After a tragic incident at a Filipino festival in Vancouver, where a car struck a crowd, the local Filipino community swiftly mobilized to provide support. Diana Silva, a vendor at the festival, felt compelled to help shortly after the event, which resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals and injuries to over two dozen. This sense of urgency to assist reflects the Filipino concept of “kapwa,” signifying community interconnectedness, emphasized by chef TJ Conwi.
In the aftermath of the incident, the community has organized vigils, fundraisers, and meal distributions for those affected. Conwi noted the immediate response involved collaboration via Zoom calls to ensure that counseling and nourishment were provided, underscoring the community’s resilience and unity.
The festival, which celebrates the 16th-century Filipino chieftain Lapu-Lapu, is a significant cultural event, allowing Filipinos across the region to come together. The attack has shocked the Filipino community in Vancouver, which comprises about 5.4% of the metro area. Many immigrants arrived in Canada during the 1960s for work, primarily in nursing and service roles, contributing to the community’s growth into a vibrant network of businesses and leaders.
Silva, who owns a bakery, is donating cupcake sales to support victims. She expressed the emotional toll of the day, recalling how her children were nearby during the incident, while emphasizing resilience as a core trait of the community. Fellow business owner Celine Bacani noted the broader support from people outside their community as a source of strength. As they navigate healing, Bacani remarked that Filipinos naturally embrace nurturing roles, reaffirming their commitment to help one another in times of crisis.
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