California: Governor Newsom proclaims Larry Itliong Day
The Californer/10330286

~ Sacramento, CA - On October 25, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom declared the day as "Larry Itliong Day" in honor of the Filipino-American labor leader and civil rights champion. The proclamation was made during Filipino-American Heritage Month to celebrate Itliong's contributions to the state of California.

Born in the Philippines, Itliong immigrated to the United States as a teenager and dedicated his life to empowering others. He helped found the Alaska Cannery Workers Union while working in fisheries and canneries in Alaska, fighting for better working conditions such as an eight-hour workday with overtime.

After serving in World War II, Itliong settled in Stockton where he continued his organizing efforts. He played a crucial role in the asparagus strike of 1948 and founded the Filipino Farm Labor Union in Stockton in 1956. Along with other leaders, he also helped create the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee.

Itliong's leadership and dedication to improving farmworkers' rights led him to ally with grape workers in their fight for better wages. In 1965, he joined forces with César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and the National Farmworkers Association to organize against exploitative grape growers in Delano. This resulted in a nationwide boycott of grapes and eventually led to the first farmworker union contracts.

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Governor Newsom recognized Itliong's impact on California by inducting him into the California Hall of Fame in 2021. On what would have been his 112th birthday, Newsom honored Itliong's immense contributions and those of his fellow Manongs (respected elders) who fought for social justice and farmworkers' rights.

In his proclamation, Governor Newsom stated that "we are all connected" in our fight for justice and that "we rise and fall together." He urged Californians to remember this message as they honor Itliong and the Manongs on Larry Itliong Day.

The Governor's proclamation was signed on October 24, 2025, and was witnessed by Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. Newsom also made several other announcements that day, including appointments to the California Environmental Protection Agency and the deployment of California Volunteers and the California National Guard to assist food banks during the ongoing government shutdown.

Additionally, Governor Newsom celebrated CAL FIRE's first graduation ceremony at their new Atwater training center. The 38 graduates will take on roles as frontline leaders in emergency response.

Larry Itliong Day serves as a reminder of the impact that one person can have in fighting for justice and empowering others. As Californians honor his legacy, they are reminded to continue his work towards a more just and equitable society for all.

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