Quezon City, Philippines—On July 17, 2025, over 100 stakeholders from across the Philippines and abroad gathered both in person and online at Ibis Styles, Araneta, Quezon City, to commemorate the 27th Anniversary of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (GPID) and formally launch the #IDPBillMyBill Campaign. Organized by UNHCR in partnership with government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and UN bodies, the forum served as a platform for knowledge exchange, contextualization of the GPID within the Philippine setting, identification of key implementation gaps, and the mobilization of collective support for the urgent passage of the Internally Displaced Persons Rights and Protection Bill at the national level.
The GPID convention featured seven thematic sessions that provided a multi-level analysis of internal displacement— (1) emphasizing the role of LGUs in local governance and economic recovery; (2) showcasing grassroots peacebuilding through the SEEDS for Peace Initiative by UNDP Philippines; (3) examining BARMM-specific displacement issues through humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, and climate resilience lenses; (4) positioning IDPs as active partners in achieving national development goals; (5) addressing cross-cutting concerns such as human rights, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive governance; (6) presenting regional and global displacement trends and best practices via UNHCR; and (7) outlining strategies to build legislative momentum for the passage of the long-pending IDP Rights and Protection Bill under the #IDPBillMyBill Campaign.
In the opening remarks, Ma. Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of UNHCR Philippines, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated and sustained efforts to address both emerging and protracted displacement challenges. Assistant Director Stacy Danika Alcantara-Garcia of the Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to protecting the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes. She remarked, “Malayo na, pero malayo pa!”—a poignant reminder that while significant progress has been made, much work remains ahead.
UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral delivered the keynote address, highlighting the continued relevance of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (GPID) and calling for the urgent passage of a national IDP law aligned with international human rights and humanitarian standards.
Solidarity messages from Senator Win Gatchalian, Atom Araullo (UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador) echoed a common call: the urgent need for a national legal framework to protect the rights and dignity of all internally displaced Filipinos. CBCS Chairperson, Mr. Guiamel M. Alim, in his speech, remains optimistic that something positive will happen in the 20th Congress in support of the IDP Bill, and a whole-of-nation approach must be taken as a TEAM (Together, Everyone’s Action Matters).
IDP representatives from Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao del Sur—Mr. Mohaimen Buna and Ms. Johani Macungay—urged the government to urgently address the root causes of displacement such as armed conflict, rido, and lack of basic services. They called for strengthened peace efforts, improved access to livelihoods, and durable solutions that go beyond temporary aid. They also emphasized the importance of including IDPs in decision-making to ensure sustainable recovery and long-term stability.
The #IDPBillMyBill Campaign seeks to galvanize broad-based public and legislative support for the Internally Displaced Persons Rights and Protection Act, a proposed measure that has remained pending in Congress for over a decade. The bill aims to institutionalize comprehensive protection mechanisms for IDPs, clearly define the roles and responsibilities of government agencies, and guarantee the meaningful participation of displaced individuals in the design and implementation of policies and programs that affect their lives.
Amid persistent and growing displacement in the Philippines due to armed conflict, natural disasters, and the worsening impacts of climate change, stakeholders from civil society, government, and affected communities have reaffirmed the urgent need for a rights-based, inclusive, and durable solution. They emphasized that the enactment of the IDP Rights Bill is a critical step toward aligning national laws with international standards and addressing the longstanding gaps in protection, assistance, and accountability for internally displaced persons.
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