BEAUMONT, TEXAS — The Beaumont City Council has officially recognized June 12, as Philippine Independence Day, marking a historic first for Southeast Texas and only the third such proclamation in the state.
The proclamation was accepted during a city council meeting by Vincent Jaspher Cauilan, President of the Filipino Association of Beaumont. Members of the Filipino community were also present to witness the event.
Mayor Roy West and council members joined in commemorating the occasion, which honors the declaration of Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898. The recognition celebrates not only a key historical event for Filipinos but also the contributions of Filipino Americans to the Beaumont community and the broader Southeast Texas region.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Cauilan emphasized the importance of the proclamation as a symbol of visibility, inclusion, and unity.
“This is more than just a ceremonial moment for us in the Filipino community. This is history in the making,” he said. “We are seen, we are valued, and we belong.”
He highlighted the importance of June 12 in Filipino history and described the day as a bridge between the past and the future for Filipino Americans. The proclamation, he added, serves as a message to younger generations that their heritage and identity are integral to the American narrative.
Cauilan thanked the mayor and city council for embracing diversity and acknowledged the hard work of Filipino professionals and families who have made Beaumont their home. He closed with a call to action for the community to continue building understanding, connection, and pride.
The event concluded with expressions of appreciation for the city’s recognition and a message of unity: “Long live the Philippines. Long live Beaumont. And long live our friendship.”