[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 172 (Wednesday, October 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1374-E1375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE TO THE 
      COMMUNITY OF GUAM IN CELEBRATION OF FILIPINO AMERICAN MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL F.Q. SAN NICOLAS

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2019

  Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to rise today in 
celebration of Filipino American History Month. During this month of 
October, we take the time to recognize and commend the innumerable 
contributions of our Filipino-Americans. As Filipino American History 
Month comes to an end, it is important that we reflect on the 
historical events that that have enriched our island and our country 
into prosperity.
  The island of Guam and the Philippine nation share a mirrored 
colonial history, having both been under Spanish rule for hundreds of 
years and later governed by the United States. At the end of World War 
II seventy-five years ago, many Filipinos left their families and their 
homes to help rebuild Guam from the destruction left by the Imperial 
Japanese's three-year occupation of the island. Filipinos continue to 
bring their expertise in construction and labor to the island in the 
wake of man-made and natural disasters, for this we are grateful.
  Today, Filipinos on Guam remain a true pillar of our community. They 
continue to play

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vital roles by providing professional and economic support in the 
fields of healthcare, education, and infrastructure. With Filipinos 
proudly being the second largest ethnic demographic on Guam, one can 
easily discover unique Filipino hubs filled with Filipino cuisine, 
fashion, and pop culture throughout Guam. Furthermore, their 
significant contributions are evidenced through the many community 
organizations formed for the benefit of charity, education assistance, 
and goodwill.
  The peoples of the Philippines and Guam's shared history, culture, 
and traditions will forever bind us. Our shared pursuit of the CHamoru 
cultural foundation of harmony and striving to do good for all, 
(inafa'maolek) has been easily achieved and manifested in the melting 
pot of Guam due to the strong relationship fostered by the Filipino 
Community in Guam and the people of Guam.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to reflect upon the rich history & 
contributions of Filipino-Americans. Throughout America's history, 
present, and future, the Filipino community has played and will 
continue to play a major role in enriching the quality of life for the 
people of the United States, and for their outstanding contributions 
they are worthy of our respect and gratitude. On behalf of the People 
of Guam, I extend our great thanks (un dangkulu na Si Yu'us ma'ase) to 
all Filipinos in Guam and across our nation.

                          ____________________