PRESS RELEASE | PR-194-2026
Singapore, 22 June 2026 – In solidarity with refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and displaced communities around the world, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore joined the observance of National Refugee Day 2026 this morning with a brief commemorative program following a flag-raising ceremony.
Observed annually every 20th of June pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 265, s. 2023, the National Refugee Day serves as an occasion to reaffirm the Philippines’ longstanding commitment to humanitarian protection, inclusion, and respect for human dignity. This year’s observance carries the theme, “Solutions in Motion: Rebuilding Futures Together,” highlighting the importance of collective efforts to help displaced communities rebuild their lives and secure durable solutions to displacement.
This year’s commemoration carries special significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 45th anniversary of the Philippines’ accession to the Convention in 1981.
During the program, Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig read the message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., highlighting the Philippines’ proud tradition of extending compassion and protection to those forced to flee conflict, violence, and persecution.
A commemorative video prepared for the occasion by the Office of United Nations and International Organizations of the Department of Foreign Affairs was also shown during the program.
Throughout its history, the Philippines has served as a safe haven for successive waves of refugees, including White Russians fleeing the Russian Revolution, Jewish refugees escaping Nazi persecution during the Second World War, and refugees displaced by conflicts in Indochina, including Cambodia and Vietnam.
The Embassy’s observance of National Refugee Day served as an opportunity to reflect on the Philippines’ humanitarian legacy and its continuing support for a rules-based international order grounded in international law, burden-sharing, and the protection of vulnerable populations. It likewise highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing displacement and advancing durable solutions for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons worldwide. (END)
