Filipino American History Month (FAHM) is celebrated in the United States during the month of October. In 1991, Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) board of trustees proposed the first annual Filipino American History Month to commence in October 1992.
October was chosen 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.
In California and Hawaii, where many Filipino Americans reside, Filipino American History Month is widely celebrated. Many Filipino American organizations in these states often initiate their own independent celebrations. 2006 was a pivotal year as it marked the centennial celebration of Filipino migration to the United States.
In honor of October as Filipino American History Month, the Asian Journal spoke to several Fil-Ams working across the Biden-Harris administration — from the Executive Branch to various agencies that keep the country running.
The Asian Journal in their Oct 12 issue published Part 1 of a List of the recent Biden-Harris appointees. My youngest daughter Ditas Macrine Katague is in that list. I am indeed a very proud father.
Here's a reprint of the article on Ditas. I highlighted phrases that makes me very proud of her accomplishments.
Ditas Macrine Katague
Associate Director for Communications
U.S. Census Bureau
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
An expert in multi-ethnic outreach and civic engagement, Katague is responsible for leading internal and external communications activities of the nation’s largest statistical agency, the Census Bureau. Prior to joining the Census Bureau, Katague was director of the California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office, the outreach and communications campaign that worked to ensure a complete population count of historically undercounted Californians.
How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?
As a Filipino American, I am drawn to work that allows me to reach under served populations to ensure they have a voice in decision and policy making. During my University years, I witnessed the People Power revolution and was inspired by the power that people working together can have to impact their future. My parents both instilled a sense of service to community and encouraged me to pursue a career in public service.
Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?
Having the opportunity to serve the Biden-Harris Administration at the Census Bureau allows me to take the 25 years of experience leading California’s Census outreach and communications to the national level. My expertise reaching under served populations will help connect the Administration’s policy efforts to the communities who need their voices heard – including the Filipino community. Here at the Census Bureau, I hope to be a continuous voice regarding the dis aggregation of data for our communities.
What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?
I am proud to have a Filipino American History Month in addition to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. Filipino American History Month allows me to take the time to recognize and appreciate my father who immigrated to the U.S. for better education and a brighter future for his family. This month also helps highlight the path many Filipino Americans have taken and the impact they have had on the U.S.
For the other Fl-Am names listed read the site as follows:
A Jeopardy Question: What ( Who) are Filipinos
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