During a recent Bellevue city council meeting, significant discussions highlighted the importance of Filipino American History Month and the pressing need for increased funding for youth services in the community.

Vida Grace Ceziro Cabanilla, an intern at the Filipino American National Historical Society, addressed the council, expressing gratitude for the proclamation recognizing October as Filipino American History Month. Cabanilla, a fifth-generation Filipino American, emphasized the historical significance of Filipino Americans in Washington, noting that her family is part of the 61% of Filipino-born residents in the state. She highlighted the contributions of her great grand uncle, Piet O'Connell, who was the first person of color to own land in Washington. Cabanilla's goal is to document and preserve the histories of Filipino families, ensuring their contributions are recognized year-round.

Devin Cavania, also representing the Filipino American National Historical Society, spoke about the initiative \"Make Us Visible Washington,\" which aims to legislate the inclusion of Asian American history in educational curricula statewide. Cavania reiterated the importance of recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans, linking historical land ownership to the current diversity in Bellevue.

Tim Motz, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue, urged the council to increase funding for youth services, citing a dramatic rise in demand for affordable childcare. He reported that the club's scholarship program has grown significantly, yet many families remain on waitlists. Motz emphasized that investing in youth services not only supports families but also contributes to community safety and well-being, noting that for every dollar invested in the club, the community sees a return of $7.20 in benefits.

The discussions underscored a commitment to recognizing the historical contributions of diverse communities while addressing the urgent needs of Bellevue's youth, highlighting the interconnectedness of history, community support, and future investments.