California Today

Expanding Filipino-American History Education in California

24 May 2026 10:14

Wayne Jopanda, a San Jose State student, is working to expand Filipino-American history education in California, inspired by a book and mentorship from Professor Robyn Magalit Rodriguez. - Jopanda rarely learned Filipino-American history in school until reading "Migrants For Export" at UC Berkeley.

- Rodriguez founded the Bulosan Center at UC Davis, the first university-based Filipino studies center, now continued via the Amado Khaya Foundation. - California's AB 123 mandates teaching Filipino-American history, but educators lack accessible resources.

- The Amado Khaya Archive preserves stories of Filipino farmworkers and migrants, filling a critical void. Jopanda and other educators rely on these archives to teach, highlighting the ongoing need for dedicated materials.

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BerkeleyKelseyvilleeducationhistorycultureKern CountyAlameda CountyLocal