WHEREAS, the earliest documented proof of Filipino presence in the continental United States was October 18, 1587, when the first Filipinos set foot in Morro Bay, California; and

WHEREAS, in 2009, U.S. Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the United States to recognize and celebrate the rich culture and traditions the Filipino community has shared with our State and our nation; and

WHEREAS, Filipinos make up 15% of the immigrant population in Nevada, the second largest immigrant population in our State; and

WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have made and continue to make immeasurable contributions to Nevada and our nation, setting examples as model citizens, savvy business owners, and public servants; and

WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have enhanced the freedom, prosperity, and greatness of our state and nation; and

WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have been working to protect our freedom while serving in the military, have put their lives on the line as healthcare professionals, and contributed economically to our State and nation as small business owners; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 national theme for Filipino American History Month is '1898: Recognizing 125 Years of Philippine-American History', this year marks the 125th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris signing - where Spain and the United States agreed to end the Spanish American War that led to U.S. annexation of the Philippines and on June 12, 1898, the Philippines declaring their independence; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada joins the Filipino American community in celebrating their important contributions to our State and our nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2023 as

FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH IN NEVADA