SJSU Unveils Filipino American History Mural

History was made at San José State on October 30, when the new Filipino American History Mural was unveiled before a crowd of over 300 students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members.

Located across four sides of a cement pillar in front of the Diaz Compean Student Union, the mural is a testament to the meaningful contributions Filipino Americans have made to the Bay Area and beyond.

Painted by artist Francesca "ChiChai" Mateo, '13 Global Studies, the vibrant mural spans generations of history, highlighting local Filipino American leaders while depicting waves of Filipino migration and the Filipino Farmworkers movement. The artwork also features a modern-day movement: SJSU students who, in 2023, advocated for Filipino farmworkers to be recognized alongside the Mexican American labor leaders honored in the university's Arch of Dignity, Equality and Justice.

"We knew we wanted the mural to cover Filipino American history, but it's impossible to cover everybody and everything," said Alan Gouig, '19 Management, chairperson of the Filipino American History Mural Committee and founder of the Filipino Alumni Network. "So we put a localized context on it, where it's specifically San José State Spartan alumni and Bay Area Filipino Americans. That way, when people are visiting campus, they're getting that extra San José flavor."

In 2008, the arch, situated near the student union, was created by artist Judy Baca to depict figures from the United Farm Workers movement. At the time, various students and community groups noted that the arch did not include the contributions of Filipino leaders such as Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz.

Across the new mural, Itliong and Vera Cruz are depicted, along with Filipino Americans such as journalist Lloyd LaCuesta, '69 Journalism, LEAD Filipino Executive Director Angelica Cortez, '10 Political Science, and SJSU Professor Emerita of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Estella Habal.

Former Associated Students President Ariana Lacson, '25 Biomedical Engineering, was one of the organizers of the unveiling event. She opened the program by speaking about the mural's significance.

Students from Akbayan SJSU performing a cultural dance at the unveiling. Photo by Brian Anderson.

"For generations, Filipino Americans have built, organized and enriched the fabric of San José," said Lacson. "Today we ensure that our history is no longer hidden in plain sight, but proudly and permanently woven into the identity of SJSU."

Before the mural was officially unveiled, Akbayan SJSU, a Filipino student organization, performed a cultural dance. The performance was followed by remarks from speakers including SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Santa Clara County District 2 Supervisor Betty Duong, San José City Councilmember Anthony Tordillos and Robert V. Ragsac Sr., '54 Mechanical Engineering, organizer of San José's Pinoytown walking tour.

President Teniente-Matson spoke about the extraordinary contributions Filipino Americans have made to California and the nation, as well as the importance of ensuring that this history remains visible and accessible.

"Like all important art, this mural represents far more than the images we see. It reflects the strength of community, the persistence of student and alumni advocates, and the importance of preserving the stories that shape our cultural identity," said Teniente-Matson.

The president recalled a conversation she had with Kayla Taduran, '23 MA Applied Anthropology, during the first year of her presidency in 2023. At the time, Taduran shared an idea for creating a mural to honor Filipino history.

Taduran, who spoke at the unveiling soon after Teniente-Matson, described the efforts she and other students made to advocate for Filipino American representation on campus.

"I was worried when we started this push that no one would care, no one would hear us. Or even worse, the project would die before it had started," said Taduran. "I am proud to say that I was very, very wrong."

Alan Gouge (left) with Councilmember Anthony Tordillos (right). Photo by Brian Anderson.When Mateo spoke, she reflected on her experience as a freshman in 2009, the year after the Arch of Dignity was completed. At the time, she heard others talk about how beautiful the arch was, but how "the solidarity between Chicano and Filipino farmworkers" was lost. Upon hearing this, she was in awe. She hadn't realized that Filipinos had been part of such a rich history.

"Being able to come back as a muralist and to continue that love of sharing stories, I'm completely honored," said Mateo.

Gouig expressed gratitude for the leadership of President Teniente-Matson, who championed the project over the last few years. He also recognized the project team and other partners who helped make the mural possible. Gouig specifically acknowledged the Asian American Studies Department, which he feels created the foundation for bringing the idea into tangible reality.

"To Asian American Studies - we would not be where we are today without your bravery, persistence and activism," said Gouig. "Because of your labor of love, moments like this are possible."

Although the mural is complete, the Filipino Alumni Network is planning to continue the work. They are developing a website that will provide additional context about the history represented on the mural. A documentary about the mural project is also in the works, which they hope will amplify the history, people and movement behind it.

Gouig also mentioned the launch of the Filipino Americans Legacies Project , which would raise funds for the documentary and create a scholarship endowment for future students.

"The labor of the storyteller is important, but it's also finite," said Gouig. "Organizing is hard work, and we can't always count on somebody always being there to tell the story. So we need to create permanent infrastructure to continue telling that story."

Learn more about the mural project in the fall 2025 issue of SJSU Magazine.