2020 Filipino American History Month Virtual Celebration

Washington, D.C. (October 1, 2020) — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will host a virtual celebration of Filipino American History Month on Friday, October 2, 2020. NaFFAA welcomes U.S. Representative TJ Cox, U.S. Representative Bobby Scott, California Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Mayor Ron Falconi of Brunswick, Ohio, Mayor Peter Urscheler of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Sierra Madre Rachelle Pastor Arizmendi, the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, and community leaders from across the country.

The celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. On October 18, 1587, “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed in what is now Morro Bay, California.

In 2009, the United States Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the United States.

The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) announced this year’s theme as the “History of Filipino American Activism.”

“In July, NaFFAA hosted a series of webinars to have open, honest community conversations about social justice issues and systemic racism. This year’s theme highlights the need for our Filipino American community to continuously learn from our predecessors to inform and guide our activism. We will continue to have these tough conversations, always fight for equality, and stand with other marginalized communities,” stated NaFFAA National Chairman and President Brendan Flores.

Earlier this month, AAPI Data released their report from their 2020 Asian American Voter National Survey showing that Filipino Americans represent the most enthusiastic Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) group to vote this year. 62% of Filipino Americans are more enthusiastic about voting this election than before. NaFFAA reminds the community to make sure that they register to vote in time and to create their voting plan whether it is voting with a mail in ballot or in person early at the polls. To learn more about your state’s election deadlines, visit vote.org.

“In 2016, only 59% of Filipino Americans registered to vote and only 50% of eligible Filipino Americans voted in 2016. We can do better this time around and NaFFAA’s FilAm Vote Program has been focused on get out the vote efforts. Additionally, participation in the 2020 Census is critical to the Filipino American community. Getting counted ensures that our communities have proper governmental representation for each population and sufficient federal funds for important services like health care, emergency and disaster response, and education programs. We are a vital and growing sector of the American population, as the third largest Asian American group in the nation. Yet we remain undercounted." Flores added.

The Secretary of Commerce announced a new target date of October 5, 2020 to conclude 2020 Census self-response and field data collection operations. Individuals can complete the Census at my2020census.gov.

The global pandemic has shown how vital our Filipino American medical workforce and expertise is to our country’s COVID-19 response. Filipino Americans make up 4% of nurses in the U.S., but 31.5% of nurse deaths from COVID-19. We honor and remember those who we have lost on the front lines.

The Filipino American community continues to lean on each other and support one another as we navigate changes in education, business, and the economy.

“We are entering a new age, and in this time, to survive is to thrive. We also want to help people stay positive and productive while at home. As we keep creating, honoring our histories, and actively shaping our futures, we can get through this together,” said NaFFAA Executive Director Carissa Villacorta.

This year, NaFFAA will host its annual FAHM Celebration online and it will be hosted by Filipino American Media Pioneer, Jannelle So, in partnership with Verizon and with the support of Bank of America. It will include a fundraising auction for a one-on-one cooking tutorial of the recipes of Nicole Ponseca, James Beard finalist, owner of Jeepney NYC, and author of “I Am A Filipino and this is How We Cook”. Additionally, she will offer a private virtual masterclass on How to Build Your Business. There will also be an auction for a one-on-one tutorial with Kristine de la Cruz, founder of Creme Caramel LA. She is the creator of a famous ube-upside down cake and she has also personally appeared on The Food Network.

Bidding for all items has now begun at www.32auctions.com/NaFFAA. Winners will be announced when the auction ends on Saturday, October 10.

Register now at NaFFAA.org/FAHM to be able to interact with our speakers and panelists. Slots are limited. The event will be broadcasted LIVE on Facebook.com/NaFFAA.National.