RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH (FAHM) WHERAS, Filipino American History Month (FAHM) is celebrated in October to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos in the continental U.S. on October 18, 1587, and was founded by the Filipino American National History Society in 1992 and officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2009; and WHEREAS, 43.4% of South San Francisco residents identify as Asian, and approximately 14% of households speak Filipino at home; and
WHEREAS, the Philippines is the fourth most common country of origin for immigrants to the United States, after Mexico, India and China; and
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have a long and proud history of service in the United States military, with many serving in the armed forces of the United States during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Medal Act was unanimously passed by Congress and was signed into law in December 2016; and WHEREAS, in the month of October, we honor the history, pursuits, accomplishments and legacy of Filipinos in the United States who have enriched our communities through their work and contributions in the armed forces, local, state, and national government, and as scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, accountants, teachers, lawyers, nurses, doctors and more, as well as their involvement in civic and community activities; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to instill in our youth the importance of education, history and ethnicity in creating eminent role models, in establishing a proud cultural identity, and producing exceptional citizens of this nation; and
WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco is honored to celebrate Filipino American History Month along with the Filipino American National Historical Society who proudly uphold this year’s theme of “From Quotas to Communities: Filipino American Migration AND Movement”; and WHEREAS, the theme focuses on how restrictive laws and quotas limited Filipino presence in the U.S. but also spurred community growth, resilience, and a rich legacy of movement and migration – which turned movement into memory, struggle into strength, and history into a living legacy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby proclaim October 2025 as Filipino American History Month and encourages all residents of our community to join us in celebrating this special month.
Eddie Flores, Mayor
Mark Addiego, Vice Mayor
James Coleman, Councilmember
Mark Nagales, Councilmember
Buenaflor Nicolas, Councilmember
Dated: September 24, 2025