The Filipino Cultural Association (FCA) is a student organization at the University of Maryland, College Park designed to increase awareness of Filipino culture as well as strengthen the unity among its members through cultural, academic, athletic, and social programs. Under the leadership of Lito Sison in the 1978-1979 academic year, several Filipino students sought to unite their fellow Filipinos at the University of Maryland. Originally called “Samahang Filipino”, the organization adopted the name “Filipino Cultural Association” in 1981. It then reached its arms out to welcome friends of other nationalities interested in discovering the beauty and excitement of Filipino culture and history.