San Diego Community College District

The San Diego Community College District, including San Diego City College, Mesa College, Miramar College, and San Diego Continuing Education, is celebrating Filipino American History Month through October with films, discussions, and more.

Miramar College Professor Judy Patacsil is the national president of the Filipino American National Heritage Society, which is the force behind Filipino American History Month. October was selected to commemorate the first Filipinos who landed in Morro Bay on October 18, 1587.

Filipino American History Month was first recognized statewide in 2006, and nationally via a 2009 Congressional resolution.

“The focus is more on Filipino American and Filipino American history, not necessarily the Philippines,” said Judy Patacsil, who serves as president of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) and is a Miramar College professor of Filipino studies.

Related Video:
History of Filipino Americans

Among the scheduled events, all of which are free and open to the public:

Tuesday, October 8

5:30-6:30 p.m.
Silent Sacrifices: Voices of the Filipino American Family
This film, produced by Patricia Heras, delves into the cultural conflicts Filipino immigrants and their American-born children encounter on a daily basis.
San Diego Miramar College, Room K1-202, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

 

Monday, October 14

7:30-8:30 p.m.
Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers
This film, produced by Marissa Aroy, tells the story of farm labor organizer Larry Itliong, a force behind the Delano Grape Strike of 1965 that brought about the creation of the United Farm Workers Union.
San Diego Miramar College, Room H-105, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

 

Wednesday, October 16

1 to 3 p.m.
Different Perspective: Filipino-American Heritage Month
This panel discussion will included City College Assistant Professor and San Diego State University lecturer Kirin Macapugay; Dr. Catherine Luib, owner and operator of Luib Health Center in San Diego; and Cesar Gumapas, City College’s Public Information Officer.
San Diego City College, MS-140, 16th and C streets, 92101

 

Thursday, October 24

11 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers
This film, produced by Marissa Aroy, tells the story of farm labor organizer Larry Itliong, a force behind the Delano Grape Strike of 1965 that brought about the creation of the United Farm Workers Union.
San Diego Mesa College, Room G102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

Friday, October 25

7 to 9 p.m.
National Book Tour: Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong
Author Gayle Romansanta, who co-wrote a biography on Filipino American civil rights and labor leader Larry Itliong will speak about the life of the icon whose birthday is celebrated on this day. San Diego State University, Wangenheim Middle School, and Walker Elementary School are partnering with Miramar College in staging this event.
San Diego Miramar College, Room I-101, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

Tuesday, October 29

6 to 8:30 p.m.
Sariling Atin: We Are Our Stories
Listen to local Filipino American poets and authors tell their stories during this annual literary reading.
San Diego Mesa College, Room G101, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111