Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union (SLC-SFLU) took part in the celebration of National Refugee Day 2026 on June 19, 2026, at the Montserrat Center for Religious Formation in Silang, Cavite, joining higher education institutions and partner organizations in advancing inclusive education opportunities for refugees.
The event was spearheaded by Pathways Pilipinas, a consortium of Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) committed to supporting the Complementary Pathways (CPath) Programme—a collaborative initiative of the Philippine government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The program seeks to expand access to collegiate education for refugees, particularly members of the Rohingya community, through partnerships with higher education institutions across the country.
Carrying the theme “𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘨𝘦𝘦 𝘌𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘖𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘋𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘴, 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴,” the gathering served as a platform for strengthening collaboration among educational institutions and stakeholders while working toward the establishment of a sustainable national network dedicated to refugee education, advocacy, and resource sharing.
Representing SLC-SFLU at the event were Dr. Leo Esteene L. Galap, Director of Global Affairs; Dr. Neil Tristan N. Baga, Dean of Student Affairs; and Ms. Gloria Sison, Head of the College Extension and CICM Advocacies Office.
The program commenced with an interfaith prayer led by one of the refugee scholars, highlighting the spirit of solidarity and inclusivity that characterized the celebration. This was followed by a welcome message from Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, OSB, Rector-President of San Beda University emphasizing that “refugee education is not simply a humanitarian concern, it is a moral imperative”. Subsequently, Atty. Ma. Ermina “Iya” Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of the National Office of UNHCR Philippines, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the collective responsibility of institutions and stakeholders in creating pathways toward a more inclusive and equitable future for refugees.
Messages of support were likewise delivered by Atty. Paulito C. De Jesus, Assistant Head of the Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit of the Department of Justice, and Ms. Erin Bateman, Head of Asia Program of World University Service Canada. Their presentations underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in ensuring educational access and long-term opportunities for displaced populations.
A significant portion of the event focused on the role of higher education institutions in refugee inclusion. The presentation “HEIs and Refugees: A Praxis-Based Extension” examined the motivations of participating institutions in joining the CPath Programme and highlighted refugee education as a concrete expression of the mission, service, and social responsibility of higher education institutions.
Building on this discussion, the session “Sustaining Pathways Toward Success” provided a comprehensive overview of the program’s operational framework, including admissions procedures, documentation requirements, academic support systems, student integration mechanisms, and graduation pathways. The session also outlined the preparations required of institutions interested in joining the initiative and explored avenues through which private organizations and potential funders can contribute to the program’s sustainability.
The celebration further featured testimonies and video presentations from refugee scholars, allowing participants to gain deeper insights into their educational journeys and lived experiences. Complementing these narratives were presentations from pioneer higher education institutions that have already implemented the program, offering valuable perspectives and best practices for institutions exploring participation. An open forum subsequently provided an opportunity for representatives of prospective partner institutions to raise questions and clarify concerns regarding program implementation.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Andyo Roque Abusmas, National Convenor of Pathways Pilipinas, who emphasized the continuing need for collective action in expanding educational opportunities for refugees and displaced learners.
For SLC-SFLU, participation in the National Refugee Day 2026 celebration provided not only a deeper understanding of refugee education initiatives but also valuable opportunities to explore potential extension and advocacy partnerships. As the institution continues to strengthen its commitment to social responsibility and inclusive development, engagements such as these reinforce its Missionary Core Values and its dedication to extending transformative educational opportunities to communities in need, both locally and globally.
Words and Photos by Dr. Leo Esteene L. Galap, Global Affairs Office Director
