Supporting Our Community in the Wake of the Lapu-Lapu Day Tragedy

 

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Supporting Our Community in the Wake of the Lapu-Lapu Day Tragedy

April 28, 2025

Dear EDST Members:

The tragic killing that occurred at the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver on April 26, resulted in heartbreaking loss and injury within the Filipino community. The deaths and injuries have also left the wider community—in Vancouver, Canada, and beyond—in shock and deep sadness.

The festival marked Lapu-Lapu Day, a holiday in the Philippines that celebrates an Indigenous Chief who led his community to defeat Spanish colonizers in a battle in 1521. Leaders in the Filipino Community note that, in addition to their family and friends, they are drawing on the courage and strength of Filipino history and political activism.

Following the Dean’s message of early this morning, EDST’s thoughts are with all those affected, including members of the Filipino community and members of our broader University family.

Recognizing the impact such events can have on students, faculty, and staff, we would like to share resources to support those navigating feelings of shock, grief, fear, or uncertainty during this time.

The following supports are available for UBC students, faculty, and staff, as indicated in the Dean’s message:

Students: https://students.ubc.ca/health/counselling-services/mental-health-care-ubc 
Faculty and Staff: https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health

As a Faculty and Department, EDST stands together in care, compassion, and solidarity with those affected and the wider community. Please take care of yourselves and one another during this difficult time.

Deirdre Kelly
Acting Head, on behalf of EDST

Information on Vigils, Resources & Support in Solidarity with the Filipino Community

Dear EDST Members:

This is a follow-up message to the one I sent yesterday about the tragic killings that occurred at the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver, BC, on April 26, resulting in heartbreaking loss and injury within the Filipino community. The Vancouver Sun has published information on the 11 fatalities, ranging in age from 5 to 65, “while many more were injured and remain in hospital” (as of April 28, 2025). Awaiting a thorough investigation, our most immediate concern is to come together in solidarity and support with those affected and with all members of the community.

The present letter to the EDST community makes available resources and information concerned with the organized vigils and support initiatives taking place across the Vancouver area. This is time-sensitive and only a partial list. Additional vigils have been and will be held in Victoria, on the Legislature’s premises. The links provided as part of this letter are all external to EDST and to UBC. In the preparation of this letter, EDST expresses its gratitude to the EDST Assistant to the Head, Genoveva Mendoza Quirós.

The following Google doc offers a handy compilation where all the vigils, remembrance events, and support events are being listed. The ones listed below are the ones that may be of more direct interest to EDST members. Please keep in mind that the Google Doc is being constantly updated, so after I send this email there might be more events planned.

  • Neighbourhood Silent Vigil
    Tuesday, April 29, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
    At the pantry, by Marpole Maple Park, Vancouver, BC

    Candles will be provided and lit even if it’s not dark as a collective ritual of grief and solidarity. No hate will be tolerated including anti-immigrant rhetoric. The boulevard the pantry is located in is accessible for mobility devices. This is an outdoor event; you are welcome to wear a mask. There will be a few on hand.
  • Candlelight Vigil/Pagtitirik ng Kandila
    Wednesday, April 30, 2:30 pm
    University Boulevard (in front of the UBC Bookstore)

    The candlelight vigil is in memory of the victims and in support of the families affected by the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival tragedy that occurred on April 26. Everyone is invited to come together in solidarity, prayer, and reflection. Those gathering will stand united in offering heartfelt condolences and strength to those impacted by this heartbreaking event.  

Select general resources and sites of information

Advisories & Invitations

In solidarity, on behalf of the EDST community,

Deirdre Kelly

Professor & Acting Head

Department of Educational Studies

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