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MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino nonprofit organization opened a temporary “resilience center” to support the local community following the tragedy that happened in the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party that left at least 11 dead and dozens injured.
In a statement on Thursday, May 1 (Friday, May 2, Manila time), Filipino BC, one of the organizers of the festival, said the space is staffed by nonprofit, faith-based, and government agencies “who are present to listen, connect, and help however they can.”
At the center, the organizers will offer wellness resources, and helping professionals will be on duty to assist.
“This will also be a chance to listen and learn about what other supports may be most helpful to you in the days and weeks to come,” Filipino BC said in another post describing the center on Wednesday, April 30.
The following are support providers at the center:
- Provincial Psychosocial Services (Provincial Health Services Authority) – For emotional support, assistance in understanding emotional responses to traumatic events, and guidance in how to manage stress, loss, and grief
- Archdiocese of Vancouver – Counselors and pastoral care, and a livestreamed Mass
- Salvation Army – Drinks, snacks, emergency gift cards for affected families
- Canadian Red Cross – Psychosocial and wellbeing support
The center will be at Killarney Secondary School Cafeteria, open local time on Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm, and Saturday, May 3, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
The suspect of the crime rammed an SUV into a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu festival on Saturday, April 26. After community members chased the suspect who tried to flee, he was apprehended by police. He has since been charged with several counts of second-degree murder.
The provincial government of British Columbia declared Friday as an official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims of the tragedy.
Victims
Vancouver police confirmed that 11 died from the tragedy, with their ages ranging from 5 to 65. Seven were women, two were men, one was non-binary, and one was the five-year-old child.
In an interview with Rappler on Friday morning, Manila time, Consul General Gina Jamoralin of the Philippine consulate general in Vancouver said that some of those directly affected are still recovering in the hospital.
“The families are focused on the recovery of the patients. But some who have reached out to us [have] asked for assistance in repatriation, and some said they promised to contact us as soon as they need assistance, for example, as to the hospital bill,” said Jamoralin.
Jamoralin said that due to privacy regulations, she could not disclose the number or identities of Filipinos who died or were injured in the attack.
GoFundMe and local social media pages, however, showed at least three casualties who appeared to be Filipino — a woman named Rizza, Vicky Bjarnason, and Jendhel May Sico.
Rizza’s cousin Shelby wrote on her GoFundMe page that Rizza was a “loving wife, a devoted sister, and cherished loved one to so many.”
Together with her husband, Rizza moved from the Philippines to Winnipeg in search of a better life.
“The shock and sorrow are still unimaginable, it feels like a terrible dream we can’t wake up from. To know Rizza was to truly love her. She was the sweetest soul, kind-hearted, humble, and hardworking person,” wrote Shelby.
Rizza leaves behind her husband, younger brother, and other relatives in Canada. They have raised at least $75,501 CAD to bring her home to rest in the Philippines.
Vicky Bjarnason was visiting her sons Helgi and Thor in Canada.
According to her GoFundMe page, Helgi was holding his mother’s hand and attempted to pull her away from the car, but she was ripped away from him and tragically killed. Helgi was also injured.
“This is an unimaginable loss for her sons, who no longer have any parents in their lives. Helgi and his brother, Thor Bjarnason (28 years old), are grieving this immense loss. They wish to take their mother back home to the Philippines for a proper memorial service where she can lay to rest surrounded by her family,” reads her page, which has acquired more than double the $50,000 goal.
Maydhel Ann Sico wrote on her sister Jendhel’s GoFundMe page, saying she was kind-hearted with a beautiful soul.
“She lived her life to the fullest. She always had a smile on her face and everyone that knows her would agree that she brought positivity to everyone she met,” wrote Maydhel.
Resilience
Jamoralin said the consulate general has received many offers from the private sector and the community to help, such as Vancouver restaurants offering to donate food packs to those recovering in the hospital.
In attending one of the memorial services, Jamoralin felt immense sadness because of the “senselessness” of the crime.
“I was there [at the festival]. Everyone was happy. It was the beginning of spring. And because of the tragedy, until now, I still cannot believe that it happened because we were there during the day,” said Jamoralin.
Consulate officials who included Jamoralin were present during the morning of the event to give a message of support and promote the ongoing overseas voting period for the Philippine midterm elections.
“It is unprecedented, especially in such a beautiful city in Vancouver. I only wish that they will find healing and peace of mind, and be able to remain strong and resilient,” said the consul general.
She said that the consulate is focused on reaching out to victims and their families to try and alleviate their suffering in any way possible. – Rappler.com
