During a recent government meeting, the significance of Filipino American History Month was highlighted, marking its recognition since 2009. October commemorates the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in the continental United States, specifically their landing in Morro Bay, California, on October 18, 1587, aboard the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora Desperanza.

Anne Reginio, the chapter administrator for the Filipino American National Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley (FONTS, SCV), addressed the council, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging Filipino American contributions to U.S. history. Reginio, who is also an educator and community organizer, noted that Filipino Americans are the third largest ethnic group in California, comprising approximately 15% of the Asian American Pacific Islander community in Silicon Valley.

Reginio spoke about the founding of FONTS National in 1982 by Dr. Fred Cordova and Dr. Dorothy Lego Cordova, whose mission was to promote understanding and appreciation of Filipino American history and culture. She underscored that many stories within this history have remained untold, despite their integral role in the broader narrative of American history.

The theme for Filipino American History Month in 2024 is \"A History of Struggle and Resistance, Solidarity, and Resilience.\" This theme aims to deepen public understanding of the Filipino American experience, highlighting historical events such as the 1924 Hawaii sugar strikes and ongoing social justice efforts. Reginio pointed out that Filipino Americans have played a crucial role in various social movements, advocating against racial discrimination and labor exploitation.

Through the observance of Filipino American History Month, Reginio emphasized the importance of sharing these stories to educate and inspire future generations, reinforcing that Filipino American history is interwoven with the social, political, and cultural fabric of the United States. She concluded by acknowledging the rich history of Filipino Americans in Sunnyvale, particularly the experiences of Filipino American farm workers from the 1930s to the 1960s, as a vital part of this ongoing narrative.