UNHCR Philippines started its fundraising program in the Philippines in May 2014. To date, 5300 Filipino individuals donate monthly to help UNHCR deliver life‐saving assistance to the forcibly displaced.
The Orchestra with UNHCR Senior Protection Officer Yasser Saad, Representative Bernard Kerblat, Orchestra of the Filipino Youth Strings Quorum Manager Federico Frayna, and Asst. Private Sector Fundraising Officer Marmie Liquigan. (© UNHCR / Ryan Ong)
MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hosted “An Evening with Bernard Kerblat: A Thanksgiving Event” in appreciation of its donors and partners who have been supporting those who are displaced by conflict and natural disasters around the world. The event was held last Thursday, 26 May, at Discovery Primea in Makati.
“Filipinos have exemplified empathy and solidarity for people forced to flee, especially for those who are persecuted or are suffering human rights abuse. Though they have problems of their own, Filipinos embrace everyone’s common humanity. When many would shut doors, Filipinos are always willing to extend a generous hand. When many would turn their backs, Filipinos are always willing to share the heavy load,” said UNHCR Philippines Representative Bernard Kerblat.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, started its fundraising program in the Philippines in May 2014. To date, 5300 Filipino individuals donate monthly to help UNHCR deliver life‐saving assistance like shelter and other core relief items, safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home.
“You consistently heeded our call for support whether this was an emergency in the Philippines, an earthquake in Nepal, or the refugee crisis in Europe mainly due to the influx of refugees fleeing Syria and other war-torn countries. We appreciate how Filipinos have extended their goodwill to the rest of the world. We could not have done it without you,” UNHCR Philippines Senior Protection Officer Yasser Saad said at the event.
One of the highlights of the evening was a heartfelt performance by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) Strings Quorum, composed of underprivileged youth scholars from around the Philippines.
In a surprise gesture, the children presented UNHCR with a donation of P5,000.00. “We have pooled together our savings to help refugees and displaced families so they may live safely and in dignity in our country. It’s a humble amount, but we believe that someone out there will be safer with the efforts of our government and UNHCR”.
Speaking on behalf of UNHCR, Mr. Kerblat responded, “We are very honored by this gesture. As we look back to our accomplishments, we recognize that it would not have been possible without all of you, without your commitment to refugees and the displaced, and your selfless donation to UNHCR. Maraming salamat po!”
Representatives from government partners like the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Commission on Human Rights, and the Office of the Political Adviser under the Office of the President also attended the occasion. Supporters from the private sector included UNIQLO Philippines, President Elpidio Quirino Foundation, Nexus Technologies, Inc, and private individual donors
To support refugees and forcibly displaced families in the Philippines and around the world, visit https://donate.unhcr.ph or deposit your donations in any of the following banks:
Account Name: UNHCR Philippines
Banco de Oro Savings Account: 5340067468
Bank of the Philippine Islands Savings Account: 2973005998
Metrobank Savings Account: 6073607130990
Please forward a scanned copy of your deposit slip to [email protected] for proper recording and acknowledgment of your donations
For more information please contact:
Gina Maramag, UNHCR
External Relations Associate
[email protected]
+63917.597.9667
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
