Every year in October, Filipino American History Month is observed to commemorate the anniversary of the first documented Filipinos in America. Filipino Americans constitute the second-largest Asian-American population in the United States and the third-largest ethnic group in California. Their contributions to our nation are exemplary, and their accomplishments are recognized and celebrated during this month.
The background of Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month, or FAHM, is observed annually in October to commemorate the 18 October 1587 advent of the first Filipinos in Morro Bay, California, in the United States.
Filipino-Americans were known as Luzones Indios at the time, and they predominantly consisted of Filipino sailors who were enlisted as native laborers in the Spanish navy during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. From the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza, they arrived at Morro Bay, California, in the present day.
In 1992, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History as a result of years of campaigning and advocacy by both the civil society and organizations. In 2009, Congress designated October as Filipino American History Month in the United States. It’s that straightforward. As it should be, this entire month is devoted to commemorating the Filipino-American community.
Diversity is one of the reasons why America is the wonderful nation that it is. We commemorate this diversity, and one such celebration is Filipino-American History Month. The entire month honors the contributions of Filipino-Americans not only to our country during wartime, but also in the arts, culture, and entertainment. Filipinos serving in the U.S. Armed Forces become eligible to petition for U.S. citizenship, as declared by the board of trustees of the Filipino American National Historical Society.
5 little-known facts about Filipino-Americans
Asian-Americans in the United States are largely composed of Filipino-Americans.
In 11 of the 50 states, Filipino-Americans are the largest ethnic minority.
Filipinos were the first Asians to appear in the United States, according to historical records.
Nicole Scherzinger and Vanessa Hudgens are among the numerous Filipino-American Hollywood personalities.
A quarter-million Filipino-Americans are World War II veterans.
FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 1 | Sunday |
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
