In a significant proclamation, Yakima County celebrated the designation of the Wapatos Filipino Community Hall as a national historic site, marking a pivotal moment in the recognition of Filipino American history. The proclamation coincides with the fifth anniversary of Filipino American History Month, officially recognized in Washington State since 2019.

The Filipino Hall, inaugurated in 1952, is noted as the first community hall built from the ground up for Filipinos in the United States. Its recent placement on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior underscores its historical importance. The hall serves as a testament to the resilience and contributions of the Filipino community in Yakima County, which has been home to Filipinos for over a century.

During the meeting, Ray Pascoe, a key figure in establishing Filipino American History Month, highlighted the struggles faced by Filipinos in the region, including discrimination and economic hardship. He emphasized the importance of role models for youth and the need to celebrate the rich history of Filipino Americans, who have made significant contributions across various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and military service.

The proclamation calls upon Yakima County residents to join in the celebration of the hall's historic designation on October 12, 2024. The event aims to honor the legacy of notable Filipino Americans from the area and to foster a sense of pride and community among current residents. The meeting concluded with an invitation for attendees to participate in a celebration at the Filipino Hall, reinforcing the hall's role as a cultural and historical beacon for the Filipino community in Yakima Valley.