The Livermore Filipino-American Organization (Fil-AM) is a registered nonprofit that promotes awareness of Filipino heritage and culture through cultural, social, and community-oriented programs. LFA was founded in 1967 and is the only surviving organization of its kind in the Tri-Valley, according to Incoming President Arthur Barinque. “The characteristics of our people such as hospitality, gratitude, service, and resiliency are special and have carried this organization into 2022,” he says.

This month applications opened for the 2022 Livermore Fil-Am Scholarships. Despite the pandemic, Fil-Am has been able to continue its tradition of awarding scholarships and even increase their amounts. The one-time, nonrenewable scholarships will be awarded to three qualified high school seniors. The first-place winner will receive $1000, the second-place winner will receive $750, and the third-place winner will receive $500. The scholarship awards are to be used only for tuition, fees, or supplies. Each applicant must be a current Fil-Am member or a child of a current Fil-Am member. Applicants must be a current high school senior at Livermore High School or Granada High School.

Recently the Livermore-Filipino American Organization received its 501c3 nonprofit status, according to Barinque. “With that comes more responsibility to the community and an expansion we have yet to experience as an organization,” he says. “It’s exciting. I’m looking forward to the deeper impact we will make in the Tri-Valley.”

Some Tri-Valley residents may be surprised to hear that Filipinos have a deep history in Livermore. “We have been here helping with the local agriculture, from growing grapes to tending roses,” notes Barinque. “We’ve won national awards from the White House for growing roses.”

Barinque, who grew up being immersed in Fil-Am as his mother was a member of the organization in the 1990s, has partnered with Fil-Am as an Events Manager with the Bankhead Theater for the last five years to produce the group’s Filipino Barrio Fiesta in Downtown Livermore. The 2022 event will be held on the first Sunday of October, which is Filipino American Heritage Month.

The organization has additional events throughout the year. After the scholarship applications in January, the group's Inauguration Ceremony for new officers will occur online on Fil-Am’s Facebook and Youtube pages at the end of February. In May, the group produces its Filipiniana event to celebrate its scholarship awardees.

For more information about the Livermore Filipino-American Organization, please visit www.livermorefilam.org or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/livermorefilamorg.