29 October 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, led by Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim, attended the commemoration of the Filipino American History Month and the celebration of the legacy of Larry Itliong at the City of Carson on October 24.
The celebration of the Filipino-American History Month is an annual event hosted by the City of Carson to commemorate the historical presence, contributions, and achievements of Filipinos in America. One of the significant contributions of Filipino-Americans is their leadership during the American farm labor movement, through Larry Itliong. Itliong led the first strike in Delano for improved wages and working conditions of farm workers in 1965. Together with Cesar Chavez and Philip Vera Cruz, Itliong led the formation of the United Farm Workers Movement.
The City of Carson is the first city in the United States to recognize October 25 as Larry Itliong Day through a City Council Resolution on 05 October 2010. On June 30, an Assembly Bill authored by Assemblyman Rob Bonta, a Filipino-American, was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown proclaiming October 25, the birth anniversary of Larry Itliong, as a commemorative day in the State of California. Assemblyman Bonta’s parents were farm workers’ organizers in Kern County.
In his Welcome Remarks, Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina, who led the celebration, said that they are proud that the City of Carson was the first city to recognize the contributions of Larry Itliong to the country and, in particular, to California.
Consul General Herrera-Lim, in his remarks, expressed his appreciation to the City of Carson officials for organizing the event, not only to promote and recognize the achievements and exemplary contributions of Filipino-Americans to the mainstream American society but, more importantly, to remember and give honor to the historical contribution of Larry Itliong. He also encouraged Fil-Ams to learn more about Itliong’s role in California history and the U.S. labor movement.
The whole-day festivities featured an awarding ceremony for labor and community leadership, youth achievement and medals of honor for advocacy work on behalf of Filipino American World War II (WWII) veterans. Among the awardees were 92-year old WWII veteran Franco Arcebal, basketball player Kobe Paras, figure-skating champion Michael Christian Martinez, former Sony Pictures Senior Vice President Fritz Friedman, and Hollywood Producer and Director Dean Devlin.
The program also included a presentation of a Resolution from the Office of Representative Janice Hahn commemorating Larry Iltliong Day in the 44th District of California. The presentation was made by Mr. Eric Boyd, Deputy Director of the Office of Representative Hahn to Mr. Johnny Itliong, son of Larry Itliong. END