Photo shows Louisiana State Rep Tim Kerner (second from right) and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder (third from left) joined by PLHS founding president Robert Romero (third from right), PLHS members Eva Adolfo and Rudynah Capone (first and second from left, respectively), and Nicole Cooper from Kerner's office who is a descendant of a Filipino settler (rightmost).

In a meeting with Speaker Schexnayder, State Rep Kerner related how Manila Village was one of the first permanent Filipino settlements in the USA. The other two were Clark Cheniere (also in Jean Lafitte) and St. Malo in St. Bernard Parish. 

"This Manila Village Replica project is envisioned to be a place where we celebrate the growing number of hardworking Filipino Americans in Louisiana and their contributions to our advancing seafood economy, diverse culture, and rich history," enthused Kerner, who 45 years ago married his wife, who is a descendant of Filipino settler Gordon Rojas. Kerner began his career working in the shrimp industry himself in his hometown of Jean Lafitte, then served in Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, and then as Mayor of Jean Lafitte for seven terms from 1992 to 2020, succeeded by his son Tim Kerner, Jr. who is now the current Mayor.

In one of his previous online posts, Kerner shared, "We want to make sure that we don't lose that history, that culture, and that heritage." It is for this reason that the idea of building a replica of Manila Village at the Jean Lafitte Nature Trail came to life. He added that it is important to remember the heritage and culture while fighting for general protection of those communities that have experienced the devastating effects of a series of hurricanes hitting the area.

Capped at approximately $1.6 million, the Manila Village Replica is envisioned to replicate what it used to be back in the late 18th century. Imagine entering a village packed with shrimp-drying platforms and livable cottages plus a museum, a family-friendly playground, a travel store, and a state-of-the art stage area for entertainment. This replica shall become a hub of Filipino American celebrations and festivals, including October as Filipino American History Month, June 12 as Philippine Independence Day, July 4 as Filipino American Friendship Day, and many more.

Consul Romero positively expressed how this project can become a reality. "We foresee a long road ahead, but we are positive that the replica will be built now that we've got Speaker Schexnayder and State Rep Kerner on our side," said Romero, who is instrumental in the formal recognition of Manila Village, Clark Cheniere and St. Malo as first permanent Filipino settlements in the USA. 

"Just last year, we received the formal proclamations from the officials of Jefferson Parish, St. Bernard and Office of Governor John Bel Edwards recognizing the permanent settlements as well as officially celebrating October as Filipino American History Month," Romero further said. 

PLHS was established in 2012 to promote the history of Filipinos in Louisiana. The organization joins members from community organizations around the state in a shared mission to research and commemorate the history of Filipinos in Louisiana. Membership in the historical society is drawn from community organizations across the state. For more information, visit filipinola.com/plhs/