The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education has approved a resolution recognizing Filipino Heritage and History Month starting next October. The sponsor, Student Board Member Frances Suavillo, was born in the Philippines and moved to Los Angeles at age 9. She is a senior at Carson Senior High School.

“Los Angeles Unified is so diverse and rich in culture,” Suavillo said. “This resolution directs all schools to accurately represent and celebrate Filipino history and heritage and also provide ample opportunities for students to explore the historical and cultural aspects of the Filipino-American community, and of the Philippines.”

LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner will explore establishing dual language instruction in Tagalog and major dialects spoken in the Philippines. Currently, dual language instruction is offered in English and Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic, Armenian or French in the LAUSD.

“Los Angeles Unified is the most diverse big city in the country, where America comes to see its future, a future where all students have an understanding of the world around them and are prepared for all of the opportunities in an increasingly global economy,” Beutner said. “We are pleased to celebrate our Filipino students, educators, employees and families.”

All members of the LAUSD board co-sponsored the resolution, including Nick Melvoin, who represents the local area on the board.

“Our diversity makes us stronger, as a district, a city and a country, no matter what we hear from the White House,” Melvoin said. “I’m proud to support this celebration of our Filipino community and look forward to October 2020 when we will kick off this celebration of Filipino Heritage Month.”

For information, visit lausd.net.