October is Filipino Heritage Month

October is Filipino Heritage Month

Filipino American History Month (also known as FAHM) is celebrated in the United States during the month of October. The Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in the year 1988. In California and Hawaii, where a large number of Filipino Americans reside, Filipino American History Month is widely celebrated.  Many Filipino American organizations in these states often initiate their own independent celebrations.

October was chosen to celebrate month to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos who landed in what is now Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. It is also the birth month of Filipino American labor leader Larry Itliong.

This month is also officially recognized by the California Department of Education. 2006 was a pivotal year as it marked the centennial celebration of Filipino migration to the United States.