SAN DIEGO – Alongside several autumn traditions and festivities, Filipino American History Month also falls in October. This history month commemorates the first arrival of Filipinos on American soil and presents an opportune time to delve into the rich legacy and contributions of Filipino Americans over the years.

Joan Borgonia, ECS’ education and behavioral health manager, embodies the spirit of this celebration. Borgonia’s roots trace back to the Philippines, as her parents migrated to the U.S., bringing a legacy of community service and generosity with them. Her mother, a devoted school teacher, nurtured the minds of children in impoverished areas in the Philippines. Her father dedicated himself to co-founding a non-profit that fostered connections among Filipino Americans while extending financial support to struggling families back in the Philippines.

For Borgonia, Filipino American History Month holds great significance. “It’s nice to know other people’s cultural backgrounds and where they came from. You can do that with the food, [and] the culture we bring to the United States,” she said, explaining how she’s taught her children Filipino customs, such as greeting elders with a blessing, so their culture will live on in future generations.

ECS celebrates the history and heritage of its employees and works to promote inclusivity in every aspect of the organization. “ECS has always made me feel welcomed, regardless of my culture or ethnicity,” Borgonia said. “ECS has always felt like family. I’ve been here for 20-plus years and have always felt embraced.” This sense of belonging is a cornerstone of ECS’ core values and helps to fuel its mission to break barriers and transform communities.

The values instilled in Borgonia by her parents and culture seamlessly align with the work of ECS. “[ECS’] beliefs, what they do, aligns with what my mom taught me… this program reminds me of her,” she said.

This Filipino American History Month, take the time to learn more about Filipino customs and the deep history of Filipino Americans impacting the U.S. Through a reflection on the shared values and the community-centric ethos of team members like Joan Borgonia, ECS continues to build a more inclusive environment, fostering deeper connections with the communities we serve.