The Lapu Lapu Day of Togetherness, intended to honour the memory of those lost in last year’s tragic vehicle attack in Vancouver, has instead unveiled significant rifts within the Filipino community. While the event was meant to serve as a moment of reflection on the devastating incident that claimed eleven lives, protests outside the festival highlighted feelings of exclusion among victims’ families and questions regarding the event’s true purpose.
A Day Meant for Remembrance
Held at the Italian Cultural Centre in East Vancouver, the event was marked by heightened security measures, with barriers erected to separate attendees from demonstrators. Families of the victims gathered outside, clutching photographs of their loved ones and voicing their discontent. Among them were Jenny De Guzman and Rodel Sico, parents of 27-year-old Jendhel May Sico, who was killed in the brutal attack. Both expressed their belief that it was premature to organise such a gathering, arguing that it served the interests of the organising group, Filipino BC, rather than the families directly affected.
“It’s hard for me to witness this event going ahead,” Sico shared, lamenting the lack of communication from the group regarding the event’s planning. De Guzman echoed his sentiments, revealing her attempts to seek financial assistance from Filipino BC only resulted in an $800 gift card. “They haven’t responded to my email,” she stated. “They don’t even help anymore.”
Criticism of Organisers’ Intentions
The atmosphere outside the event was charged with emotion, as former volunteers like Sandra Gumbo raised their voices against what they deemed “hypocritical” motivations behind the festival. Gumbo accused Filipino BC of using the narrative of togetherness and healing merely as a façade to raise funds, rather than genuinely supporting the grieving community.
RJ Aquino, the head of Filipino BC, defended the event’s intentions, asserting that it provided an essential space for reflection and support. He maintained that his organisation is transparent about its financial dealings, stating that funds raised are administered through the United Way. “This is not about rushing forward; it’s about showing up for each other,” he explained, urging community members to engage with the group in a constructive manner.
Community Support and the Kapwa Strong Fund
In the aftermath of last year’s attack, Filipino BC and the British Columbia United Way established the Kapwa Strong Fund, which has reportedly raised approximately £1.5 million to aid victims and their families. Grants from the fund have been allocated to various organisations, including the Alliance Philippines Cultural Heritage Association and B.C.’s bereavement helpline, aimed at providing counselling and support.
Despite these efforts, protester Lailani Tumaneng, who also volunteered at last year’s event, expressed her frustration at the perceived lack of real support for victims’ families. She pointed out that many families struggle to navigate the system to secure the assistance they need. “It’s exhausting for them to keep reaching out for help,” she lamented.
Aquino acknowledged the challenges faced by victims in accessing support, highlighting a need for greater involvement from local and provincial governments. He noted the complexities of dealing with the Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC), especially in the context of such a tragic event. “Expecting Filipino BC to provide long-term support in these situations is misleading,” he remarked.
A Call for Collaboration and Healing
As the event unfolded, Aquino addressed attendees, conveying his gratitude for their presence while affirming the community’s commitment to remembering the victims. “We will never forget what happened, and today is not about forgetting or rushing forward,” he stated. He also revealed that the choice of venue was deliberate, aimed at fostering a safe environment for all.
The accused, Adam Kai-Ji Lo, faces multiple charges, including eleven counts of second-degree murder and thirty-one counts of attempted murder. No trial date has been established yet. Following the attack, police had classified the festival as a low-risk event, raising questions about the adequacy of safety assessments for public gatherings in the wake of such violence.
Why it Matters
The Lapu Lapu Day of Togetherness serves not only as a memorial for the victims of a horrific tragedy but also as a reminder of the profound challenges faced by the community in navigating grief, support systems, and organisational dynamics. The divisions that surfaced during this event underline the urgent need for inclusive dialogue and genuine collaboration among community members and leaders. As the Filipino community strives for healing, it is essential that the voices of the bereaved are heard and valued in the ongoing quest for justice and support.
