Makati city: The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) emphasized the significant role played by permanent and long-term Filipino migrants, highlighting their contributions to various local government units (LGUs) and organizations, as well as to national development.
According to Philippines News Agency, at the celebration of the Overseas Filipino Month and the International Migrants Day at the Department of Migrant Workers in Makati City, CFO Chairperson Secretary Dante Ang II led a tribute to the approximately 10.7 million overseas Filipinos worldwide and their families. Among these, 5.8 million are permanent migrants, including naturalized citizens, dual citizens, spouses or partners of foreign nationals, and their children.
He noted that the majority of Filipinos abroad are no longer overseas workers on temporary visas, emphasizing that permanent migrants form a distinct and influential sector of the global Filipino community. Secretary Ang stressed the importance of supporting all Filipinos wherever they reside, highlighting their unwavering connection to the Philippines.
Ang affirmed that the CFO is dedicated to ensuring Filipino expatriates receive adequate support to maintain effective communication with the Philippines and assist their families appropriately. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of permanent migrants, who support the Philippines through material assistance, civic engagement, and policy advocacy.
Data from the CFO reveal that PHP3.4 billion in assistance and investments have been directed to the Philippines by permanent migrants through initiatives like the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino program (LINKAPIL). These contributions have supported projects in healthcare, education, livelihood generation, infrastructure, and knowledge transfer. Ang noted that the actual contribution might be much higher when considering personal remittances and contributions to various non-government organizations (NGOs).
Ang reiterated the government's commitment, in coordination with other agencies, to protecting and supporting Filipinos worldwide, emphasizing their enduring Filipino identity. He also encouraged overseas Filipinos to stay engaged with government programs through the CFO website, which offers initiatives to strengthen migrants' ties with the Philippines and support their families.
Underlining the sacrifices of migrants, Ang remarked that their efforts benefit not only their families but also the nation and the global community. He added that the government, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., prioritizes the welfare of overseas Filipinos from pre-departure to their eventual return, with the CFO continuing to support migrants and their families under the Philippine Development Plan.
