The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed June 12, 2023 as “Philippine Independence Day” in the county.
The motion, authored by Chair of the Board Janice Hahn and coauthored by Supervisor Hilda L. by Solis, reads in part, “The Board of Supervisors recognizes the importance of this day to Filipino residents in Los Angeles County and the contributions made by Filipino employees who are a vital part of our County workforce and continually dedicate themselves to serving our communities.”
“The histories of Los Angeles County and of the Philippines are inextricably linked, and Filipino immigrants have shaped our region over generations. We’re honoring those historical ties and also saying to our Filipino community: LA County is celebrating with you,” said Chair of the Board Janice Hahn. “I’m especially thankful for the role that our Filipino employee groups like the LA County Filipino American Employees Association and the Filipino American Employees Association of DPSS play in the life of our County government, and I wish them a very happy celebration of Philippine independence next month.”
Los Angeles County, which has the largest Asian American population of any county in the nation, is home to more than 340,000 Filipino Americans.
“This June 12 will commemorate the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day, marking the historic day when the Philippines declared independence from Spain. I am proud to represent a vibrant community of Filipino American residents, from Historic Filipinotown to West Covina. I am honored to celebrate this historic milestone with them and am so grateful to them for their part in making our County so special,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District.
After 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, Filipino rebels declared independence on June 12, 1898. After its defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American War, the United States subsequently annexed the Philippines, and governed the archipelago until full independence was granted on July 4, 1946.
