History of FACSPS
A Short History of the Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound
The history of FACSPS has its origins in the Philippines. Christianity was introduced by Spain in the 1500s and, through the centuries, took root in the Philippines. The Church is therefore a common bond for Filipinos coming to America, and as such, the first organization of Filipinos in the Olympia area was likewise church-based. The organization founded in 1982 included a few Filipino families and other Asian immigrants and was called the Asian Community of Sacred Heart Parish of Lacey. It was active in church matters, e.g., choir, liturgy, and assistance to the various activities of the parish.
The organization was reorganized and renamed Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound in 1989 to form a more cohesive bond of the fast-growing population of Filipino-Americans in the area, and to respond to a more active civic and social consciousness. The adage, “You can take Filipinos away from the Philippines, but never the Philippines from Filipinos”, was proven once again. The organization was subsequently recognized by the State of Washington as a community-based nonprofit organization in 1992 making it inclusive of all Filipino-Americans in the Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater area. The leadership expanded its programs to include education, charity, scholarship, culture, and promotion of Filipino heritage. Such shift necessitated more sustained funding through tax-deductible donations from members and interested parties. Thus, an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 educational and charitable organization was applied for and subsequently approved in 1993. Since then, the growth of the FACSPS has continued to what it is today.
General Purposes
Leadership
The history of FACSPS has its origins in the Philippines. Christianity was introduced by Spain in the 1500s and, through the centuries, took root in the Philippines. The Church is therefore a common bond for Filipinos coming to America, and as such, the first organization of Filipinos in the Olympia area was likewise church-based. The organization founded in 1982 included a few Filipino families and other Asian immigrants and was called the Asian Community of Sacred Heart Parish of Lacey. It was active in church matters, e.g., choir, liturgy, and assistance to the various activities of the parish.
The organization was reorganized and renamed Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound in 1989 to form a more cohesive bond of the fast-growing population of Filipino-Americans in the area, and to respond to a more active civic and social consciousness. The adage, “You can take Filipinos away from the Philippines, but never the Philippines from Filipinos”, was proven once again. The organization was subsequently recognized by the State of Washington as a community-based nonprofit organization in 1992 making it inclusive of all Filipino-Americans in the Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater area. The leadership expanded its programs to include education, charity, scholarship, culture, and promotion of Filipino heritage. Such shift necessitated more sustained funding through tax-deductible donations from members and interested parties. Thus, an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 educational and charitable organization was applied for and subsequently approved in 1993. Since then, the growth of the FACSPS has continued to what it is today.
- Present membership includes about 350 families composed of over 1,500 individuals.
- FACSPS is active in education and scholarship promotion, charity, civic-minded citizenship, cultural enhancement, youth and seniors development.
General Purposes
- The organization is for charitable and educational purposes.
- It shall promote services and charitable contributions to local community and international nonprofit organizations.
- It shall promote programs to foster consciousness of Filipino heritage among its members, especially the youth.
- It shall promote Filipino-American identity in the community.
Leadership
- Organized on November 28, 1982 as Asian Community of Sacred Heart, a church-based organization in Lacey. Levi Competente was President until 1986.
- In 1987, the name of the organization was changed to Filipino-American Community of Sacred Heart, with Jesus Dizon as President from 1987-1989.
- Renamed to Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound (FACSPS), it was granted by the State of Washington a certificate of incorporation on January 28, 1989 as a nonprofit organization. Levi was reelected President for 1989-1991.
- Restructured as a community-based nonprofit organization on June 12, 1992, making its membership primarily from Filipino-Americans in the Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey areas and adjoining cities. Fely Wiedebush was President from 1991 to 1995.
- Girlie Chua was President in 1995-1999.
- Rufino Ignacio was President in 1999-2009.
- Ted Zarate was President in 2009-2013.
- Angel Vano was President from 2013-2017.