Toronto's Filipino community is coming together for a prayer vigil on Tuesday in memory of the victims of the recent attack at a festival in Vancouver.
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Following a tragic incident where a driver plowed an SUV into a crowd during a Filipino cultural festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, which resulted in 11 deaths and numerous injuries, members of Toronto's Filipino community are mourning. "I can't believe something like this happened on what should have been a joyful day," said Ricky Tabanao, owner of Melrick's, a popular Filipino bakery in North York, speaking to CTV News Toronto on Monday. "We're all really saddened by the events." Mary Ann San Juan, president and CEO of the Filipino Centre of Toronto, expressed that the community is deeply affected by the tragedy and is worried about loved ones in Vancouver. "Everyone in the Filipino community has some connection to Vancouver, whether it's friends or relatives," she noted.
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According to the 2021 census, over 757,000 individuals born in the Philippines have immigrated to Canada, making it the third-largest source of immigrants, after India and China. In Ontario alone, about 355,680 Filipino Canadians reside, followed by significant populations in Alberta and British Columbia. A prayer vigil will take place at Nathan Phillips Square's Peace Garden in downtown Toronto at 7 p.m. on Tuesday to honor the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy. Participants are encouraged to wear black and bring flowers and candles.
The Society of Philippine Artists, Recreation and Community (SPARC), which organizes the annual Taste of Manila festival, expressed their sorrow in a statement, stating they are "deeply saddened and shaken" by the attack and extend their condolences to those affected. They are also implementing additional security measures for this year's festival, emphasizing their commitment to participant safety.
In the aftermath of the incident, Taste of Manila organizer Rose Seaborn voiced her shock and raised concerns about safety and planning for events. "As organizers, we need to reflect on what safety measures might have been lacking," she remarked. City officials, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, are also considering how to enhance safety for upcoming community events. "I will do everything I can as your mayor to ensure public safety," Chow assured. "We will collaborate with festival organizers and deploy measures like barricades to protect attendees." The suspect in the Vancouver festival attack has been charged with murder.