History

In Fall 2003, the first Kababayan Program course, English 846: Reading and Writing Connections, was taught by then-adjunct English instructor Liza Erpelo. The program continued in the following spring with classes in English, literature, and history, and has since expanded to include language, music, dance, sociology, and cultural production.

By Fall 2004, a group of Filipino and Filipino American students from the Kababayan Program at Skyline College gathered together to form a student organization, the Filipino Student Union, and with the students of the Kababayan Program, they hosted such events as Filipino food festivals, talent showcases, poetry readings, book signings, and eventually, Pilipino Cultural Night. All of these projects showcased the meaning of teamwork and dedication. Eventually, the program grew to include the Kapatiran Mentorship Program and our very own Kababayan Dance Troupe.

The Kababayan Program still continues to grow. We work with over 300 students each year, alongside our four advisors: Liza Erpelo, Nate Nevado, Marisa Mariano, and Melanie Espinueva. Our goal as the Kababayan Program -- with the help of the Filipino Student Union, Pilipino Cultural Night, Kapatiran Mentorship Program, and Kababayan Dance Troupe -- is to enrich our communities with the pride and love we have for our Filipino and Filipino American language, culture, and heritage.