Manila: The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is stepping up efforts to enhance its retirement and reintegration programs for overseas Filipinos to position the Philippines as a prime destination for balikbayans or returning migrants planning to invest in the country and their communities. In a news release Thursday, CFO Secretary Dante 'Klink' Ang II assured during the third technical working group (TWG) meeting on retirement and reintegration on March 11 that the agency is working to bridge the gap between Filipinos abroad and local governments.
According to Philippines News Agency, among key initiatives being undertaken by the agency are strengthening the Linkapil or Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino framework, developing innovative retirement models, expanding global outreach and strategic partnerships, pushing for Medicare portability and strengthening its partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Ang stressed its important role of serving as the link between the Philippines and the more than 6 million Filipinos permanently residing abroad.
The CFO said key discussions centered on the proposed partnership with the Atikha Overseas Workers and Communities Initiative. The collaboration will support projects such as 'Adopt a Room' and 'Adopt a Scholar,' allowing overseas Filipinos to directly fund education and community development efforts. The agency noted that returning migrants can help drive economic growth by boosting the retirement sector, generating jobs, and sharing expertise gained overseas.
Also discussed in the TWG are the innovative retirement models, including the Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative, which aim to provide integrated housing, healthcare, and investment opportunities for retirees. To better tailor its programs to the needs of migrant Filipinos, CFO is urging those based in North America and Europe to participate in its Retirement and Reintegration Survey until April 30.
Meanwhile, the agency also expanded its global outreach while promoting retirement opportunities in major diaspora gatherings and conferences. The CFO also expressed support for efforts with Medicare PH Incorporated to extend US Medicare coverage for Filipino-American retirees in the Philippines to encourage more retirees from the United States to return and finally settle in the Philippines. Coordination with the DMW is also underway to present retirement initiatives to Migrant Workers Offices worldwide and ensure a smoother transition from overseas employment to retirement.
