During a recent Tacoma City Council meeting, Mayor Victoria Woodards announced the official proclamation of October 2024 as Filipino American History Month. This recognition aims to honor the significant contributions of Filipino Americans to the community and the nation, particularly in areas such as economics, civil rights, and education.

The proclamation highlighted the historical context of Filipino Americans, noting that they have been part of U.S. history since October 18, 1587, when the first Filipinos arrived in what is now California. The mayor emphasized the importance of celebrating this history, particularly in Washington, which has the fifth-largest Filipino population in the country.

Mary Crest Castro, vice chair of the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, spoke passionately about the theme for the month—“struggle, resistance, solidarity, and resilience.” She underscored the need for positive role models for Filipino and other youth in Washington, reflecting on the challenges faced by the community, including the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Filipino healthcare workers.

Additionally, Ray Pasqua, a community member, invited the council to participate in two significant upcoming events: the celebration of the Filipino Hall's placement on the National Register of Historic Places in Wapato, and the commissioning of a U.S. Coast Guard ship named after a Filipino American hero, Florence Loring May Ebersole Smith Finch, in Seattle on October 24.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity and recognition of the Filipino American community's rich history and ongoing contributions, encouraging all residents to celebrate this important month.