PH Consulate Graces Union City’s Celebration of Filipino American History Month

PH CONSULATE GRACES UNION CITY’S CELEBRATION OF FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes (3rd from the right) with Mr. Johnny Itliong (3rd from the left), Ms. Maureen Tecson of PASE, Ms. Linda Canlas, President of FAHNS East Bay, and members of the FANHS and PASE (San Francisco PCG photo)

UNION CITY, CALIFORNIA – On 25 October 2025, the Philippine consulate represented by Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes, joined the Filipino American History Month celebration organized by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) East Bay in collaboration with the Pilipino American Society for Education (PASE) and New Haven Unified School District held at the Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School in Union City, California.

Delivering his keynote speech, Mr. Johnny Itliong, Filipino American history advocate and son of renowned Filipino American labor movement leader Larry Itliong, reminisced about the contribution and legacy of his father in the fight for social justice and equality.

In line with this year’s theme, “From Quotas to Community,” Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes recounted the journey of the Filipino Americans, from the days past when immigration quotas restrict the number of Filipino immigrants to the present, with Filipino Americans reaching more than four million Filipino Americans and becoming an integral part of the U.S. story. “Our community’s growth is a reflection not only of resilience but also of the spirit of contribution and belongingness that defines the Filipino people”, she was quoted as saying.

Filipino American History Month was first celebrated in the United States in October 1992 to honor the contributions and heritage of Filipino Americans. It was established following the founding of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) to promote awareness of Filipino American history and culture.END

Mr. Johnny Itliong during his speech (San Francisco PCG photo)

Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes addresses the Filipino American Community (San Francisco PCG photo)

Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes with Ms. Vangie Buell, co-founder of FANHS East Bay and attendee during the first Filipino American History Month Celebration in the White House (San Francisco PCG photo)