PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared June 20 of each year as National Refugee Day.
On behalf of Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation No. 265 on Tuesday, June 20. The document was uploaded to the Official Gazette on Thursday, June 22.
The United Nations also celebrates World Refugee Day on June 20 of every year, one of the reasons for the proclamation.
The annual celebration honors 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.
“The Philippines has a long-standing humanitarian tradition (of) opening its arms to those who seek safety, and promoting an environment suitable for people forced to flee their countries of origin, stateless persons, and populations at risk of statelessness,” the proclamation reads.
“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,” it added.
The Philippine government is currently looking into the request of the United States for the country to accept Afghan refugees while they process their Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications at the US Embassy in Manila, which has gained criticisms from various groups. (SunStar Philippines)