Akbayan started out with a group of Pilipino/Pilipino-American college students from SJSU gaining consciousness about their heritage and culture. Seeing how many other students on campus had their own clubs, fraternities, and sororities, the group was inspired to create an organization based on the Pilipino/Pilipino-American culture. In 1976, Akbayan was born. Initially, it started out as a social group where Filipinos had a chance to meet new people. Over the years, it has evolved to become an organization concerned with cultural and political concepts as well.

Akbayan is noted for its Pilipino Culture Night show (PCN). In this event, organization members are given a chance to perform traditional dances hailing from different regions and provinces of the Philippines. In addition, budding writers get a chance to write out scripts reflecting their Pilipino/Pilipino-American lives. The spirit of PCN is all about having fun, creating friendships, and getting to know more about the Pilipino/Pilipino-American culture.

Aside from PCN, Akbayan has participated in/supported/spearheaded the following:
-the Annual Friendship Games @ CSU Fullerton
-Akbayan’s annual Winter Formal
-“Movie Night” at the San Jose Family Shelter
-cultural dance workshops at Chaboya Middle School
-mentorship programs at Rancho Middle School
-the annual Pil-Grad (Pilipino Graduation)
-collaborations with the Tony Siquig Northside Community Center
-the rally against the unjust lay-offs of Filipino aiport screeners after 9-11
-the fight for the Filipino veterans’ equity bill (HR 677)
-the movement against unjust deportations (such as the Cuevas Family’s)

Other organizations we have worked with in the past, and continue to work with, include: PACE of SF State and PASA of Hayward (TriForce), other Bay Area universities/community colleges, SAVE (Student Action for Veterans’ Equity), The Tony Siquig Northside Community Center, San Jose Family Shelter, Alpha Kappa Omega, Bagong Bayan, etc.

Today, Akbayan still grows stronger. It is through the traditions of activities and bonds created in the beginning that keep the organization alive. Akbayan is more than just embracing in friendship; it is a place where people can all gather to learn more about themselves and the Pilipino/Pilipino-American culture and community.