Thirty minutes after the Filipino festival in Vancouver, a tragic car incident left 11 dead and over two dozen injured. This incident shook the tight-knit Filipino Canadian community, prompting immediate communal support. Diana Silva, a festival vendor, and other community members began organizing vigils, fundraising, and providing meals to the victims’ families. Chef TJ Conwi emphasized the Filipino concept of “kapwa,” which embodies interconnectedness, stating that communal care is automatic in their culture.
Law enforcement has charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo, the suspect with a history of mental illness, with multiple counts of second-degree murder, ruling out terrorism as a motive. The Filipino community in Canada, the third-largest Asian immigrant group, numbers about 957,355, with 141,230 residing in the Vancouver metro area. Their immigration began in the 1960s, mainly for jobs in nursing and patient services.
The attacked festival celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, a historical figure symbolizing resistance against colonialism and a rare opportunity for Filipinos to gather. Despite the tragedy, community members swiftly organized to uplift each other. Conwi noted that within hours, people were mobilizing to provide counseling, food, and support. Silva, who runs a bakery, began donating proceeds from her sales to aid victims, expressing the heartbreaking proximity to the incident.
Community support extended beyond local borders, with leaders across Canada voicing solidarity. Celine Bacani of Lee’s Donuts remarked on the community’s nurturing spirit and emphasized the long road to healing ahead. The resilience of the Filipino community continues to shine amidst the darkness of the tragedy.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
