White House honors Filipino frontliners on Fil-Am History Month

The White House in Washington on Thursday, May 30, 2024. FILE PHOTO/Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines – United States President Joe Biden honored Filipino and Filipino-American frontliners, professionals and community leaders in celebration of the Filipino American History Month (FAHM) in October.

In a message dated Oct. 21, Biden recognized the “proud history and heritage” of the Filipino-American community in the US.

“[S]ince our founding, Filipinos and Filipino Americans have enriched the very essence of who we are as a people. They are the community leaders, who advocate and stand up for all of us,” he said.

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“They are the first responders and Service members, who put themselves at risk to keep the rest of us safe. And they represent the best of who we are as a nation, as athletes and artists, entrepreneurs and engineers, public servants and health care workers, and so much more,” he added.

The US Congress recognized October as the Filipino American History Month in 2009 and various states have since passed resolutions declaring the observance of FAHM.

The celebration commemorates the arrival of the “Luzones Indios” aboard the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza on Oct. 18, 1587, in what is now Morro Bay, California, the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental US.

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

“As you celebrate this wonderful occasion with Filipino and Filipino American leaders and visionaries from across the country, I hope each one of you feels tremendous pride in not only your own achievements and aspirations but also those of the people around you. Dreamers and doers like you embody the possibilities of this great Nation and that is a big part of the reason why I have never been more optimistic about our future,” he added.

The US is home to more than four million Filipino and Filipino-Americans working in various fields like health care, business and public service.

Based on the 2021 US census, Filipinos (4.4 million) make up the third largest Asian-American group, behind 5.2 million Chinese (except Taiwanese) and 4.8 million Indian nationals.