769-2021

Whereas, October 2021 is the 434th anniversary of the earliest documented proof of Filipino presence on the shores of the west coast of the unceded land now referred to as the continental United States; and

Whereas, Filipinos make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States, with over 23,000 residing in the Portland Metro Region; and

Whereas, The people of Oregon should be informed of the positive impact Filipino Americans have had on our communities; and

Whereas, In Oregon, thousands of Filipino Americans have made contributions to the fields of teaching, business, government service, agriculture, ministry, medicine and other sciences, humanities and the United States Armed Forces; and

Whereas, August 30, 2021 was the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines, making it one of the world’s longest standing mutual defense treaties; and

Whereas, Across the country, Filipino American frontline workers in the healthcare industry have worked tirelessly during a pandemic, accounting for 4% of registered nurses nationwide, but 25% of nurses who died during this pandemic; and

Whereas, A painful history of occupation, war, and global trade in the Philippines have resulted in a blended culture and unique identity - Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and beyond; and

Whereas, Efforts must continue to promote the study of Filipino American history and culture, because the role of the Filipino Americans, like other people of color, continues to be overlooked in the writing, teaching, and learning of United States history; and

Whereas, This anniversary, originating in 1988, is a significant time to celebrate the advancement and contributions of Filipino Americans - a time of remembrance, reflection and recognition - and a relevant time for our community to learn more about Filipino Americans and their part in shaping our nation and Oregon's history;

Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim October to be

Filipino American History Month 

In Portland and encourage Portlanders to join in recognition of the positive impact Filipino Americans have had on our community during this time.