As the first anniversary of last year’s Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy approaches, one survivor and several Filipino community groups say it’s too soon to bring the festival back.

This year’s event is scheduled to take place April 17-19, but many say the trauma from last year’s attack remains.

“It’s like disrespect for us, for not even like a year,” said survivor Val De La Cruz.

De La Cruz, his wife, and his son were injured in the horrific car ramming attack on April 26th. He says the trauma he and his family face every day is still fresh.

The last thing De La Cruz remembers before waking up in a hospital bed was waiting in line to get a lemonade with his two-year-old son at last year’s festival.

He says his son is still affected by the event.

“Every time he sees a car, he’s just hugging me and running from us that there’s a car behind us.”

And that isn’t the only issue. Some are concerned there are still unanswered questions from Filipino BC regarding how millions of dollars of victim funds were distributed.

De La Cruz says he feels he hasn’t been adequately financially supported by the group and is calling for clarity from the organization.

Arcie Lim, president of United Filipino Canadian Associations in B.C. (UFCABC), shares that sentiment.

“Our integrity is at stake,” Lim says.

“A lot of people are asking, you guys can’t even get this right.”

Filipino BC says funds have supported dozens of those affected by the tragedy by allocating the money raised to organizations like the Canadian Red Cross and United Way BC. The group also insists all financial reporting follows legal requirements.

Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, says more clarity is needed.

“It’s expected when funds were raised, the intention was to go towards victims and survivors of those impacted,” Elmore said.

“Those are questions that need to be answered.”

Instead of another festival, community members plan to hold a remembrance dinner on April 12 to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy.

Meanwhile, De La Cruz and his family continue their recovery and search for answers.