PRESS RELEASE
SFPCG-PR-109-2021
SAN FRANCISCO, USA – The San Francisco City Hall—known as a set for some of the most memorable scenes in Hollywood such as “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “A View To A Kill,” and as a sought-after venue to get married in the city—provided the backdrop of the 17th annual celebration of Filipino American History Month on 21 October 2021, hosted by San Francisco City Mayor London N. Breed.
Throughout the night, the San Francisco City Hall was illuminated with the Philippine national colors of blue, red, and white, in solidarity with the Filipino American Community this Filipino American History Month.
During the program at the City Hall’s grandiose lobby rotunda, Mayor Breed announced that she has signed a proclamation declaring October 2021 as Filipino American History Month in San Francisco. She presented a copy of the said proclamation to San Francisco Entertainment Commissioner and Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) President Alfonso “Al” Perez Jr.
Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer joined Mayor Breed in the celebration, which marks the first time the event was held in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out last year.
In his remarks during the occasion, Consul General Ferrer expressed his gratitude to Mayor Breed and the San Francisco City Government, and all Filipino American essential workers and first responders for everything that they have done over the course of the pandemic.
“You are the living personification of the Filipino spirit of bayanihan. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat,” Consul General Ferrer said.
As the Philippines and the United States mark the 75th year of their diplomatic relations this year, Consul General Ferrer noted that an important step toward Philippine independence happened not too far from San Francisco City Hall, at the Veterans Building’s Herbst Theater, “when future United Nations General Assembly President Carlos P. Romulo signed the UN Charter on behalf of the Philippine Commonwealth Government.”
The Philippine Consul General also cited U.S. House Resolution No. 724, introduced by Representative Ed Case of Hawaii, which recognizes October 2021 as Filipino American History Month.
Mayor Breed, in her remarks, hailed the Filipino American essential workers and first responders for their efforts in arresting the impact of the pandemic in the city. She also recognized the “deep and rich history of the Filipino American community,” and committed that the city government will continue to provide resources in various programs and activities for the advancement of the Filipino American community.
“This community is strong and resilient. The reason why we have been able to be reminded about the cultural significance [of Filipino American History Month] has everything to do with you all continuing to come together—to recognize your history and culture, and to prepare the next generation in carrying on that legacy,” Mayor Breed said.
As part of the annual celebration, Community Milestone Awards were given to Filipino Americans in San Francisco who have shown exemplary work in their respective fields.
Other city governments and Filipino American organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area are also slated to spearhead their respective commemorations of Filipino American History Month.
On 18 October 1587, sailors from the largest Philippine island of Luzon arrived in Morro Bay, California onboard the Spanish galleon ship “Nuestra Señora de Esperanza.” Their arrival in Morro Bay is considered to be the first recorded presence of Filipinos in continental U.S., an event that is remembered annually in every celebration of the Filipino-American History Month.- END
