The Clark County Commission has unanimously approved the establishment of “Filipino Town” as the second cultural district in the area, following a similar designation for “Little Ethiopia” in 2023. This new district is located along a 1.2-mile stretch on Maryland Parkway, anchored by the Seafood City supermarket and a concentration of Filipino businesses at Boulevard Mall. The initiative, championed by Rozita V. Lee, aims to celebrate and preserve Filipino culture, commerce, and community life in the region.
Attendees at the commission meeting celebrated the decision by waving flags of the Philippines and the United States. Plans are underway for inaugural celebrations once the district signage is installed. Commission Chair Tick Segerblom expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and persistence in achieving this designation.
The establishment of Filipino Town is part of a broader effort enabled by a 2019 county ordinance, which allows for the creation of cultural districts similar to those in the Los Angeles area. The application process involved mapping the proposed district and gaining endorsements from local advisory boards.
The Filipino community in Nevada has grown significantly, with more than 200,000 Filipinos now residing in the state. The district is seen as a way to unite the community, which has historically been divided based on regional origins from the Philippines. The opening of Seafood City acted as a catalyst for the development of more Filipino-centered businesses, contributing to the community’s growth and cohesion.
Rozita V. Lee highlighted the substantial contributions of the Filipino community to Nevada, emphasizing the positive impact that the new cultural district is expected to have on preserving their heritage and fostering a sense of unity.