TOGETHER, WE ARE KAPWA STRONG
KAPWA & CARE
On April 26, 2025, an act of violence after the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver claimed lives and left our community in mourning. Our hearts are with the families and all those affected as the Filipino Canadian community and beyond grieves this devastating loss.
KAPWA is a term that describes the Filipino experience of community, interconnectedness and shared humanity. Many Filipinos practice this value through solidarity, and we’ve seen this value extended across the overwhelming support from our broader communities.
In this time of sorrow, we come together not just to mourn, but to care for one another, to support the victims and their families, and to begin the long process of healing—together.
You are not alone.
There are many resources available in the community — whether you need immediate crisis support, mental health services, or practical assistance. You can explore all the resources available to you, and if you need help navigating the systems, please contact care@filipinobc.com.
What does the Filipino BC Care Team offer?
The Filipino BC Care Team is here for anyone affected by the tragic events of April 26—including our friends, neighbours and loved ones beyond the Filipino community. Healing and recovery take time, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
We are not an extension of the provincial health care system. Rather, we serve as a community-based resource that helps individuals and families navigate services, benefits, referrals and support within a complex public system (e.g. ICBC, CVAP, etc). We also advocate alongside clients to help ensure their needs are heard and addressed.
Quality of care and access to provincial health and social services often rely on a person’s ability to self-advocate. As a result, individuals facing language barriers, disabilities or limited knowledge of the system can be disproportionately disadvantaged. During times of crisis, these inequities are reinforced and deepened. Our role is to help reduce those barriers by walking with you through the process.
TO REQUEST FOR SUPPORT
Simply email care@filipinobc.com. You’ll receive a link to a short form and a care worker will endeavour to connect with you within two business days to continue the intake process and understand your needs.
Case managers are available to speak English, Filipino and Spanish. Recovery and healing will take time, but it’s not something you have to go through alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
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It can be overwhelming searching for the right resources and trying to find out what you qualify for and what supports best suit your needs. Our Care Team is here to assist you in accessing services, benefits, referrals and resources.
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Through the Kapwa Strong Fund, referrals and facilitated access to short-term counselling and pro-bono partner mental health providers are available.
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Support to apply for food security funds, connecting with programs providing meal delivery services and gift cards for groceries.
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Support will look different based on individual needs and how people were impacted by the tragedy. Supports related to: immediate emergency safety, housing, transportation and wellness.
Support can include, but is not limited to:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Anyone impacted by the tragic events of April 26, 2025 may reach out. This includes but is not limited to: individuals, families, vendors, volunteers, neighbours, witnesses and community members beyond the Filipino community. If you are unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to contact us.
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Navigate health care and social service systems
Help you apply for benefits, referrals and community resources
Connect to mental health supports
Advocate for their needs within public systems
Coordinate follow up care and support
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No. We are not an extension of the provincial health care system. We are a community-based organization that supports people in navigating services and reducing barriers to access.
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No. Care navigation and support services provided by the Filipino BC Care Team are offered free of charge, made possible through funding from the Kapwa Strong Fund (United Way BC).
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Through the Kapwa Strong Fund and partner organizations, limited short-term assistance may be available for essential needs related to health, safety, food security and recovery
We do not provide:
Direct financial assistance
Legal advice
Debt repayment
Coverage for non-essential expenses
Recreational activities not related to health and well-being
Ongoing or indefinite household costs
Each situation is reviewed individually based on need and available resources.
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We can help connect you to:
Short-term counselling (including pro-bono partner providers)
Community wellness events
Culturally responsive mental health services
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You will receive a link to a short intake form. After submitting the form, we will endeavour to contact you within two business days to better understand your needs and discuss next steps.
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Yes. Information shared with the Care Team is kept confidential and is only accessed by designated managers and care workers. We will not share your information without your consent, except where required by the law.
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Case managers are available to speak English, Tagalog (Filipino) and Spanish.
What if I need urgent or emergency help?
If you are in immediate danger or require urgent medical attention, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. The Care Team is not an emergency response service but can support you with follow up care and navigation.
You can also consider calling 8-1-1, a free service where you can speak with a health service navigator or a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. HealthLink BC has many knowledgeable healthcare professionals available to answer your questions. You can get help with a variety of health topics or find information about health services in BC. Translation services are available in over 130 languages.
TO REQUEST FOR SUPPORT
Simply email care@filipinobc.com. You’ll receive a link to a short form and a care worker will endeavour to connect with you within 48 hours to continue the intake process and understand your needs.
Case workers are available to speak English, Filipino and Spanish. Recovery and healing will take time, but it’s not something you have to go through alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Read the The April 26, 2025 Impact Report: The Story of Kapwa
This impact report shares how Filipino BC and its partners, guided by kapwa and trauma-informed practice, mobilized to support community members after April 26, 2025. It reflects the sustained care and resilience that followed, and most importantly, how our community showed up for one another when it mattered most.
We are committed to transparency and accountability.
Filipino BC will provide all financial disclosures as required by law. The fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31, which means audited financial statements for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years are not yet available.