The Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) extends its deepest condolences to the Filipino Canadian community in the wake of the devastating tragedy at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival. On April 26, 2025, a vehicle was driven into a crowd celebrating Filipino heritage, resulting in the loss of 11 lives and injuring over 20 individuals.

This senseless act has left an indelible mark on a community that was gathered together in joy and cultural pride. As future healthcare professionals committed to serving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, we stand in solidarity with those affected. We honor the resilience of the Filipino community and the dedication of the first responders and healthcare workers who provided immediate care and continue to support the victims and their families.

APAMSA reaffirms its commitment to fostering safe and inclusive environments for all communities. We pledge to advocate for mental health awareness, community support systems, and preventive measures to ensure such tragedies do not recur (Resolution 30.001). In this time of mourning, we offer our support and stand united with the Filipino Canadian community.

For more information on how to help, please look to Filipino BC (@filipino_bc) and at the official City of Vancouver website for more updates and ways to support the community in the future.

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7, nationwide)

Asian Mental Health Collective – Resource Directory: asianmhc.org/resources 

Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741