(Sta. Ana Mayor Norberto G. Gamboa (right) shows the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Cities #WithRefugees statement of solidarity at the municipal hall. Photo courtesy of Carmela Jane F. Villar/PIA 3)
STA. ANA, Pampanga – In support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Cities #WithRefugees Campaign, the municipal government of Sta. Ana has signed the UN campaign and joined other cities and municipalities that also inked the declaration.
In order to build solidarity for refugees and forcibly displaced families, the UNHCR Cities #WithRefugees Campaign was rolled out.
“We would like to help our refugees in their stay here, starting off with their livelihood,” Mayor Norberto G. Gamboa said.
Other local government units that earlier signed the statement included the city of San Jose del Monte and municipality of Sta. Maria in Bulacan and the cities of Vigan, San Fernando (La Union), and Zamboanga.
LGUs that will be signing the declaration soon are Cainta, Rizal; and the cities of Sta. Rosa, Laguna and San Fernando in Pampanga.
“Towns and cities with their leaders or officials play a vital role in welcoming refugees. They can gather support, provide opportunities, and help refugees have access to government services so they can become members of the community,” UNHCR Protection Associate Ma. Louella Gamboa said.
“Cities #WithRefugees hopes to gather global public support for families who are forced to leave their homes and for refugees to be able to live in safety, have access to education and able to support their families,” Gamboa added.
