UNHCR Welcomes USD 150,000 Contribution from the Philippines to Support Refugee Education Pathways
UNHCR Welcomes USD 150,000 Contribution from the Philippines to Support Refugee Education Pathways
The DFA formally turned over the Philippines’ contribution to UNHCR in support of the Complementary Pathways Programme through the Learning Without Borders project, witnessed by the UN Resident Coordinator, the Department of Justice, and Pathways Pilipinas.
MANILA, Philippines—UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes a voluntary contribution of USD 150,000 from the Government of the Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in support of the Complementary Pathways (CPath) Education Programme. The pledge was formalized during a ceremony on Thursday, 14 May 2026, held at the Carlos P. Romulo Library of the DFA.
The contribution will support the project “Learning Without Borders” (2026–2030), which aims to expand and sustain education opportunities for refugees through complementary pathways.
DFA Assistant Secretary Leila C. Lora-Santos noted that the ceremony also marks the opening of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, a landmark treaty the Philippines helped shape and among the first it ratified in the post-war period. Asst. Secretary Lora-Santos humbly shared that this is what makes the Philippines’ “open door” policy especially meaningful.
She added, “While our nation was recovering from the ravages of war, poverty, and colonialism, we did not hesitate to lend a hand to those who needed help the most.”
Building on this strong humanitarian tradition, government institutions continue to play a key role in advancing refugee protection today. As the lead agency on refugee issues, the Department of Justice-Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU) began its CPath journey with a simple but important question: Why the Philippines?
State Counsel Atty. Paulito de Jesus underscored this commitment, expressing, “Even with limited means, we have proven that compassion, when matched with action, allows us to rise beyond our weight and shape a future where dignity and education know no borders.”
The Philippines’ Complementary Pathways (CPath) programme, in collaboration with the Government of the Philippines and Pathways Pilipinas, a consortium of academic institutions, provides a safe and regulated pathway to education for selected Rohingya refugees displaced in Southeast Asia.
Assistant Secretary Leila C. Lora-Santos emphasized that the DFA’s contribution to UNHCR reaffirms a shared belief: refugees deserve protection and pathways to dignity, opportunity, and self-reliance.
UNHCR Philippines is proud to stand alongside the Government of the Philippines as it continues to expand pathways and opportunities for refugees according to its Head of National Office, Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo.
As highlighted by UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral, the DFA’s formal turnover highlights the Philippines’ strong commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, the Global Compact on Refugees, and leaving no one behind.
The UN in the Philippines welcomes the Philippines’ pledge in support of UNHCR’s Complementary Pathways programme.
DOJ-RSPPU hopes that the Philippines will scale up its commitment at the next Global Refugee Forum, expanding opportunities for refugee students and demonstrating strong impact despite limited resources.
Pathways Pilipinas National Convenor Andyo Abusmas emphasized that, by welcoming refugees through education, the programme helps protect their rights, restore hope, and create opportunities for a more secure and dignified future.
By expanding access to higher education under the leadership of the Government of the Philippines, through DOJ-RSPPU and DFA, and with support from UNHCR and Pathways Pilipinas, the country seeks to strengthen the skills, self-determination, and future opportunities of young refugee scholars, advancing pathways toward durable solutions in line with the broader support extended to all refugees.
UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Arnaud Peral highlighted the value of partnerships in supporting refugees.
He stated that “this is a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort, bringing together DFA, DOJ, UNHCR, academic institutions, and partners. This model is essential for delivering durable solutions.”
Since 2022, the Philippines has been hosting 25 Rohingya refugees to pursue higher education, with two students having successfully graduated in 2026. The remaining students are currently enrolled in various degree programs across partner colleges and universities nationwide. They have demonstrated strong academic performance and active participation in campus life, reflecting their perseverance, ambition, and potential.
Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, UNHCR Head of National Office in the Philippines, thanked the Government of the Philippines for continuing to expand pathways and opportunities for refugees.
“Today’s turnover is more than a formal agreement, it is a reaffirmation of solidarity, leadership, and shared responsibility,” Valdeavilla-Gallardo added.
UNHCR affirms its strong commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and partnership-driven solutions, highlighting the CPath programme as a leading example of how collaborative efforts can deliver meaningful and lasting impact.