STRENGTHENING PATHWAYS, Building Futures: Deepening Collaboration for and with Rohingya Scholars in the 3rd National CPath Gathering
STRENGTHENING PATHWAYS, Building Futures: Deepening Collaboration for and with Rohingya Scholars in the 3rd National CPath Gathering
Representatives from the Government, academe, civil society organizations, CPath scholars and UNHCR gather to celebrate significant milestones and work together towards self-reliance and durable solutions.
From a shared vision to a thriving collaboration, the Complementary Pathways (CPath) Programme of the Philippines continues to unite key stakeholders in the society - universities, civil society, the Philippine Government through the Department of Justice’s Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Pathways Pilipinas, refugees and partners—celebrating momentum and expanding opportunities towards durable solutions for refugees, including Rohingya youth. Now in its third year, the National CPath Gathering was held from 7–9 January 2026 at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City.
In his welcome address, Brother Joaquin Severino S. Martinez, President of USLS, conveyed his appreciation for the university’s role in hosting the gathering. He emphasized that the three‑day engagement is anchored on strengthening partnerships and advancing the empowerment of CPath scholars, an effort collectively upheld by USLS and all partners.
Joining USLS, other academic institutions supporting Rohingya scholars include Columban College Inc. (CCI), De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU), De La Salle-Dasmariñas (DLSD), San Beda University, Saint Louis University (SLU), and Tarlac State University (TSU) and De La Salle Brothers Inc. (DLSBI).
Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan of the Department of Justice-Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU) expressed his gratitude to USLS for hosting this year’s gathering of CPath stakeholders, highlighting the institution’s leadership in advancing dialogue and learning on refugee protection.
Grateful for the collaboration, Chan added, “Supporting scholars means providing resources, mentorship, and safe and inclusive spaces that empower CPath scholars to pursue academic excellence and make impactful contributions to the community.”
The Philippines has opened doors for 25 Rohingya refugees since 2022, now studying in varied college courses across seven partner institutions nationwide. Some even excelling in academics and extracurricular pursuits, these young refugees embody resilience, determination, and talent.
Lindsey Atienza, UNHCR Philippines Head of Protection Unit, emphasized that the gathering marks a successful outcome. One that embodies both continuity and the deepening of a collaborative effort built on trust, shared purpose, and collective resolve.
“A historic achievement made possible because each stakeholder here chose to invest in a vision that extends beyond individual mandates,” added Atienza.
The three‑day gathering provided the participants with valuable learning opportunities on financial literacy and stewardship, skills that help them make informed financial decisions. They also gained a deeper understanding of mental health and learned practical ways to cope with everyday stresses, including challenges faced in their academic journey.
CPath scholars, together with academic partners and government counterparts, took part in a comprehensive skills‑enhancement session focused on resource mobilization and project proposal development. It presented essential competencies for the participants to design, manage partnerships, and sustain community‑led initiatives—support that is especially valuable for the growth and effectiveness of refugee‑led organizations (RLO).
The RLO established by the CPath scholars offered the chance to present their rich history and culture as Rohingya along with their active efforts and future plans.
Filled with gratitude, a CPath scholar shared how meaningful the gathering was for her, especially the chance to reconnect with fellow scholars and learn valuable life skills. She also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the government, academic institutions, partners, and UNHCR for the unwavering support they have received since arriving in the Philippines to pursue their studies.
This year holds special significance as the initiative puts forward the promising academic completion of CPath’s inaugural cohort of Rohingya scholars, marking a feat in the programme’s journey.
CPath scholars reconnect with their fellow participants during a welcome dinner hosted by the University of St. La Salle, marking the formal opening of the gathering and strengthening their sense of community.
The partners in the academe engage in a productive exchange reaffirming shared commitments and strengthening collaborative efforts for the CPath Programme.
CPath scholar poses a thoughtful question during a session that demonstrates active engagement and curiosity.
Highlighting their unity and shared commitment, male CPath scholars participate and build stronger collaborations to support each other.
Celebrating shared experiences along with representatives from JREC - Future Global Islamic Network Society, female CPath scholars empower each other to succeed and inspire more girls to find opportunities to access education.
UNHCR emphasizes the strengthened partnership supporting the CPath Programme, rooted in mutual trust, shared goals, and collective dedication.
The DOJ‑RSPPU conveyed their appreciation to all partners for supporting the CPath programme and creating spaces for refugees to have a chance for a better future.
