Filipino BC calls for more government funding to support victims of Lapu-Lapu Day attack

A woman lays flowers at a memorial during a vigil in Vancouver, on Friday, May 2, 2025, on a provincial day of mourning for the victims of the vehicle-ramming attack at the Filipino community's Lapu Lapu Day festival. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Community advocacy group Filipino BC is calling on all governments to support the victims and families of the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy with funding.

On April 26, 11 people were killed and dozens more were injured when an SUV was driven into a crowd of people at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver.

In a statement issued to its website Friday, the organization said those who were affected by the attack continue to struggle amid an ongoing lack of available programs and services. The services that are available, including crime victims’ assistance programs, employment insurance and services from ICBC, are “daunting and difficult to navigate,” the organization said.

“The reality on the ground is heartbreaking,” said Kristina Corpin-Moser, Filipino BC’s executive director, in the statement.

“Families are in desperate situations — struggling to pay rent, put food on the table, and access culturally appropriate mental health supports.”

Corpin-Moser said community-driven efforts have spearheaded support, like the United Way BC Kapwa Strong Fund that has provided “critical relief” and has supported culturally relevant programs. The fund raised over $2 million from people around the world, funding more than 40 charities and non-profits that directly supported those affected with financial aid, housing, and culturally informed mental health programs.

The group is calling on the federal, provincial and municipal governments to step up in the same manner, by committing funding and resources to the victims and their families in budgets for 2026.

“If politicians can show up for photo opportunities, light candles, and offer words of condolence, then they also have a moral obligation to follow through with real action,” said Corpin-Moser.

“Communities deserve more than symbolic gestures. They deserve sustained, tangible support.”

As a local government, the City of Vancouver said its role has been to co-ordinate the immediate response to the incident, which included supporting the police and fire services with life safety, public health, damage to infrastructure and support for first responders.

In a statement, the city said longer-term recovery and health and financial supports for victims “rests with senior levels of government and associated organizations,” which provides specialized support for those affected by disasters.

Aligned with council direction, the city will also play a “supportive role” in long-term recovery, it said. This will include the implementation of memorials, and opportunities through city services and programs such as community grants and putting together community gatherings and events.

“The city continues to care for the temporary memorial at Mountain View Cemetery and is engaged with victims and families on any decisions regarding a permanent memorial,” the statement said.

While the province leads long-term recovery programs, the city said it “remains engaged” to connect affected families and communities with information regarding available supports.

“Local community organizations who are providing services to support their communities healing are welcome to submit funding requests through the city’s various granting programs,” the statement said.

According to Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger, it takes “all levels of government” to support people impacted by events like the Lapu-Lapu Day festival attack.

“The tragic incident of April 26, 2025, that occurred at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival was shocking and devastating to everyone in our province,” she said.

“I want to recognize the survivors, families and communities who have been impacted by this horrible act of violence – our hearts continue to grieve with you.”

“Our priority is ensuring people get the supports they need, without barriers,” said Krieger, adding that there are “a number of services” that people can continue to access.

“Both ICBC and the Crime Victim Assistance Program have established dedicated teams to ensure that those impacted can access all the supports available to them as quickly as possible. Victim Link BC provides 24/7 Support in 240 Languages and can point people to other resources available,” she said.

“We will continue to work with Filipino BC, the City of Vancouver and the VPD to ensure provincial services are getting to the people who need them. If there are barriers that remain, I want to make sure that we address them so people can access the services they need.”