Manila: The Philippine government, through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), is expanding its migration support and on-the-ground presence amid the rising number of Filipinos marrying nationals from Eastern Europe, specifically Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova.

According to Philippines News Agency, marriage migration remains a 'significant pathway for permanent relocation, particularly among Filipino women,' underscoring the need for strengthened pre-departure orientation and post-arrival support systems. Citing government data, the CFO said thousands of Filipinos depart annually as marriage migrants, with Europe accounting for a growing share of the unions.

The Commission said CFO chair and Secretary Dante Ang II earlier held a virtual meeting with officials of the Philippine Embassy in Bucharest to discuss expanding cooperation and address migrant concerns in Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova. Philippine Ambassador to Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova, Noel Servigon, and Consul Iris Caranzo, during the discussions, reported a steady increase in Filipino spouses residing in the three countries, alongside emerging protection issues.

Among concerns they cited were cases with trafficking indicators and complaints from Filipino student interns in Bulgaria who allegedly entered under misclassified visa categories. Beyond providing stronger migrant support, Ang said the CFO would continue working with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to combat human trafficking, through stricter counseling protocols, red-flagging of suspicious cases, and coordination with foreign posts.

Ang also committed to enhancing inter-agency coordination, including with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant bodies, to ensure stronger protection mechanisms for Filipinos in the region.