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 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.