Woodside, Queens – More than 200 volunteers, community organizations, local businesses, and neighborhood residents came together on Saturday, October 3, for the 4th Annual Filipino American History Month Little Manila Community Cleanup, continuing an annual tradition of celebrating Filipino American History Month through service, community pride, and care for the neighborhood.

Volunteers gathered Saturday morning at Little Manila Park on 70th Street before spreading throughout Woodside in organized cleanup teams. Working along Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside Avenue, and streets throughout the heart of Little Manila, volunteers collected more than 400 pounds of trash and debris while helping beautify one of New York City’s most significant Filipino American neighborhoods.

The cleanup brought together longtime residents, young people, community organizations, local businesses, public servants, and volunteers from across New York City for a morning of neighborhood service and community-building.

“Filipino American History Month is an opportunity to celebrate our history and culture, but also to recognize the communities we continue to build together,” said Assemblymember Steven Raga. “Seeing more than 200 people come out to care for Little Manila reflects the pride and spirit of service that defines this neighborhood. We are grateful to everyone who made this year’s cleanup possible.”

“NaFFAA NY proudly thanks the more than 200 volunteers who joined us to kick off Filipino American History Month,” said Rachelle Ocampo, President of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations New York Chapter. “People of all ages came together to celebrate our heritage and community pride while beautifying Little Manila. From our Know Your Rights session to programs on health and civic engagement, the day showed the strength of our community in action.”

“For 50 years, Woodside on the Move has believed in the power of neighbors coming together to strengthen the communities we call home,” said William Jourdain, Executive Director of Woodside on the Move. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are grateful to every neighbor who joined us and to Assemblymember Raga for helping spearhead this initiative. It is a powerful reflection of what has sustained us for five decades – showing up for one another, working together, and building a stronger and more united Queens.”

“It was wonderful to see a record number of volunteers of different ages and backgrounds, many visiting our ‘green oasis’ for the first time,” said Noel Gamboa of Little Manila Park. “What a fitting way to celebrate Filipino American History Month by sharing the Bayanihan spirit of care and giving to the community. Mabuhay!”

“Every year, we look forward to the FAHM Community Cleanup as an opportunity to leave our neighborhood cleaner than we found it and show that people care about our shared streets, parks, and public spaces,” said Angela Callisaya, Anthony Szeto, Pastor Joe Mantovani, and the Woodside Neighborhood Association. “It reminds us that we can accomplish more together and that it takes a diverse community to care for a diverse community.”

The day also featured a Know Your Rights session led by Damayan Migrant Workers Association, a presentation from Little Manila Park on the importance of green spaces, a health