Tubabao

Tubabao is an island in the Philippines, part of the Guiuan municipality in Eastern Samar province. It is historically significant for serving as a refugee camp for White Russian refugees fleeing China following the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War in 1949.

From 1949 to 1951, Tubabao Island hosted a large community of these refugees, estimated to number around 5,500. The refugees were primarily members of the Russian Orthodox Christian faith. The island was chosen as a temporary haven due to a combination of factors including its relatively remote location, availability of space, and the Philippine government's willingness to offer humanitarian assistance.

The refugees established a functioning community on the island, building temporary homes, schools, and a church. Despite challenging conditions and limited resources, they maintained a semblance of their cultural traditions and social structures.

The International Refugee Organization (IRO) provided significant support to the refugees on Tubabao, including food, medical care, and assistance with resettlement. After two years, the majority of the refugees were eventually resettled in various countries around the world, including the United States, Australia, and South American nations.

Today, Tubabao Island is primarily inhabited by local Filipinos. While remnants of the Russian refugee settlement are limited, the island holds a place in history as a symbol of international humanitarianism and the plight of refugees during the Cold War era. Oral histories and local accounts help preserve the memory of the Russian community that once called Tubabao home.