Oct 1, WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) celebrate the start of Filipino American History Month, which recognizes the cultural and historical contributions made by Filipino American communities nationwide throughout the month of October. This month commemorates the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in the continental United States on October 18, 1587, at what is now Morro Bay, California. As early as 1763, Filipino sailors known as “Manilamen” established the first Asian American settlement called Saint Malo in present-day Louisiana.



In recognition of the Filipino American community, CAPAC Members released the following statements:



CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28): “I am thrilled to celebrate the rich cultural and historical legacy of Filipino Americans during Filipino American History Month this October. Filipino Americans are one of the largest and most diverse populations in the United States, representing over 175 ethnolinguistic groups, and have been a part of the fabric of our nation for centuries—before America was even America. Today, they continue to contribute to our country everyday as our government leaders, artists, service members, scientists, entrepreneurs, farm workers, health care professionals, and much more. I also am proud to recognize the only Filipino American Member of the 118th Congress, our very own CAPAC Civil Rights Task Force Chair, Rep. Bobby Scott. CAPAC remains committed to uplifting Filipino American communities throughout the country and celebrating their successes, their contributions, and their joy, not just in October, but throughout the year.”



CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06): “October marks Filipino American History Month, a time to celebrate the rich heritage and invaluable contributions of Filipino Americans. This month we honor the 250,000 Filipino veterans who served in World War II, the inspiring frontline health care workers, the historic civil rights leaders, and the Filipino American voices that continue to make an impact today. I am always proud to uplift the Filipino American community in Queens and throughout the United States.”



CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39): “This month, we celebrate the vast contributions of the Filipino American community. As the second largest Asian American group in the United States, their unique experience, culture, and long-standing military service deserve recognition. As Ranking Member on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am committed to honoring this community’s service and sacrifice to our nation.”



CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36): “In honor of Filipino American History Month, I am pleased to celebrate the significant contributions of Filipino Americans to our nation. Filipino Americans have contributed greatly to America. This vibrant community is an influential and invaluable part of our country’s history as well as its future. Happy Filipino American History Month!”



CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02): “Filipino Americans have contributed to the defense, economic prosperity, health and wellness, and cultural diversity of this country since arriving in Hawaiʻi in the late 1800s. They are a part of the lifeblood of America and I am proud to celebrate the historical achievements and milestones that make up Filipino American History Month.”



Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03): “As the only currently serving Member of Congress with Filipino ancestry and Co-Chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I am proud to celebrate Filipino American History Month. This is a time to recognize Filipino Americans’ contributions as our veterans, our healthcare workers, our educators, and so much more. I also have the privilege of representing a rich and vibrant Filipino American community in Hampton Roads. I am proud to celebrate this month with my Congressional Asian Pacific American colleagues and Filipino Americans across the nation.”



Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (HI): “This month, we celebrate Filipino American History Month and recognize how the Filipino American community has contributed to our country’s diversity and helped to shape our identity as a nation. As we continue working to uplift the voices of Filipino Americans in Hawaii and across the country, I am proud to join my colleagues in commemorating Filipino American History Month, honoring the Filipino American community’s contributions and accomplishments, and celebrating their rich history and culture.”



Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06): “Since their first recorded arrival in California more than 400 years ago, Filipino Americans have played an integral role in shaping our nation’s history and progress. I am proud to celebrate the strong Filipino American community here in the Sacramento region and in communities across the country. Their contributions span every aspect of American life—from enriching our culture with their vibrant traditions in music, food, and literature, to their dedicated service in our armed forces and health care sector. As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, let us honor the resilience, dedication, and enduring impact of Filipino Americans to our great nation.”



Rep. Ed Case (HI-01): “Each year, our country recognizes October as Filipino-American History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible past and notable contributions of Filipino Americans to our country in all areas including music, dance, literature, education, health care, business, literature, journalism, sports, fashion, politics, government, science, technology, the fine arts and other fields, as well as a truly impressive present and promising future. I am especially humbled to do so as the Representative of Hawaii’s First Congressional District, where I am honored to represent some 205,000 Filipino Americans, more than any other Congressional district in our country. To Fil-Ams everywhere, Maraming Salamat Po and Dios ti Agngina, congratulations. I truly look forward to continuing to partner with you on your next proud chapters.”



Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17): “I am honored to join my CAPAC colleagues in celebrating Filipino American History month and in recognizing the positive impact the Filipino community has had on our nation's history and culture. Their contributions and accomplishments have helped strengthen our economy and enrich our culture. It is important we continue to lift up their accomplishments and advocate for policies that will help the community thrive.”



Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03): “I join in celebrating the start of Filipino American History Month to uplift the incredible impact of our Filipino American communities. Our nation is strongest when we honor our diverse backgrounds and shine light on the rich histories and cultures that make us who we are. Let us come together throughout the month to give thanks and lift up Filipino Americans’ stories and lives, and all they’ve given to our nation.”



Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12): “During Filipino American History Month, let us acknowledge the important impact the Filipino American community has made on our history. In California’s 12th Congressional district and across the country, Filipino Americans strengthen our diverse communities as educators, frontline workers, public servants, community organizers, and so much more. I’m proud to join my Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus colleagues in celebrating this month.”



Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44): "October marks the celebration of Filipino American History Month. This month, we take time to reflect and recognize the contributions, culture, and legacy of community involvement of Filipino Americans in California’s 44th District and across the United States. The Filipino community is resilient, creative, hard-working, and committed to making our communities better for everyone. Maraming salamat - thank you very much - for the invaluable impact you've made and I look forward to my continued work with this special community."



Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07): “As we mark the beginning of Filipino American History Month, we recognize the contributions Filipino Americans have made to our country and our community. I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and neighbors in Houston in celebrating Filipino American achievements, culture, and history. I look forward to continuing to partner with our dynamic Filipino American community.”



Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15): “Filipino Americans have played a crucial role in the history and culture of America. California’s 15th congressional district is home to one of the largest Filipino American communities in the country. I am proud to join my CAPAC colleagues, and Filipino American communities across the nation in celebrating Filipino American History Month. I thank all of the Filipino soldiers who have served our country – especially those who fought under the American flag during World War II and were unjustly stripped of their benefits. I am proud to have introduced the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act and will continue to fight for its passage. During Filipino American History Month and every month let us celebrate the history and contributions of the Filipino American community.”



Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38): “I am honored to stand alongside my CAPAC colleagues in celebrating Filipino American History Month. This month, we recognize and celebrate all the countless contributions of the Filipino American community to our nation. Happy Filipino American History Month to the Filipino American community in Southern California and across the country!”