To close out the busy and exciting month of October, Mayor Ed Lee hosted the Filipino American History Month Celebration. This year’s theme is “Celebrating SOMA Pilipinas.” The night consisted of not just highlighting the vibrant history and strong leaders of Filipino descent, but of a night to also recognize the life of Alice Bulos—a passionate leader and mother to our City and Filipino community, and to proclaim this 28th day of October as “Filipino American Heritage Month in San Francisco.” The City has certified Tagalog as the third official language in 2014.
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In addition, we have the nation’s first and only public elementary school with Filipino curriculum at Bessie Carmichael.
SOMA Pilipinas consist of three primary purposes—cultural celebration, the formation of a cultural district will increase the visibility and celebration the contributions of the Filipino community in SOMA, San Francisco, and the greater Bay-Area region. Community development, protect the numerous cultural assets spread throughout the area and prevent the displacement of Filipino residents while improving the living conditions of the community. Lastly, economic opportunity, develop initiatives for the Filipino community to participate in the wealth creation of the Bay Area. SOMA Pilipinas embodies the struggles and triumphs for equity and justice for Filipinos in their new homeland.