Latest news with #OttawaFiestaExtravaganza

Vancouver Sun

Ottawa Filipino community grieves after Lapu Lapu Festival incident in Vancouver

Article content 'Father give us light. Enlighten us and illuminate us. We also pray for comfort even for those people who are right now grieving because of the loss of a loved one,' said Pastor Alvin Molito at Sunday's service, which was livestreamed on Facebook. Article content 'Even for the people in Vancouver, who experienced a tragic, horrible experience. Father, we pray you will reach out to these people, especially to the families who lost their loved ones in a very sudden and unexpected way. Lord, truly in this world we cannot fully explain and comprehend. So we ask for your presence, that you will be a constant source of strength and peace in our lives.' Article content The Philippine Embassy in Canada said it is ready to assist affected Filipinos and their families through its Assistance-to-Nationals hotline, which can be reached at 613-614-2846. Article content Article content 'The Philippine Embassy in Canada expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party on 26 April 2025 in Vancouver, Canada. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims and the Filipino-Canadian community during this difficult time,' a statement on the embassy's website reads. Article content The Philippine Extravaganza for Arts, Culture and Heritage said in an official statement that it will be implementing 'enhanced emergency preparedness plans and strengthened safety measures' for its upcoming summer festivals, which include the Ottawa Fiesta Extravaganza on June 21 and 22 at the EY Centre. Article content 'As a community, we stand united — bound by our resilience, compassion and enduring hope. In the face of tragedy, we find strength in one another and a renewed commitment to care for and protect our community,' the statement read. Article content Article content 'In light of this incident, PEACH is implementing enhanced emergency preparedness plans and strengthened safety measures to ensure that our upcoming summer festival will be a safe, joyful and successful celebration of our culture and heritage. The safety and well-being of everyone in our community remain our highest priority.'