In observance of the National Refugee Day on June 20, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated its support for a safe, inclusive, and resilient environment for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons and those at risk of statelessness.

This year’s theme “Strengthening Spaces of Resilience and Hope,” deeply resonate with the DSWD’s core values, said Undersecretary for Operations Group (OPG) Monina Josefina Romualdez.

“Our role at the DSWD, in collaboration with our partners, is to uphold hope by ensuring that individuals and families in need are not just given refuge, but are provided with the necessary spaces – safe environments, supportive communities, and essential services where their inherent strengths can flourish,” Undersecretary Romualdez said on Monday (June 16).

This year’s theme gives emphasis for the need to bring together all sectors in society to collaborate and work together in addressing the plight of the refugees.

This is aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to utilize the whole-of-government approach so that all sectors in society are given the correct and timely interventions.

Every 20th of June, the National Refugee Day is observed in the Philippines based on Presidential Proclamation No. 265, s. 2023, coinciding with the international commemoration of World Refugee Day.

Undersecretary Romualdez said refugees are the epitome of incredible resilience, and courage to start anew despite their stories of immense hardship, displacement, and loss.

“This is a call to us to actively cultivate hope, and generously partake in extending a hand to those resiliently seeking care,” the DSWD executive said.

Undersecretary Romualdez pointed out that interventions for refugees must provide opportunities for their education, livelihood, and social inclusion.

The refugees also need the help so they can heal from past traumas and be able to contribute to their new communities.

Undersecretary Romualdez  stressed that providing interventions to uphold the rights and dignity of refugees is the work of the entire society.

Mandated to care for the poor and the most vulnerable sectors, the DSWD supports initiatives which provide the much-needed aid to refugees, who had undoubtedly faced abuse, neglect and violence.

“With other government agencies, civil society organizations, local communities and every Filipino, let us build a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can find a place to belong and thrive,” Undersecretary Romualdez said