President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has declared June 20 of every year as National Refugee Day.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)
Marcos made the declaration through Proclamation No. 265 on June 20.
The President said declaring a national day for refugees is important to protect and uphold the rights of stateless persons, stressing that "the Philippines has a longstanding humanitarian tradition of opening its arms" to refugees.
It would also be key to increase awareness about refugees' rights and welfare among the public, he added.
"With more than 100 million people forced to flee globally, and with an estimated 264,000 persons of concern currently hosted by the Philippines, the government recognizes the necessity for a national observance of the 'World Refugee Day' to protect and uphold the rights of refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers, and increase awareness and recognition of their welfare, needs, and vulnerabilities," Marcos said.
All agencies including government-owned or -controlled corporations and universities and colleges were enjoined to actively participate and render necessary support and assistance for the implementation of the proclamation.
LOOK: President Marcos declares June 20 of every year as National Refugee Day. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/o2msWm3IYy
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) June 22, 2023
Local government units, non-government organizations, civil society groups, Philippine-based UN agencies, and the private sector were also encouraged to do the same.
World Refugee Day is also celebrated June 20 annually. It is designated by the United Nations (UN) to honor the strength and courage of people who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution, and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country.
According to the President, the declaration of a national day for refugees is aligned with one of the strategies under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 that aims to provide anticipatory programs that will address the needs of people in situations of violence and conflicts.