29 October 2015 – 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 2015 as Filipino-American History/Heritage Month on October 23 at the John Ferraro Council Chamber of the City Hall of Los Angeles.
The Council honored, among others, Johnny Itliong (son of labor leader Larry Itliong) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of United Farm Workers; and Marissa Aroy, Director of the documentary “The Delano Manongs: The Forgotten Heroes of the UFW.”
Philippine Consul General to Los Angeles Leo M. Herrera-Lim told the City Council that the History Month is a celebration of the shared values between Americans and Filipinos and serves to honor the unique relationship that the Philippines has with the U.S. In his remarks, Consul General Herrera-Lim thanked Council President Herb Wesson for honoring the Filipino community and its pillars.
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