FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SEATTLE, Inc. (FCS)

A non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Washington State Corporation

MISSION STATEMENT

To be the premier organization in the Pacific Northwest committed to promoting cultural diversity, ethnic pride, unity, educational and socio-economic empowerment among Filipino Americans.

SHORT HISTORY

On November 15, 1935, delegates from the various regional, civic, religious and fraternal organizations formed the “Philippine Commonwealth Council of Seattle (PCCS)” with Pio de Cano as president and Rudy Santos as vice-president.  Over the next 10 years, the PCCS became the center of activity in the city’s Filipino community.  On July 4, 1946, the PCCS was renamed “Filipino Community of Seattle and Vicinity.”  In 1952, due to the influx of the third wave of Filipino immigrants entering Seattle, the word “Vicinity” was dropped and the new name became “Filipino Community of Seattle, Incorporated.” 

In December, 1963, the idea of having a Filipino Community Clubhouse was conceived and planned by Salvador del Fierro, Sr., Gene Navarro, Sr. Fernando Ferrera, Ponce Torres, Greg Ebat, Ben Consego and several community leaders.  The pursuit for a Filipino Community Clubhouse started in earnest under the administration of Constantine (Tony) Baruso (1963-64), with Gene Navarro as Clubhouse Director. 

A bowling alley building (“Empire Bowl”) located along Empire Way So. (now Martin Luther King Jr. Way So.) was eventually purchased in October 1, 1965. Major (US Army Ret.) Urbano Quijance was now the President. This bowling alley became the Filipino Community Center (FCC).  It was paid in full on November 16, 1973, with the continuous support of dedicated members, and with Silvestre Tangalan, Sr. on the helm.  A symbolic ceremony - the burning of the mortgage documents on February 2, 1974 - became the historic monument of Filipino solidarity.

Through the years, the Filipino Community of Seattle has changed its image from a strictly social organization to a service organization, starting with the Senior Services Nutrition Program.  Other services followed and finally, on January 4, 1992, with Dolly Castillo as President, the FCS was granted its 501 (c)(3) tax status by the Internal Revenue Service.  The FCS now offers various services and programs for the Youth and Elderly.  Other new programs are being planned for the future. 

During the administration of President Bert Caoili and Vice-President Alma Kern, and with the help of the Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the renovation of the Main Hall of the Filipino Community Center (FCC) was started in 2004 when it was determined that the Sound Transit Link Rail Project along Martin Luther King Street would not impact the FCC anymore. It was completed in November, 2004. We now have a main hall that we can all be proud of. 

In July, 2007, the construction of the Phase II Renovation and 2-story Addition to the Filipino Community Center began, and with God’s help, we will finally realize our dream of having a beautiful center that we can all be proud of by Spring of 2008.

The Filipino Community of Seattle has been blessed with leaders committed to make the organization strong since its founding in 1935.  The Filipino Community Center has been the hub of Filipino American activities ever since.  Every FCS president has worked to preserve this precious legacy. 

Our Mission Statement says it all.

Forever, the FCS will welcome those who will take over the reins of this premier organization. 

(Some excerpts taken from the book “PAMANA I”;

Information Updated November, 2007)

2006-2008 FCS OFFICERS