CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) - The first recognized Filipino settlement in the United states was in Louisiana established in 1762 in the town of St. Malo in St. Bernard Parish as an early fishing community.

Caddo Commission recognized this history that lead to generations of economic and social contributions of Filipino Louisianans during Thursday's meeting. Commissioners presented the Fil-AM Association of the Arklatex with a special proclamation honoring their work in the region.

The group recently hosted its ninth annual Filipino American Heritage Month celebration gala at LSU Shreveport. Its president, Loreta Leavitt, told the commission that President Barack Obama first recognized Filipino Americans contributions to the country in 2009 and local leaders have continued the efforts.

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