Kayumanggi Volunteers at Agbayani Village (Multimedia)

Abstract

Abstract: Agbayani Village, located in the California Central Valley town of Delano, was a housing project of the United Farm Workers (UFW) for retired Filipino farmworkers. Construction began in 1972, and it was dedicated in 1974 to honor the contributions of Filipinos to the farmworker movement. Aiding the anchor crew in the construction was a force of over 1000 volunteers. Many were community groups as well as student contingents from colleges throughout California. In 1974, Kayumanggi, a Filipino student organization from Cal State University (CSU) Sacramento, traveled to Delano to help with the construction. Kayumanggi was an example of many of the student organizations on college campuses throughout the United States that were created in the wake of the Civil Rights movement. There was a growing need to include courses on campuses that tell the history of the diverse student populations on campus. Kayumanggi was no different. They developed several courses related to the Filipino American experience and also became involved in projects in their communities to help further their education. Agbayani Village was one such project. Through interviews, photos, and film, this video discusses the historical background of Agbayani Village and their experiences as volunteers during the construction.