Philippine Flag Raising Ceremony to Kick Off Filipino-American History Month

Philippine Flag Raising Ceremony to Kick Off Filipino-American History Month. PC: file Alfredo Evangelista

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino and the County of Maui together with the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation will officially kick off the month of October as Filipino-American History Month with a flag raising ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. in front of the County Building at 200 S. High Street.

In 2008, House Bill No. 3343 became law as Act 15, which designated October as Filipino American History month in the State of Hawaiʻi “to commemorate the contributions of Filipino Americans to the history and heritage of Hawaiʻi and the United States.” Act 15 (2008) is codified at Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Section 8-18.

“Filipino-Americans have greatly contributed to the social and economic fabric of our islands — in public service, business, education, culture and the arts, to name a few — and I greatly appreciate the work, sacrifices and commitment that it’s taken to shape Maui County into the community we’re proud to call home. I urge everyone to learn more about Filipino culture and heritage and join in celebrating Filipino-American History Month,” said Mayor Michael Victorino in a press release issued by the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Jorge Tirona, president of the Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation said, “We look forward to sharing our Filipino history and heritage with all of Maui County.”

After the brief formal program, there will be entertainment and food samples provided by the restaurants who will be at the Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival®: CAA Market Place, Originz, Pinoy Mini Mart, Tante’s Fishmarket Restaurant & Bar and Wailuku Seafood.

Celebration of Filipino-American History Month will continue with the Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival® on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.