‘Their resilience inspires us’: How Filipinos in Palawan embrace Vietnamese refugees in Viet Ville

The Philippine First Asylum Center in Palawan served as a refuge for over half a million refugees between 1979 and 1995. Credit: PFAC Palawan

This report explores the vibrant history of the Vietnamese community in Palawan and the stories of compassion that flourished between them and the local Palaweños like Ralph Baterzal.

The Philippine First Asylum Center served as a refuge for over half a million refugees between 1979 and 1995.
From a temporary camp, Viet Ville was established in 1996 as a permanent community for Vietnamese who chose to stay in the country.
Ralph shared the friendship between her mother, Judith Baterzal and the refugee Que symbolizes the deep bonds formed across different cultures and languages.

Ralph Baterzal is a Palawan local who shared his memory interacting with Vietnamese refugees. Credit: Supplied by Ralph Baterzal

‘We didn’t find home, but we were free’: Fowler MP Dai Le recounts life in the Philippines as a Vietnamese refugee

SBS Vietnamese

📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino

🔊 On Air – Tune in to SBS Filipino on radio stations across Australia and website live stream, and TV Channel 302 from 10 AM to 11 AM AEST daily.

📲 Catch up episodes and stories – Visit sbs.com.au/filipino or stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube Podcasts, and SBS Audio app.

📣 Follow Us on Social Media – Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram.