United Way Allocates Final $100,000 from Kapwa Strong Fund to UFCABC for Continued Direct Financial Support to Lapu-Lapu Tragedy Victims

By Janice Lozano

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada — In a decisive step toward continued, meaningful support for those affected by the Lapu-Lapu tragedy, the United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC) has been entrusted with an additional $100,000 from the United Way Kapwa Strong Fund to further expand its direct financial assistance program for victims and their families.

UFCABC, a respected umbrella organization representing over 65 Filipino-Canadian associations, societies, and community groups across British Columbia, was initially approved for $145,000 in funding, in addition to other donations and funds raised and coursed through UFCABC. Through a structured and compassionate distribution process, implemented in coordination with the Vancouver Police Department’s Victim Services and guided by a needs-based assessment system, UFCABC has successfully delivered direct financial assistance to 77 victims and families impacted by the tragedy. 

At present, there are approximately 60 additional families and victims, not counting those we have not vetted yet. With this newly approved funding, UFCABC will work diligently and with urgency to support as many of these families as possible, ensuring that funds are distributed directly and equitably until all available resources have been exhausted. To date, UFCABC and it’s partner organizations have distributed $226,875. directly to victims and individuals impacted by the tragedy. 

This proven model of accountability, efficiency, and care has earned the strong confidence of United Way, resulting in the approval of additional funding to ensure that more victims receive the immediate support they urgently need.

“At a time when compassion must be matched with action, UFCABC has demonstrated what it means to serve with integrity,” said Sandra Gumboc, a member of the Filipino Canadian community. “Their ability to mobilize quickly, work collaboratively with trusted partners, and deliver aid directly into the hands of victims has set a powerful standard.”

As a leading umbrella organization within the Filipino-Canadian community, UFCABC has emerged as a model of principled leadership, quietly and consistently doing what is right. Their work reflects a deep commitment not only to transparency and accountability, but to the fundamental responsibility of caring for community members in their most vulnerable moments.

United Way British Columbia (UWBC) also confirmed that, following the tragedy, they consulted a broad cross-section of Filipino community leaders and organizations to better understand the types of support needed. As a matter of trust and confidentiality, specific individuals were not identified. However, UWBC emphasized that this process included engagement with a diverse range of community leaders, previously funded partner organizations, and individuals present at community vigils. This approach reflects best practices in community-informed response and ensures that funding decisions are guided by those closest to the needs on the ground.

This latest allocation of funds reinforces a shared priority: that resources donated in good faith must reach those they were intended to help, swiftly, directly, and with dignity.

UFCABC remains steadfast in its mission to continue supporting victims through this next phase of funding, ensuring that no one is left behind as the community moves forward in healing and recovery.