15 October 2014 – The Los Angeles City Council, led by Councilmembers Mitch O’Farrell and Jose Huizar, honored the Filipino-American community in Los Angeles by presenting a Resolution proclaiming October 2014 as Filipino-American History/Heritage Month on October 10 at the John Ferraro Council Chamber of the City Hall of Los Angeles. 

Members of the City Council praised the Filipino-American community for its contributions signifying the 427 years of its historical presence in the United States that began when the Manila-built galleon ship Nuestra Seňora de Esperanza, transporting the first Filipinos to visit the United States, landed in 1587 at Morro Bay California.

Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim, in his address to the City Council, said that the History Month is a celebration of the shared values between Filipinos and Americans. The recognition of Filipino-American History Month serves to honor the unique relationship that the Philippines has with the US. The celebration of Filipino-American History month is important because it also recognizes the efforts of the thousands of Filipinos working in the Greater Los Angeles Area, in particular the City Hall.

O’Farrell, during the presentation of the resolution spoke highly of Filipino labor leaders Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and a large group of Filipino farm workers and the pivotal role they played in the Delano Grape Strike of 1965, which led to the formation of the United Farm Workers Movement.

Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim and Linda Granados, President of the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE), accepted the resolution on behalf of the Filipino-American community in Los Angeles. END