Filipinos in Georgia marked on March 11 the first Filipino-American Day in the peach state’s capitol.

State Representative Marvin Lim sponsored House Resolution 1378 which recognized Filipinos’ contribution to “diverse culture and economy of Georgia, with robust participation in the religious, cultural, and social lives of their local communities.”

Lim, a Fil-Am himself, stressed the importance of Washington-Manila ties to ensure, among others, stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The U.S.-Philippine relationship is critical in peace and security in the East,” he said, “and we have, of course, contributed significantly to many professions in America like nursing and allied health.”

Fil-Am Natalie Ammons, who initiated the effort, said the recognition echoes louder than the applause in the state assembly chamber.

“Everybody in the capitol [saw] us and they were like, ‘Oh, what is that for?’ And everybody was saying how beautiful the clothing was,” she said.

Ammons continued: “And so we were able to tell them, ‘oh, it's Filipino American Day at the Capitol.’ And so it was really great. It's a way for our community to be able to be engaged civically.”

Filipinos who attended the celebration also had a chance to meet with Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp.

“This exposure is really huge,” said Ammons. “I'm hoping that next year we can make it an even bigger event.”

The non-profit group Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote estimates that there are nearly 50,000 Filipinos in Georgia. 

Between the years 2010 to 2016, it said the number of eligible Asian voters grew to 43 percent.

“We are here to stay and we are a big voting power,” said Anna Mercado Sanchez, chairperson of the Philippine Independence Gala. “So, that's a good thing, to be recognized."

Those who pushed for the recognition – such as Mercado, Lim, and Ammons, said this extends to all Filipinos in the peach state.