Pilipino American Heritage Month was established by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FAHNS) to recognize the achievements, contributions, and the historical presence of Pilipinos in the United States. October was likely chosen because the first recorded presence of a Pilipino in the Continental United States was in October 1587.
Throughout American History, Pilipinos have made their impact on the United States, and even around the world. A few of note: In Oct 6, 1763 Pilipinos, known as "Manilamen" escaped their Spanish captors aboard Galleon ships and made the first Pilipino settlement in Louisiana, and introduced the process of sun-drying shrimp. The Flourescent Bulb was invented in the 1940s by a Pilipino, Agapito Flores. Pilipinos like Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong have led progressive movements such as the United Farm Workers Union of the 1960's, and created little versions of the Philippines in metropolitan areas all across the U.S. Pilipinos have fought along side the United States military in wars and conflicts against Spain and Japan in the past, and even today in Iraq and Afghanistan. The highest ranking Pilipino in the U.S. military is Maj. Gen. Edward Soriano, United States Army. Some Pilipinos have held political office, such as Hawaii Governor Ben Cayetano and Tess Santiago as Mayor from the City of Delano, CA.
In 1991, the Filipino American National Historical Society unanimously adopted a resolution declaring October as Pilipino American Heritage Month (PAHM). States where Pilipinos largely reside, such as California and Hawaii widely celebrate Pilipino American History Month. The Legislature of State of Michigan passed a resolution in 2004 recognizing October as well. California's school system also recognizes October as Pilipino American History Month. Most recently, on Oct 2008, the House of Representatives introduced H. RES. 1523 to recognize October as "[P]ilipino American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the Nation.
What does PAHM mean to you? Feel free to share your personal histories--we're all part of the continuing history of Pilipinos in the United States.
Comments
Thanks for this post, it's always nice to read about the recognition of our presence in the U.S.
I very much agree with Marc as well; PAHM is certainly summed up quite nicely by those three words - appreciation, celebration, and progression.
If I were to define what PAHM means to me in three words, they would be: appreciation, celebration, and progression.
In a time where our friends and family members in The Philippines need the most support, it is heart-warming to see the call to action being answered by many Pilipinos throughout the United States and the rest of the world. The selfless acts of volunteerism and the idea of bayanihan being put into practice shows me the level of appreciation we have of our current lives here in America. We have been put in a position to help out our loved ones in The Philippines through the hard work and efforts of those that have come before us, and PAHM should serve as a reminder to not only appreciate those that have paved the way, but also recognize that we can do the same.
PAHM will also serve as the inspiration for many celebrations throughout the month. I think it is important that these celebrations are done in such a way to educate our community community of those who are making strides to show how relevant and important Pilipino-Americans are in today's society. Events such as last month's Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) define the type of celebration I'm looking for during PAHM. Having fun, but also educating and inspiring, should be the goals for these PAHM-centric celebrations.
I believe that if we're able to appreciate and celebrate who we are as Pilipino-Americans today, that energy can serve as the catapult towards progressing Pilipino-American culture to the level of visibility and recognition that we believe we deserve. Growth comes from within, and as long as we are able to recognize who we are as a people and culture and be proud of that, I think our potential to make an impact is limitless.
I always love PAHM!