Summary

Something you won't find in your history book: The first documented proof of Filipino presence in what would become the United States was in 1587 in what is now California, almost a half-century prior to when the colonists arrived in the “new world.”

Story

Filipino history in North America predates the arrival of the first colonists from Great Britain and continues throughout the U.S.

The Metropolitan King County Council today recognized that rich tradition and heritage by declaring this October, “and every October thereafter,” Filipino American History Month in King County.

“Filipinos have been contributing to the economic, political, cultural and social fabric of our region for many decades and so it is important to recognize their history and contributions,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, the sponsor of the recognition.

The first documented proof of Filipino presence in what would become the United States was in 1587 in what is now California, almost a half-century prior to when the colonists arrived in the “new world.”

Over the last five centuries, Filipinos have become a vital part of the American history, especially on the West Coast and in the Pacific Northwest. In Washington, Filipinos have worked in a number of industries, but were prominent in the state’s maritime, agricultural and fishing industries.

Filipino organizers played a vital role in the desegregation of the unions that represented those who worked in the fishing industry including the Alaska Cannery Workers Union, International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

Initiated by the Filipino American National Historical Society in 1988, Filipino American History Month recognizes the contribution of Filipinos throughout King County and all of the state of Washington.

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PROCLAMATION 

WHEREAS, Filipinos have lived in the United States for over 425 years, beginning with the earliest documented proof of Filipino presence in the continental United States on October 18, 1587, in Morro Bay, California; and

WHEREAS, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau report, Filipinos in the United States number over four million today; and

WHEREAS, Washington State is home to the fourth largest Filipino population in the United States, and Filipino Americans are the largest Asian Pacific American population in the state, with the vast majority making King County their home; and

WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have contributed greatly to the cultural, economic, social, and political life of King County; and

WHEREAS, King County is home to cultural and historical institutions important to the Filipino community, locally, nationally, and internationally, including the Alaska Cannery Workers Union, Local 37; Inlandboatman’s Union; the Filipino American National Historical Society’s national office; the Filipino Community Center of Seattle; and the Carlos Bulosan Historical Museum; and

WHEREAS, Filipino American History Month provides an opportunity to promote the study of Filipino American history and culture and recognizes the contributions made by Filipino Americans;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, proclaim October 2018 as

FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

in King County and encourage all county residents to join us in celebrating the heritage, influence, and contributions of Filipino Americans to King County and the United States. 

DATED this fifteenth day of October, 2018.