “We are pleased to celebrate our Filipino students, educators, employees and families.”