UNHCR’s #WithRefugees campaign invites cities and local authorities all over the world who are working to promote inclusion, support refugees and bring communities together to sign a statement of solidarity #WithRefugees.
In the Philippines, 11 cities and counting have signed the Statement of Solidarity, joining 250+ cities all over the world in supporting refugees and creating inclusive societies.
Join us and sign the statement today.
Cities and municipalities are some of UNHCR’s most important partners, as majority of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) now dwell in cities not in camps. Finding themselves on the frontlines of the global refugee response, an increasing number of cities are choosing to empower refugees and embrace the opportunities they bring. Mayors and cities also play an incredibly important role in strengthening inclusion and combating misinformation, racism, and xenophobia.
With COVID-19 Cities around the world are stepping up to address the economic, health and social impact of COVID-19 and to protect their most vulnerable residents, including refugees.
Philippine Cities in Solidarity #WithRefugees
IMUS, Cavite
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan
SAN FERNANDO, La Union
VIGAN, Ilocos Sur
ZAMBOANGA, Zamboanga del Norte
SANTA MARIA, Bulacan
On 10 June 2019, Mayor Russell Pleyto of Santa Maria, Bulacan signed the Cities #WithRefugees statement of solidarity. Undersecretary Martin Diño of the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government and Santa Maria Vice Mayor Ricky Buenaventura witnessed the ceremonial signing.
“We shoulder the enormous responsibility of providing access to housing, health care, education, skills training, and employment opportunities for newcomers and long-term residents alike. We are very much willing to help the refugees who live for five years now in our town.”
– MAYOR RUSSEL PLEYTO, Santa Maria, Bulacan
SANTA ANA, Pampanga
Mayor Norberto G. Gamboa led the Municipal Government of Santa Ana, Pampanga, in signing the Solidarity Statement #withrefugees on 3 September 2019.
“Cities #WithRefugees seeks to highlight the increasingly important role cities have taken on in accommodating refugees. Local authorities and mayors are some of the most important actors helping refugees to settle in, find a safe place to live, access services, and be able to support their families.”
– MAYOR NORBERTO G. GAMBOA, Santa Ana, Pampanga
SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga
Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, together with Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, and City Councilor Ariel Carreon, led the signing of the Solidarity Statement #withrefugees on 5 September 2019 at the Heroes Hall in the City of San Fernando.
“To be a sustainable city, we must not only be economically viable but also socially inclusive.”
– MAYOR EDWIN DAVID SANTIAGO, San Fernando, Pampanga
CAINTA, Rizal
Mayor Kit Nieto and Vice Mayor Ace Servillon of Cainta, Rizal led the ceremonial signing of the Cities #WithRefugees statement of solidarity on 10 September 2019.
“Humanity is borderless. We want to cover the needs of these people who do not have Cainta as their home.”
– MAYOR KIT NIETO, Cainta, Rizal
SANTA ROSA, Laguna
Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas signed on 19 September 2019 the Cities #WithRefugees statement of solidarity to mark the City of Santa Rosa’s initiative in welcoming and including refugees in the community.
“The City of Santa Rosa is one with UNHCR in supporting the refugees who are in our City by providing them the necessary assistance and guarantee their safety.”
– MAYOR ARLENE ARCILLAS, Santa Rosa, Laguna
GUIUAN, Eastern Samar
On 22 October 2020, the Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan of the Municipality of Guiuan signed the statement of solidarity and highlighted the Philippines’ long-standing and continuing tradition of opening its doors to the forcibly displaced.
“Guiuan supports UNHCR’s Cities #WithRefugees to show that this current generation continues to uphold our town’s long history of kindness and compassion towards refugees and strangers needing assistance. “
– MAYOR ANNALIZA KWAN, Guiuan, Eastern Samar
