Celebrating Filipino American History Month
October 17, 2025October is Filipino American History Month (FAHM), a time to celebrate the rich heritage, culture and lasting contributions of the Filipino community in the United States. It honors the legacy of the first Filipinos, known as the Luzones Indios, who arrived in present-day Morro Bay, California aboard the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza on October 18, 1587.
FAHM was first celebrated in October 1992 by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS).
The United States Congress declared October as FAHM in 2009, and in 2015 President Barack Obama celebrated the first FAHM event at the White House. The official theme for FAHM 2025 is From Quotas to Communities: Filipino American Migration and Movement which commemorates the 90th Anniversary of the 1935 Filipino Repatriation Act and the 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act.
This month’s theme reminds us of how far our community has come and how our stories continue to shape the future. As Filipino pediatricians, we are proud to be part of this story and carry this identity with us into the work we do for children and their families.
What My Filipino Roots Taught Me
Growing up in the flood-prone town of Pampanga in the Philippines, I saw first-hand how families adapted to challenges, rebuilt, supported each other, and moved forward with hope for a brighter future. I carry that same spirit of resilience and optimism in how I approach the long hours and steep learning curves of residency.
The Filipino core value of malasakit - a deep care for others as if they were one’s own - guides how I approach every patient encounter with sincerity and compassion. These values remind me how the broader Filipino community was shaped by migration and sacrifice; transforming hardship into opportunity.
Filipino Heritage in Practice
In Tagalog, one of the many dialects found in the Philippines, the word kapwa is used to convey
a shared identity and oneness we all possess. In practice, one is expected to treat others like they
would themselves, with respect and compassion, regardless of culture or background. Every
interaction I have in the healthcare setting, be it with other healthcare professionals, patients or
their families, I try to remember and apply kapwa. Every meeting is grounded in respect,
attention, and purpose. I believe this has served me well in developing rapport with others and
am thankful it was instilled in me from a young age.
