April 21, 2026

VANCOUVER COMMUNITY GATHERS FOR PRAYER AND HEALING ONE YEAR AFTER LAPU-LAPU DAY TRAGEDY

20 April 2026, Vancouver B.C.– On Saturday, 18 April 2026, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver organized and sponsored a special Memorial Mass at St. Mary’s Parish to honor the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy. The service marked one year since the April 2025 incident in South Vancouver that claimed eleven lives and left dozens injured.

The atmosphere at St. Mary’s Parish in Joyce-Collingwood was one of deep reverence and solidarity. Families of the victims stood alongside community members and Consulate officials to offer prayers for those lost. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Mark Hoo, OP

(Photos Above) Consul General Gina Jamoralin delivers her message and Fr. Mark Hoo, OP (right) officiates the mass. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

In a moving address before the Final Blessing, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin highlighted the resilience of the community. "Today is not just a date on the calendar; it is a difficult milestone for those who lost their homes, their loved ones, and their sense of safety," the Consul General stated. "We are here to reaffirm that the spirit of 'Bayanihan'—of looking out for one another in times of crisis—remains our greatest strength as we walk the path of healing together."

The Mass included specific prayers for the eleven deceased individuals and for the continued physical and emotional recovery of the survivors. It also featured petitions for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine, reflecting the community’s shared hope for an end to violence everywhere.

The Philippine Consulate General extends its deepest gratitude to Father Gabriel D’Souza, Pastor, and the St. Mary’s Parish community for providing a sacred space for this solemn moment of remembrance. The Consulate General remains committed and dedicated to supporting the welfare and unity of the Filipino diaspora in British Columbia. END.

(Photo Above) Consul General Gina Jamoralin leads the Offertory with Administrative Officer Carlota Halili-Castaneda; (Photos below) Labor Attache Ma. Celeste Valderrama and Welfare Officer Allan Ignacio; Finance Officer Irene Pilar Mendoza and Protocol Officer Lord Paolo Kilakiga. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)
(Photos Above) Consul André Peter Estanislao reads the First Reading and Vice Consul Marco Frederick Harder reads the Second Reading. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)
(Photos Above) The officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and their families together with the parishioners of St. Mary's Parish. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)
(Photo Above) Consul General Gina Jamoralin speaks to Ms. Rowena Papasin of Patrol Abroad for an interview. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

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    Victoria, British Columbia - Bayanihan Community Centre - 1709 Blanshard St., Victoria BC V8W 2J8

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    Kelowna, BC - Venue to be confirmed

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