Hundreds join the 4th Annual Little Manila Cleanup in Woodside

Community volunteers collected more than 400 pounds of trash and debris throughout Little Manila and surrounding Woodside streets

WOODSIDE, QUEENS – More than 200 volunteers, community organizations, local businesses, and neighborhood residents came together on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for the 4th Annual Filipino American History Month Little Manila Community Cleanup, continuing an annual tradition of celebrating Filipino American History Month through service, community pride, and care for the neighborhood.

Volunteers gathered Saturday morning at Little Manila Park on 70th Street before spreading throughout Woodside in organized cleanup teams. Working along Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside Avenue, and streets throughout the heart of Little Manila, volunteers collected more than 400 pounds of trash and debris while helping beautify one of New York City’s most significant Filipino American neighborhoods.

Cleaning up the ‘hood in Woodside on Filipino American History Month. (Photo by Keilan Santos)

The cleanup brought together longtime residents, young people, community organizations, local businesses, public servants, and volunteers from across New York City for a morning of neighborhood service and community-building.

“Filipino American History Month is an opportunity to celebrate our history and culture, but also to recognize the communities we continue to build together,” said Assemblymember Steven Raga. “Seeing more than 200 people come out to care for Little Manila reflects the pride and spirit of service that defines this neighborhood. We are grateful to everyone who made this year’s cleanup possible.”

“NaFFAA NY proudly thanks the more than 200 volunteers who joined us to kick off Filipino American History Month,” said Rachelle Ocampo, President of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations New York Chapter. “People of all ages came together to celebrate our heritage and community pride while beautifying Little Manila. From our Know Your Rights session to programs on health and civic engagement, the day showed the strength of our community in action.”

“For 50 years, Woodside on the Move has believed in the power of neighbors coming together to strengthen the communities we call home,” said William Jourdain, Executive Director of Woodside on the Move. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are grateful to every neighbor who joined us and to Assemblymember Raga for helping spearhead this initiative. It is a powerful reflection of what has sustained us for five decades — showing up for one another, working together, and building a stronger and more united Queens.”

“It was wonderful to see a record number of volunteers of different ages and backgrounds, many visiting our ‘green oasis’ for the first time,” said Noel Gamboa of Little Manila Park. “What a fitting way to celebrate Filipino American History Month by sharing the Bayanihan spirit of care and giving to the community. Mabuhay!”

“Every year, we look forward to the FAHM Community Cleanup as an opportunity to leave our neighborhood cleaner than we found it and show that people care about our shared streets, parks, and public spaces,” said Angela Callisaya, Anthony Szeto, Pastor Joe Mantovani, and the Woodside Neighborhood Association. “It reminds us that we can accomplish more together and that it takes a diverse community to care for a diverse community.”

The day also featured a Know Your Rights session led by Damayan Migrant Workers Association, a presentation from Little Manila Park on the importance of green spaces, a health and caregiving presentation from the Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Excellence (CAHPE), and a civic engagement presentation from NYC Votes.

After the cleanup, volunteers and community members gathered at St. Sebastian Parish Center for a free community lunch and program celebrating Filipino American History Month and recognizing the collective work that made the day possible.

The annual Little Manila Community Cleanup has grown into a neighborhood tradition centered on stewardship, civic engagement, and preserving the cultural significance of Woodside’s Little Manila. The event also brings neighbors and organizations together while highlighting the importance of keeping local commercial corridors and residential streets clean and welcoming.

The event was hosted in partnership with Little Manila Park, Woodside on the Move, the Center for Asian Health Promotion and Excellence (CAHPE), Filipino Oncology Network, NaFFAA New York, the Woodside Neighborhood Association, and the Office of Assemblymember Steven Raga. Additional partners included Apicha Community Health Center, Barkada NYC, Columbia Liga, Damayan Migrant Workers Association, FALA New York, Filipino School of New Jersey and New York, FIND District 3, International Women Artists, Kinding Sindaw, Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens, NYC Votes, Project Barkada, Queensboro Dance Festival, Queens Community Board 2, Rutgers University RAPS, Stony Brook University PUSO, UNIFIED, and Woodside Trash Club.

About Assemblymember Steven Raga

Born and raised in Queens, Steven Raga is a lifelong tenant, the son of Filipino immigrant workers, and a proud product of Western Queens. Elected in 2022, he is the first Filipino American to hold statewide office and the first person of color to serve the Assembly district. Before serving in the State Assembly, he worked as a community advocate and nonprofit leader, fighting for immigrant rights, language access, and for working families. In Albany, he has built a record of delivering investments in affordable housing, immigration legal services, food security, and other essential support for the diverse communities he represents.

(A Press Release from Rene Ontal, Communications Director for Assemblymember Raga.)