While not a major host of refugees compared to other countries, the Philippines has long held a unique role in offering sanctuary. Historically, it welcomed Russian refugees in the 1920s, Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust in the 1930s, and Vietnamese “boat people” in the 1970s.
This tradition of compassion continues today, as the country upholds its commitment to international humanitarian obligations, being one of the first in Southeast Asia to sign the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.
In recent years, the government, in coordination with the UNHCR and various civil society groups, has marked World Refugee Day through educational campaigns, art exhibits, solidarity walks, and film screenings that aim to raise awareness about the plight of refugees.
These events are often held in Metro Manila but extend to areas like Davao and Cebu, where refugee communities and asylum seekers are present.Filipinos, known for their hospitality, are encouraged to embrace a more inclusive mindset by supporting refugee integration. This includes access to basic services, legal aid, and livelihood opportunities. Educational institutions also take part by hosting forums and storytelling sessions to build empathy among the youth.
In a world increasingly divided by borders and fear, the Philippines’ observance of World Refugee Day is a small but meaningful gesture of hope — a reaffirmation that solidarity is not just a word, but an active choice to stand with the displaced and uphold their dignity.
