Tarlac State University (TSU), through the Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL), participated in the 2025 National Refugee Day celebration held on June 20–21, 2025, at Central Park Hotel, Ermita, Manila. With the theme “Strengthening Spaces of Resilience and Hope,” the event highlighted efforts to promote safe and inclusive spaces for refugees in the Philippines.
Two simultaneous breakout sessions were conducted at 11:00 AM on the first day. OIAL Liaison and Protocol Officer Ms. Mely Rose B. Galleon, along with staff member Mx. Cedrick John B. Malicdem, attended the first session, which focused on “Creating Safe Spaces Through Inclusive Communities.” The discussion, led by Mr. Karman Danish, a Refugee Social Worker from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), tackled the importance of addressing vulnerabilities and ensuring protection for refugees. Mr. Danish emphasized that refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons have equal access to government programs and services in the Philippines. He pointed out that the main hindrance to fully utilizing these services is language, and recommended prioritizing learning conversational Filipino.
The second breakout session, attended by OIAL Director Dr. Grace N. Rosete and Linkages Department Head Prof. Maria Tiara Fatima F. Galang, also tackled the same agenda. This session delved into issues surrounding the safety and security of refugees in the Philippines and included moving testimonies from refugees who shared their personal experiences.
In the afternoon plenary titled “Building Hope and Solutions Together,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador Mr. Atom Araullo served as the moderator. Refugees from Malaysia who have sought asylum in the Philippines shared their journeys, recounting the challenges they faced and the reasons that led them to seek refuge in the country.
The first day concluded with a closing remark from Atty. Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of National Office, UNHCR Philippines. She emphasized the firm Filipino value of hospitality, stating, “Filipino hospitality extends beyond borders. Because of this, I can assure you—no refugee will be left behind.”
The second day featured a Solidarity Football Match, where refugee participants teamed up with the San Beda College football team. The players were divided into two teams—the Red Team, which included one of TSU’s CPATH Scholars, and the Black Team. The match ended with the Red Team emerging victorious, scoring 6–2.
