YORKTON — Members of Saskatchewan’s Filipino community are mourning and mobilizing support after a powerful earthquake struck the southern Philippines, leaving dozens dead and widespread destruction in its wake.
In a statement from the Filipino Canadian Association of Saskatchewan (FILCAS), president Janine Lazaro described the June 7 disaster as “devastating,” noting that the 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit the island of Mindanao early Sunday morning, impacting South Cotabato and surrounding areas.
“Reports indicate a significant loss of life, with 32 confirmed dead and local officials expect it to rise as rescuers work to reach far-flung villages,” Lazaro said. She added the quake caused “extensive damage to homes, schools, businesses and critical infrastructure,” leaving many families facing uncertainty.
Lazaro extended condolences on behalf of the organization, emphasizing the deep emotional ties between Filipino Canadians and their homeland.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, as well as the first responders, medical personnel, volunteers, and community organizations working tirelessly to provide rescue, relief, and support,” she said.
She also highlighted the resilience of the Filipino people, pointing to the spirit of bayanihan — a cultural value centred on community co-operation — as a source of strength during crises.
“While the road to recovery may be long, we remain confident that through compassion, cooperation, and collective support, affected communities will rebuild and recover,” Lazaro said, encouraging community members to support humanitarian efforts.
Community still assessing impact
In Yorkton, community members are still assessing the scope of the disaster and determining how best to respond.
Jonathan Rosas, president of the Parkland Filipino-Canadian Association Corporation (PFCAC) in Yorkton, said the earthquake is still very recent, and many people in Saskatchewan are only beginning to gather information about friends and family back home.
“It was just recently, so we don’t really know yet who’s directly affected,” Rosas said. “Normally, we connect with people from those areas, and then we initiate fundraising once we get more information.”
Rosas, who moved to Saskatchewan from the Philippines in 2011, said communication with loved ones remains possible in most areas through cellphone networks and social media, though it may take time for a clearer picture of the damage to emerge.
“Right now, there isn’t that much posting on social media yet,” says Rosas. “But it will get traction soon, and then people will start reaching out if their families were affected.”
While his own relatives are located outside the hardest-hit regions, Rosas said the entire Filipino community feels a shared concern.
Fundraising efforts expected
Although no large-scale fundraising campaigns have been formally announced yet in Saskatchewan, Rosas expects that will change soon. He noted that Filipino communities across the province typically respond quickly to disasters in the Philippines through grassroots initiatives.
“Usually what we do is organize fundraisers,” he said. Rosas pointed to previous efforts following flooding in the Philippines as an example, where community members cooked meals, sold them locally and sent funds directly to trusted organizations in affected areas.
“One of the biggest challenges is making sure the help goes directly to those affected,” he added. “So we make sure we have contacts on the ground and that everything is well documented.”
Rosas says the community’s upcoming Filipino Pinoy Festival could also serve as a meaningful opportunity to bring people together in the wake of the disaster. The annual event, scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sacred Heart High School gym in Yorkton, will feature traditional food, music and cultural performances. Rosas noted that while the festival is meant to celebrate Filipino heritage, it also offers residents a chance to connect with the local community and show support as it begins organizing relief efforts for those affected by the earthquake back home.
A shared sense of responsibility
Both Lazaro and Rosas underscored the strong sense of connection Filipino Canadians feel toward their homeland, particularly during times of crisis.
“The Filipino community in Saskatchewan stands united with our kababayans in the Philippines,” Lazaro said. “We are especially concerned for those who have lost loved ones, been displaced from their homes, or continue to face uncertainty.”
For Rosas, that unity translates into action — even if it takes a few days for efforts to organize.
“It’s easy to want to help,” he said. “The important thing is making sure the support is meaningful and reaches the right people.”
“Together,” Lazaro said, “we stand in solidarity with the people of Mindanao as they begin the difficult journey of recovery and rebuilding.”
