On October 4, 2025, over 110 volunteers came together for the 3rd Annual Little Manila Community Cleanup to kick off Filipino American History Month, hosted by the Office of Assemblymember Steven Raga and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations New York Chapter.
Assemblymember Steven Raga and 110+ volunteers posing for a photo in Woodside
They collected more than 160 pounds of trash and helped clean up Woodside, from 70th Street to 60th Street, stretching from Roosevelt Avenue to Woodside Avenue and 69th Street, celebrating a shared pride in the Filipino American community and the neighborhood many of them call home in the 30th Assembly District.
This year’s cleanup went beyond beautification—Volunteers also joined a mental health and community well-being workshop, fostering care for both our environment and ourselves.
From toddlers to grandparents, students to retirees, this multigenerational effort reflected the spirit of bayanihan, community in action.
Assemblymember Steven Raga said, “It’s inspiring to see over a hundred volunteers come together once again to care for Little Manila and the neighborhood so many of us call home. This cleanup is more than just picking up trash, it’s about strengthening our bonds, honoring our heritage, and showing what community power looks like in action. I’m grateful to all our partners, volunteers, and neighbors who continue to make Woodside a place we can be proud of. Together, we’re building a cleaner, stronger, and more connected community.”
They also extend their heartfelt gratitude to all their partners and supporters who made this event possible: Woodside on the Move; Woodside Neighborhood Association; NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; Charles B. Wang Community Health Center; AFSA – Association of Filipino Scientists in America; Filipino Googler Network; Tanggol Migrante Woodside Alliance; Project Barkada; Knights of Rizal (Astoria, Long Island, and NY Chapters); Ladies for Rizal Long Island; GATE (Global Association for Training and Employment); Columbia University Liga Filipina; CEBU (Cebuanos Engaging in Building Unity) Inc.; City College of New York PAO; Queens College Tropa; Alakdan NY; Future Ancestors; FALA NY (Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York); Ilocano American Association Inc.; Regeneron API ERG; Damayan Migrant Workers Association; Kinding Sindaw; Social Beehive; Date to Change; Kusina Pinoy Bistro; and Amazing Grace Restaurant and Grocery.
Assemblymember Raga looks forward to continuing to partner with organizations, residents, and civic leaders in giving back and beautifying the neighborhood.
Rachelle Ocampo from the National Federation of Filipino American Associations New York Chapter, said, “NaFFAA New York extends our heartfelt thanks to the over 110 volunteers who joined the 3rd Annual Little Manila Cleanup on October 4, to kick off Filipino American History Month. We were thrilled to see people of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, and from college students to retirees, come together for this multigenerational event and help pick up over 160 pounds of trash. We celebrated our vibrant heritage and community pride while beautifying Little Manila, with the support of the Office of Assemblymember Steven Raga and our dedicated partners. A notable highlight that made this cleanup different from other events was a mental health workshop and resource sharing, which offered volunteers practical tools to support their well-being during these tumultuous times. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the food, fellowship, and fun experience.”
William Jourdain from Woodside on the Move said, “The turnout for the 3rd Annual Little Manila Community Cleanup was truly inspiring. Seeing so many generations come together highlights the deep pride and commitment our community members have for our beloved Woodside. Cleanups like this are unity and community spirit at its finest because they are vital for maintaining our neighborhood’s quality of life and fostering a sense of shared responsibility. The government can’t do everything, but together as one we can accomplish anything. We are incredibly grateful for all the volunteers, partners and Assembly Member Steven Raga for making this event a success.”
Pastor Joe Mantovani from the Woodside Neighborhood Association said, “As usual, it was an exciting day to work with a diverse team of caring and community-centered individuals and organizations. A good reminder of our shared responsibility to each other and our neighborhood. It was great to leave the area a little cleaner, more welcoming and loved than it was before.”
