MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Honoring the resilience and courage of millions of people who have been forced to flee from war, persecution, and violence, World Refugee Day is observed every 20th of June.  Pursuant to the Proclamation Decree No. 265 (s.2023) as issued by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the 20th of June of each year is declared as National Refugee Day, which enjoins all agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government to actively participate and render the necessary support and assistance for the effective implementation of the said Proclamation.

In line with this and as part of the Professional Regulation Commission’s (PRC) 51st Founding Anniversary and Professional Regulation Week with the theme: Bagong Pilipinas: Pagpupugay sa Makabago at Mapanlikhang Propesyonal ng Bayan, PRC cordially invited the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Philippines as one of the Bazaar exhibitors at the PRC Central Office in Sampaloc, Manila. The UNHCR Philippines booth highlighted the promotional and commemorative paraphernalia and relevant works of the Persons of Concerns (POCs), who are seeking asylum in the Philippines.

On another note, the PRC joined the 1st National Refugee Day Forum at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. [1]  During which, Atty. Dennis Arvin L. Chan, Chief State Council and Head of the Department of Justice-Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), recognized the essential roles and contributions of each government and non-government organizations, academe, and other members of civil society in ensuring robust mechanism [on protection services] that is accessible to POCs.  Furthermore, Atty. Melisa Jane C. Yeachana, Director of International Affairs Office, as one of the forum panel discussants on Solidarity Solutions: Pathways of #HopeAwayFromHome, conveyed PRC’s support to assist the POCs in achieving solidarity and durable solutions towards professional fulfillment, anchored on the Article 19 (Liberal Professions) of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.  On one note, Dr. Steven Muncy, Executive Director of Community and Family Services International (CFSI) commended PRC in its assistance to allow refugees to take the examination and practice the profession which the refugees have studied in the Philippines, not most of countries are as cooperative as the Philippines. 

Lastly, Atty. Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of the UNHCR Philippines, thanked everyone for their commitment and proactive stance in upholding refugees and ensuring that they are integrated into the fabric of the Philippine society – that they have #HopeAwayFromHome. Her message ended by asking everyone to remain steadfast in their commitments, driven by the belief that every person deserves a chance to live a life in safety, dignity, and opportunity, and to build a society where everyone is seen, heard, and valid.

“Refugees are opportunity creators, not a burden.

The least you can do is to listen.” – Dr. Steven Muncy (CFSI)