The president of the Association of Filipinos in Portage la Prairie says the recent tragedy in Vancouver, where a driver intentionally plowed into a crowd during a Filipino cultural festival, has deeply affected the local community.
Oliver Cabading, who leads the organization, says the incident is especially painful because it touches a shared cultural identity.
“We’re very saddened of what happened, especially that tragedy that happened in Vancouver during the Lapulapu Festival,” he says. “We feel a strong sense of solidarity and empathy for those who are going through such a difficult time.”
Cabading says the news has weighed heavily on many in the local Filipino community.
“It’s very heartbreaking for us to see members of our— not really members, but part of our community, which is the Filipino community—experiencing loss and, of course, the hardship right now.”
Support welcomed from across Canada
Cabading says he appreciates the response from other provinces stepping forward with financial support for affected families.
“I’m very feeling encouraged and thankful for the provinces that are stepping up into this,” he notes. “Especially providing financial support to help with the recovery, rebuilding and healing of our fellow Filipinos up there in Vancouver.”
Portage community reacts with prayer and connection
Locally, Cabading says people have been reaching out to one another, even if financial support isn’t yet organized.
“We just communicate each other about this,” he adds. “We offer some prayers and stuff like that.”
Cabading says the situation is sensitive and that the community has not rushed into fundraising because of uncertainty over how best to help.
“This matter is also not just like we just open up and then we offer something right away,” he continues. “At first we don’t know the right person to deal with out there.”
Still, he says expressions of support have been meaningful.
“Our thoughts are with them for sure. We offered prayers… some of our community are offering a virtual prayer kind of thing.”
Local Filipino events growing in size
Cabading also shared upcoming events in Portage tied to Filipino Heritage Month. The group is organizing two main celebrations in June.
“If it’s a good opportunity, yes, to check out our upcoming activity on June 8,” he says. “There’s a Sports Fest which will be held at the Southport Rec Plex.”
He says June 15 will be the main celebration.
“It will start at 3:00 with the parade,” he adds. “We’ll start at the old mall parking lot and have it at the Ukrainian Bandstand here at Island Park.”
Filipino population growing in Portage
The local association, Cabading says, is seeing steady growth.
“Last year when we had our first Heritage Month celebration, it was only 200,” he says. “Now, as of now, we are more than 300 already, so it’s growing exponentially.”
Photos from the group’s events are available on their Facebook page, Association of Filipinos in Portage la Prairie Inc.
Separate coverage on the Heritage Month events will follow.
Filipino Heritage Month in Portage la Prairie:
June 8
Sportsfest at Southport Recplex,
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
June 15
Filipino Heritage Month Celebration 3pm -
Starts with a parade from old mall parking lot to Ukranian band stand Island Park Programme then follows right away with cultural songs, dances, presentations, and food potluck.
Click on poster below to enlarge:
