Los Angeles, California — Larry Itliong Day will be marked across Southern California this October with community events celebrating the Filipino American labor leader and the farmworkers who helped reshape California labor history. The gatherings also give Fil-Am families an opportunity to learn how Itliong’s advocacy for fair wages and safer working conditions continues to resonate with workers today.
Larry Itliong Day Festivals Planned in Chula Vista and Los Angeles
The first Larry Itliong Day festival is scheduled for October 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Montevalle Park in Chula Vista. The free event will feature Filipino food, cultural performances, local vendors, arts and crafts, community speakers, and exhibits exploring the history of Filipino farmworkers.
Los Angeles will hold another celebration on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bresee Foundation grounds. Organizers plan cultural performances, a mini film festival, farmers’ markets, historical exhibits, and interactive displays highlighting Itliong’s involvement in the Delano Grape Strike.
Both events are part of broader Filipino American History Month activities that recognize the contributions of Filipino workers in California.
Itliong’s Fight for Filipino Farmworkers Still Carries Legal Significance
Itliong became a major figure in the labor movement after helping Filipino agricultural workers organize for improved wages and working conditions.
On September 8, 1965, Filipino workers led by Itliong and other Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee leaders walked out of Delano grape fields. Days later, they gained support from the National Farm Workers Association, helping build a broader Filipino-Latino labor coalition.
Their efforts ultimately contributed to a stronger farmworker organization and collective bargaining. California continues to recognize Itliong on October 25, his birthday, and he was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2021.
His history also reflects issues that remain important for California workers, including:
- Fair compensation and lawful wages
- Protection against workplace discrimination and retaliation
- Safe and respectful working conditions
- The ability of workers to raise concerns about unlawful employment practices
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor inducted Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and Peter Gines Velasco into its Hall of Honor for their leadership in the farmworker movement.
Know Your Rights and Find Support With Kapwa Justice
Larry Itliong Day is also a reminder of the importance of understanding and protecting your rights. Kapwa Justice helps connect Filipino Americans in California with legal guidance on employment disputes, personal injury, sex trafficking, and sexual assault.
If you or a loved one is facing a workplace problem, injury, exploitation, or sexual violence, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Contact us for a free consultation to learn which legal options may be available to you.
