PH Consulate in Vancouver Organizes Filipino Community Meeting in Response to the Lapu-Lapu Festival Incident

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin (9^th from left) together with Hon. David Eby, Premier of British Columbia (10^th from left), Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Mable Elmore for Vancouver-Kensington (11^th from left), Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim (8^th from left), Dr. Paula Burns, President of Langara College (7^th from left), Attorney General Niki Sharma (6^th from left),Member of Parliament Taleeb Noormohamad (12^th from left), Member of Parliament Gregor Robertson, Vancouver Fraserview-South Burnaby (14^th from left), Mr. RJ Aquino, Chair of Filipino BC (4^th from left) and other Officials from the Canadian Government and Filipino Community leaders in a photo opportunity. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Vancouver BC, 12 May 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver., led by Consul General Gina Jamoralin, organized a Filipino Community Meeting in response to the Lapu-Lapu Festival incident at Langara Gallery on 09 May 2025.  The event brought together officials from all levels of Canadian Government, Federal, British Columbia and City of Vancouver, leaders of Filipino organizations in BC, and law enforcement authorities to collectively reflect, share and discuss issues to support the victims and their families.

The event opened with a moment of silence in honor of the victims.  Dr. Paula Burns, President of Langara College, delivered the welcome remarks, followed by a keynote message from Consul General Jamoralin.  In her address, the Consul General expressed her appreciation to the Filipino Community members, first responders and volunteers who were there to aid the victims that prevented more casualties. She also thanked the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and BC and Vancouver officials for accommodating questions and requests from the Consulate. She likewise conveyed the Consulate’s commitment to connect with victims and extend appropriate assistance to Philippine nationals.

Messages of support and solidarity were then delivered by senior government officials, including The Honourable Premier David Eby of British Columbia, His Worship Mayor Ken Sim of Vancouver, Member of Parliament (MP) for Vancouver Granville Taleeb Noormohamad, BC Attorney General Niki Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Mable Elmore. Also, Member of Parliament (MP) Gregor Robertson, Vancouver Fraserview-South Burnaby, British Columbia attended the meeting.

Interim Chief Steve Rai of the Vancouver Police Department also provided an update on the status of the ongoing investigation. Mr. RJ Aquino, and lead organizer of the Lapu-Lapu Festival, shared updates on Filipino BC’s community engagement and crisis response efforts.  Likewise, leaders of the Filipino Community expressed their commitment to help the community recover from the Lapu-Lapu Festival Incident and are engaged in launching support and fundraising activities for the benefit of the victims of the tragedy.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to address the concerns and issues in relation to the Lapu-Lapu Festival incident and discussion on a coordinated community response which include victim outreach, needs assessment, resources available to victims, and the next steps to be undertaken. END

(On stage) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin addresses the audience during the Filipino Community Meeting at Langara College. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

(Clockwise) British Columbia Premier David Eby, Mayor Ken Sim, Member of Parliament Taleeb Noormohamad, Attorney General Niki Sharma, Deputy Speaker & MLA Mable Elmore, and Vancouver Police Department Interim Chief Steve Rai deliver their messages during the Filipino Community Meeting at Langara College. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

(Left Photo) The leaders and members of the Filipino Community organization, UFCABC, deliver their remarks during the program. (Right Photo) The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver together with the leaders of the Filipino Community, levels of Canadian Government, Federal, British Columbia and City of Vancouver, and law enforcement authorities. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

The Vancouver Police District responds to the questions raised by the audience during the Q and A segment of the meeting. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, joined by MLA Mable Elmore, addresses the audience during her closing remarks. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

The United Filipino-Canadian Associations of British Columbia (UFCABC) launches t-shirts under the theme, “Pinoy Vancouver Strong,” as its fundraising activity. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)