Supervisors introduce 'Soma Filipinas' cultural district and unanimously urge Congress to award Filipino World War II veterans Congressional Gold Medal

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Oct. 27 heard the introduction of a resolution to establish a Filipino Cultural Heritage District in South of Market, and later unanimously adopted an amended resolution urging the United States Congress to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino veterans of World War II.

Supervisor Jane Kim introduced the cultural‑district resolution, which would initiate a yearlong working group to develop recommendations for preserving community assets, supporting local organizations, and stabilizing Filipino residents and businesses in South of Market. "The South Of Market neighborhood is home to one of the largest concentrations of Filipinos in San Francisco and is a cultural center of the Filipino community," Kim said when introducing the item.

The introduction was followed by an extended public comment period during which veterans, community leaders and nonprofit representatives urged the board to adopt both the cultural‑district legislation and the Congressional Gold Medal resolution. Felix Daniel, identified in the record as a South of Market resident and a veteran, addressed the board on behalf of veterans present. Community organizations including the Veterans Equity Center, Filipino American Development Foundation, Kearny Street Workshop, Cool Arts and the South of Market Community Action Network also testified in support.

Later in the meeting the board considered Item 32 — a resolution calling on Congress to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II veterans — and Supervisor Kim offered an amendment to ensure the resolution would be communicated to Bay Area congressional representatives. The amendment was seconded by Supervisor Mark Farrell and adopted without objection. Supervisor Wiener asked to be added as a cosponsor during the floor action. The board then adopted the amended resolution unanimously.

Supervisor Kim also announced a separate resolution to initiate the Soma Filipinas working group; the resolution was introduced for future consideration and will proceed through the committee and budget process. Community speakers asked the board to prioritize concrete protections — such as affordable housing preservation, arts funding, appointment of Filipino residents to boards and commissions, and anti‑displacement measures — as the working group and city departments develop recommendations.

No final vote on the Soma Filipinas designation occurred on Oct. 27; Item 32 (the Congressional Gold Medal request) was amended and adopted unanimously.