Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has officially declared October 25, 2024, as "Larry Itliong Day" in California. The announcement honors Larry Itliong, a notable labor leader and civil rights advocate who played a significant role in the farm labor movement.

Born on October 25, 1913, in the Philippines, Itliong immigrated to the United States as a teenager. He began his advocacy work by helping to establish the Alaska Cannery Workers Union, aiming for improved working conditions such as an eight-hour workday with overtime. After serving in World War II, he settled in Stockton and continued his organizing efforts. Notably, he launched the asparagus strike of 1948 and founded the Filipino Farm Labor Union in 1956.

Itliong was instrumental in forming the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee alongside Philip Vera Cruz and others. He emerged as a leader during the farm labor movement by supporting grape workers' wage struggles in Coachella Valley. In 1965, he organized against exploitative grape growers in Delano with fellow Manongs—respected elders within the Filipino-American community—and later joined forces with César Chávez and Dolores Huerta to initiate a nationwide grape boycott.

Governor Newsom acknowledged Itliong's contributions by inducting him into the California Hall of Fame in 2021. On this occasion marking what would have been Itliong's 111th birthday, Newsom stated: "Today... we honor the immense contributions of Larry Itliong and the Manongs whose hard-fought battles helped advance farmworkers’ rights and social justice."

The proclamation serves as a reminder of their message: “Isang Bagsak!”—emphasizing unity and collective action for justice.

In closing his proclamation, Governor Newsom declared: "NOW THEREFORE I... do hereby proclaim October 25, 2024, as 'Larry Itliong Day.'"

Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Secretary of State attested to this declaration made on October 24, 2024.