A required course in Filipino history, culture and identity could be coming to all Hawaii public high schools, according to a resolution passed earlier this month by the state Legislature.
The resolution, adopted April 7, requests that the state Department of Education develop and implement the course.
The course would be one of the first mandated curriculum regarding Asian American history in Hawaii public schools.
“It’s a very important bill for Asian American history,” said state Rep. Greggor Ilagan of Puna who serves on the Filipino Caucus. “The intent of the caucus was to initiate discussions with the DOE and figure out ways to integrate Filipino culture and history into its system. I’m going to guess that because this is not only the position of the House, but also the position of the entire Legislature, that now it becomes a priority.”
The resolution notes that in 2020, news reports indicated anti-Asian hate crimes increased by nearly 150% in the United States. Increased education and an understanding of Asian American history, culture and contributions, the resolution noted, can reduce incidents of hostility and discrimination.
“I identify as 100 percent Filipino,” said Ilagan, who was born in the Philippines and moved to Hawaii at the age of 7. “I would like to make sure this generation and future generations will have the education to learn more about their culture and history. I really believe it will strengthen their identity as a Filipino.”
Filipinos are the largest Asian ethnic and non-white group in Hawaii, despite minimal Filipino representation within its education system.
“Twenty-three percent of Hawaii public school students identify as Filipino,” said Ilagan. “That’s more than one-fifth of the population. It’s a large amount. It would be very helpful for those students to understand their culture and history.”
The resolution also requests the DOE recruit Filipino teachers for the courses. Filipino educators represent just 5% of public school teachers and staff throughout the state.
“It’s an issue the Filipino Caucus prioritized this session,” Ilagan said. “I believe this is a very friendly way to start it off with the House, Senate and Filipino Caucus coming together as a unified voice to say this is a priority for us.”
Despite the resolution’s adoption, final approval and implementation will be left to the DOE.
“This resolution really has the authority to only encourage and urge — it doesn’t mandate the DOE to have these coursework and curriculum available,” Ilagan said. “This is but a step in that direction.
“I hope the DOE would help guide that process and work with the Legislature to figure out what the coursework would look like. And if the resolution lands on deaf ears, we would probably put more than a resolution as pressure points into the DOE system.”
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com