In June 1980, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) was created by virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg. 79, which aims to strengthen the Philippine government’s policy on promoting migrants’ welfare and interests.
The CFO is tasked to coordinate with various agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in formulating integrated programs for the welfare of Filipinos overseas. Likewise, it also provides advice and assistance to the President of the Philippines as well as Congress, with regard to formulating policies and measures that affect Filipinos abroad.
Vision and Mission
According to its official website, the CFO envisions “a community of well-respected and proudly competitive Filipinos overseas who contribute significantly to the productivity and well-being of the countries where they reside or work while maintaining strong political, economic, and cultural ties with the Philippines.”
Notably, the CFO’s mission is to be the country’s “premier institution in promoting policies, programs, and projects with Migration and Development as a framework for the strengthening and empowerment of the community of Filipinos overseas.”
Key Programs
The key programs of the CFO include the following:
BaLinkBayan
As the name suggests, this program seeks to connect Filipinos abroad to social and economic development initiatives in the Philippines. It serves as a “one-stop” online portal, where oversease Filipinos can partner with national and local governments in starting a businesses, engaging in volunteer and donation services, and other initiatives.
IACAT-ADVOCOM
In December 2010, the CFO became a member of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). Specifically, it was tasked to head the council’s Advocacy and Communications Committee (ADVOCOM), which involves conducting information dissemination and campaign related to trafficking. The CFO is also responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing the IACAT’s communication program.
1343 Actionline
As head of the IACAT-ADVOCOM, the CFO played an important role in the launching of the 1343 Actionline Against Human Trafficking on March 15, 2011. This is a 24/7 hotline that responds to emergency calls and reports from victims of human trafficking and their families. Reports can be made by calling 1343 and international hotlines, or via the 1343 Actionline website, mobile app, and social media channels.
PESO Sense
In 2013, the CFO launched the Philippine Financial Freedom Campaign or PESO Sense, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and with support from the Western Union Foundation. This program seeks to help overseas Filipinos and their families attain financial freedom by enhancing personal knowledge, skills, and strategies.
Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs)
These are registered educational institutions outside the Philippines that implement the basic education curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd). These schools seek to address the educational needs of children of overseas Filipinos, serving as venues for teaching Philippine culture and heritage to young Filipinos abroad. As of December 2022, there are 32 PSOs in 10 countries, namely: Greece, Italy, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and East Timor.
Community Education Program (CEP)
This is an information campaign carried out by the CFO, together with government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions. It aims to help prospective migrants make wise, informed decisions about living and working overseas.
YouLeaD
Developed in 1983 and formerly known as Lakbay-Aral, Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) is a platform that enables Filipino youth overseas to rediscover their Philippine culture and heritage. It includes lectures, guided tours, participation in local festivities, and other activities.
Expanded Centenarians Act for Overseas Filipino Senior Citizens
Republic Act 11982 or the Expanded Centenarians Act seeks to recognize elderly Filipinos for their longevity an contributions to Philippine national development. Filipinos aged 80, 85, 80, and 95 years old will receive PHP 10,000 as incentive; meanwhile, those who reach 100 years old will receive PHP 100,000 as cash gift, plus a Letter of Felicitation from the Philippine President. Under this law, the CFO reviews and validates the applications of prospective beneficiaries who are based abroad.
Contact Information: CFO Office
For questions and concerns, you can get in touch with the CFO Office in Manila through the following contact details:
Address: 9th Floor, NexGen Tower, C-4 Road, EDSA Ext, Pasay City, 1300 Metro Manila
Telephone: 02 8552 4700
Email: info@cfo.gov.ph
Website: http://cfo.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFOGovPH
Google Map:
In partnership with the DFA and other agencies, the CFO is committed to upholding the rights and welfare of Filipinos, wherever they may be in the world. Another agency that the DFA works with is the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); visit this link to read all about it!