Malacañang Palace declared every June 20 as National Refugee Day.

Proclamation No. 265 dated June 20 and released on June 22 stated that the declaration is in line with the United Nations' World Refugee Day every 20th of June which is dedicated to honoring "the strength and courage of people who fled war, violence, conflict or persecution, and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country."

"The government recognizes the necessity for a national observance of the "World Refugee Day" to protect and uphold the rights of refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers, and increase awareness and recognition of their welfare, needs, and vulnerabilities," it said.

The Proclamation ordered all government agencies and instrumentalities including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) and state universities and colleges to participate and render necessary support and assistance for the effective implementation of the act.