By Oscar Bisnar (Guest writer)
The Latincouver Cultural and Business Society has denied that it is partnering with Filipino BC in organizing a new Lapu-Lapu festival.
Latincouver made this clarification amid growing calls for Filipino BC to make a full accounting of funds collected in the wake of the 2025 Lapu-Lapu tragedy and where the monies went.
Founded by Paola Murillo, Latincouver is a non-profit organization that connects and empowers the Latin community in Vancouver.
“Latincouver is not an organizing partner, co-producer, or decision-making body for the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival 2026,” Murillo said in a statement.
“There is no formal partnership agreement, memorandum of understanding, or operational role in place between Latincouver and Filipino BC related to the planning, logistics, programming, or delivery of this event,” Murillo continued.
To recall, Filipino BC on January 7, 2026 issued a media release saying that the 2026 Lapu-Lapu festival is planned for April 17–19, 2026, with Latincouver as one of its partners.
The Filipino BC release also quoted Murillo, who is the executive director of Latincouver, indicating her group will partner with Filipino BC.
“Our partnership with Filipino BC for Lapu Lapu Day 2026 reflects our shared commitment to supporting one another, honouring those we’ve lost, and uplifting our communities through culture, connection, and solidarity,” the Filipino BC release quoted Murillo.
However, Murillo’s statement made clear that her group is not going to partner with Filipino BC.
Murillo clarified that Latincouver’s “participation is limited to cultural presence only and does not involve event planning or organizational responsibilities”.
Four former directors of Filipino BC have demanded full transparency from the organization about how Lapu-Lapu tragedy donations were spent, particularly if funds went to assist victims and their families.
These ex-directors are Antonio Ortega, Lina Vargas, Concepcion Colobong, and Oscar Visnar.
Jendhel Sico was one of the 11 people who perished in the April 26, 2025 Lapu-Lapu tragedy.
Her family said that they received only $300 in groceries from Filipino BC and a $100 transit pass.
Jendhel’s sister Maydhel Ann related to Patrol Abroad reporter Rowena Papasin that it’s been difficult to seek assistance from Filipino BC.
“Really, it makes no sense to us that there’s a capacity that they have to just give a small amount to each family, when it was told that they received so much more than everyone’s been receiving. And so it’s kind of just interesting to see… It would be interesting to see where their money is really going and why they aren’t able to help as much as they claim,” Ann said.
Alejandro Samper, a member of the Latin community, has personally suffered immense loss. He lost his mother, father, and sister in last year’s tragedy.
Samper has now come forward to publicly urge Filipino BC to “pull the plug” on the 2026 Lapu-Lapu Day festival.
In an interview with Omni Filipino News journalist Rhea Santos, Samper stated that proceeding with a large scale celebration on April 17–19 disrespects the memory of those who were lost and overlooks the deep, ongoing grief of the families still mourning.
In addition through a social media comment, Samper is also asking for full accountability and transparency regarding the funds that were donated for the victims of the tragedy. His call is not just about timing, but about trust, ensuring that every dollar raised in the name of support and solidarity has been handled with integrity and clarity.
Latincouver’s clarification, combined with Samper’s public appeal, underscores a growing sentiment in the community: solidarity must be grounded in truth, and healing must be guided by those most affected.
As conversations continue, many are watching closely, not just to see whether the festival proceeds, but to see whether community leadership will listen to the voices of the bereaved and respond with the care, humility, and accountability this moment demands.
ReyFort Media 
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