VALLEJO, CA [October 20, 2017 ] The Filipino American National Historical Society, Vallejo Chapter, hosted a historic celebration at the Filipino Community Center to honor Filipino American History Month and recognize the enduring legacy of Filipino contributions to the City of Vallejo.
Historic Milestone Achieved
The event highlighted a remarkable achievement in Vallejo’s political landscape: Filipinos now hold four out of seven seats on the City Council, marking an unprecedented level of representation. Mayor Bob Sampayan, who was honored as Vallejo’s first Filipino American mayor, was joined by current council members Vice Mayor Herminio Sunga, Councilwoman Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga, and Councilman Jess Malgapo.
Honoring Past and Present Leaders
The celebration recognized all Filipino Americans who have served on Vallejo’s City Council throughout history:
- Larry Aquino (1973) – The first Filipino American elected to Vallejo City Council at age 24
- Pete Ray (1997-2005) – Served as Vice Mayor in 1999
- Chris Villaneva (1990s) – Served two terms as councilman
- Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga – First Filipino American woman elected to City Council
- Herminio Sunga – Multiple-term councilman currently serving as Vice Mayor
- Jess Malgapo – Three-term councilman
- Bob Sampayan – Current mayor and first Filipino American mayor
Rich Historical Legacy
The event emphasized Vallejo’s deep Filipino American roots, dating back over 100 years. Mayor Sampayan proclaimed October 2017 as Filipino American History Month, noting that Filipino Americans represent approximately 25% of Vallejo’s population and are the largest Asian American Pacific Islander group in Solano County.
Mel Orpilla, local historian and author of “Filipinos in Vallejo,” explained that the first documented Filipino presence in the continental United States occurred on October 18, 1587, when Filipinos landed in Morro Bay, California aboard a Spanish galleon. Vallejo’s Filipino community began with the Carter family in 1915, and grew significantly due to Mare Island Naval Shipyard employment opportunities.
Pioneer Families Honored
The celebration featured displays honoring pioneer Filipino families who settled in Vallejo from the 1920s-1930s, many of whom worked at Mare Island and established the foundation of today’s thriving Filipino American community. Multi-generational families, including some with six generations still living in Vallejo and surrounding counties, were recognized for their contributions.
Community Impact
“We as Filipinos are now a force to be reckoned with,” said Mayor Sampayan. “We are professionals, business owners, doctors, dentists, judges, lawyers, police officers, firefighters, educators, and politicians. We have a voice – a powerful voice that is heard at every election in our city.”
The mayor emphasized the City Council’s commitment to unity and progress, noting significant developments including Mare Island redevelopment, new housing construction, and economic growth initiatives.
Looking Forward
The event challenged the next generation to continue the legacy of civic engagement and community service. Dr. Rosanna Verder-Alliga encouraged young Filipino Americans to run for office, join commissions and boards, and actively participate in local government.
About the Event
The Filipino American National Historical Society has 33 chapters throughout the United States and has been active for 30 years. Their mission is to promote understanding, education, and appreciation of Filipino American history and culture in the United States.
The celebration was organized by committee members including the Gist Brothers (Joe and Lil), Antoinette Reyes-Bores, Emily Kika, Maryann Hopwood, and others, with extensive historical displays created by Maryann Hopwood and community volunteers.
(Video by: Bill Yuen)