Press Release
25 March 2025
Pathways Pilipinas opens doors to a brighter future for Rohingya youth
Manila, Philippines – Pathways Pilipinas, a groundbreaking initiative under the Philippines’ Complementary Pathways programme, was officially launched today with the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among seven (7) partner academic institutions. The signing ceremony marks the formal collaboration between these institutions to provide support for Rohingya scholars under the programme, enabling them to rebuild their lives and contribute to society.
The event, held at the Horacio Cebrero Hall of De La Salle Philippines, was attended by key representatives from the academe, Department of Justice (DOJ), UNHCR and other key stakeholders. The seven founding academic institutions—Columban College Inc. (CCI), De La Salle Brothers Inc. (DLSBI), De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU), San Beda University (SBU), Saint Louis University (SLU), Tarlac State University (TSU), and University of St. La Salle (USLS)—officially committed to supporting refugees through scholarships, mentorship, and holistic academic programs that focus on integration and self-reliance.
“This agreement marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to ensure that refugees and stateless persons have the opportunity to access quality higher education in the Philippines,” said Mr. Andyo Abusmas, National Convener of Pathways Pilipinas. “Through this partnership, we are not only offering a degree but also creating safe pathways, through education, for Rohingya youth to thrive and build a better future.”
The MOA sets the framework for the participating institutions to work together in offering educational opportunities to refugees and stateless individuals, with a strong emphasis on supporting their personal and professional development. Under the agreement, each institution will provide scholarship slots, academic support, and other resources necessary to ensure that refugees scholars, Rohingya youth in particular, succeed in their educational pursuits.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to upholding refugee rights in the Philippines,” said State Counsel Paulito de Jesus, assistant head of the Department of Justice - Refugee and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU). “This agreement will provide the framework for stronger collaboration among the partner academic institutions of the Complementary Pathways programme, which are working tirelessly to support Rohingya scholars who are pursuing their studies in the Philippines.”
The signing of the MOA is a direct outcome of the academic institutions’ participation in the Complementary Pathways Programme, an initiative that seeks to provide alternative pathways for and with refugees, Rohingya in particular, to find durable solutions to their displacement, including through access to education. The collaboration also reinforces the Philippines' ongoing support for refugees as a key element of the country’s longstanding tradition of opening its doors to those seeking safety from war, persecution, and violence.
It also outlines that partner institutions will work closely with the DOJ-RSPPU and UNHCR to implement refugee-centered policies and programs, ensuring that refugee scholars are meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their education and integration.
“Today’s signing ceremony is a powerful demonstration of the commitment of the partner academic institutions under the Complementary Pathways programme of the Philippines and a testament to the belief that education is a key tool for integration and empowerment,” said UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo. “With more support committed through Pathways Pilipinas that strengthens this whole-of society approach, we envision more young Rohingya gaining the skills and knowledge they need to rebuild their lives.”
The ceremonial signing marks the beginning of a new chapter for Rohingya youth under the Complementary Pathways Programme, where education will play a central role in fostering integration, empowerment, and self-sufficiency. Through the efforts of Pathways Pilipinas and its partners, refugees will be given the chance to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.
About Pathways Pilipinas
Pathways Pilipinas is a new non-profit alliance of seven higher education institutions in the Philippines, dedicated to providing refugees and stateless persons with access to higher education. This initiative, which is part of the Philippine Complementary Pathways Programme, focuses on creating opportunities for refugees to rebuild their lives through education and integration into Philippine society.
For more information, please contact : Andyo Abusmas, National Convener
tulonglasalyano@delasalle.ph