The Filipino Community Center, or "FilCom Center", in Waipahu, Leeward Oahu; is a tribute to the visionary spirit of the Filipino American community in Hawaii. The FilCom Center sits on a 2-acre (8,100 m2) parcel of land gifted by the AmFac Corporation. Its 50,000 sq ft (5,000 m2). structure provides some 26,000 sq ft (2,400 m2). of usable space.
Contents
It has three stories of rental space, offices for social, health care services, entrepreneurial, business incubation, and technology center are housed with the FilCom Center. Intergenerational needs, services for the elderly, youth and family are its main focus.
The FilCom Center aims to actively pursue its mission of nurturing and preserving the customs and culture of the Filipino community of Hawaii. It continues to develop and provide educational, social, cultural, and economic services for the community.
The FilCom Center is the largest Filipino community center outside the Philippines.
History
In 1991, the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii initiated the FilCom Center during Anacleto Alcantra's term as president. The FilCom's first president and vice president were Roland Casamina and Eddie Flores, respectively. It's executive committee consisted of community volunteers. In June of 2002, the FilCom center was formally inaugurated.
Donors
The FilCom center is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization that was built through donations. At the top of it's donor list are Harry and Jeannette Weinberg, the City of Honololu, the Department of Commerce, the State of Hawaii, and the VA Housing and Urban Development.