Community Update | May 12, 2025
Filipino BC continues to work around the clock to ensure that support remains accessible for those who need it most. We are responding in real time– “building a plane as we’re flying it” is what we’ve been saying. The team is making sure to pivot based on the community’s evolving needs, whether that means emotional support, access to emergency resources, or helping families navigate longer-term recovery.
We have plans to certify our Filipino BC Crisis Task Force for psychological first aid training, with a focus on ensuring the training is culturally relevant by working closely with the Provincial Health Services Authority. Because we are often the first point of contact for community members seeking support, it’s essential that our team is equipped to respond with care, understanding, and the tools needed to meet people where they’re at.
As the situation unfolds, we remain committed to standing alongside the community every step of the way. Filipino community and beyond, that is kapwa.
We have also been connecting families of victims and those injured to additional support through the Canadian Red Cross and the Archdiocese of Vancouver, which is covering the costs of funeral and burial services. With the support of the Government of Canada, visas have been expedited for people travelling to Canada for funerals. Any passport needs must go through individual consulates, and visa requests can be made through your MP's offices.
If you’ve ever had a Filipino friend, colleague, neighbour or classmate, you might notice a common greeting when you visit or homes: Kumain ka na ba? It translates to “have you eaten?” but has a meaning beyond an offer of food, it is a way of checking in and offering care. In Filipino culture (and many cultures!), food is love, and the simple question says: you are welcome here. You are safe here. Let’s eat.
At the temporary Resilience Centre, you may hear us use this phrase in the same way. It’s been just over two weeks since 11 people lost their lives in the tragedy that occurred following the Lapu Lapu Day Festival. For those who took time off work and school, many are expected to be back on the job, and may be feeling pressure to carry on while still weighed down by enormous grief.
Let us take care of dinner. You can sit in silence if you prefer, or join friends, family and community members. You don’t have to talk to counsellors, social workers and other support staff, but they are available if you need them.
The Resilience Centre is a space for everyone. While April 26 deeply affected the Filipino community, its impact has been felt across many lives and communities. This space was built with care, and it’s here for all of us. Let’s continue to hold each other, heal together, and show up for one another.
We hope to see you when the Resilience Centre reopens tomorrow, Tuesday, May 13, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Killarney Secondary School. More dates will be announced in the coming days.
