Manila: The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is strengthening its ties with the more than 10 million Filipinos living and working abroad, placing diaspora engagement at the center of its programs. CFO Secretary Dante Francis Ang II emphasized the importance of the 10.7 million Filipinos living and working overseas as crucial partners in advancing nation-building, beyond their economic contributions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ang highlighted that successful Filipinos abroad are more inclined to assist those in the Philippines. He stated that migration opportunities allow Filipinos to "earn a higher return on their educational capital and contribute to the country once they have become successful."
The commission's programs, such as "BaLinkBayan," aim to provide access to online government services, promote investment and entrepreneurship, encourage donations and volunteer programs, and support skills and technology transfer. Additionally, the LINKAPIL program, which includes the 'Balikturo' initiative, facilitates the return of Filipino teachers based in the US to teach in the Philippines during visits. Plans are also underway to expand collaborations with the Department of Science and Technology through the Balik Scientist Program.
The CFO is broadening initiatives to encourage overseas Filipinos to engage with government and local communities, focusing on financial literacy, diaspora philanthropy, return and reintegration, and investments in hometown development. A key priority is the enhancement of the Diaspora to Development (D2D) program, which connects global Filipinos with grassroots projects in the Philippines.
Efforts are being made to update digital platforms to better reach overseas Filipinos, especially second- and third-generation migrants seeking to reconnect with their heritage. The CFO's renewed direction aims to "modernize diaspora engagement" by improving collaboration with Filipino associations overseas and addressing emerging migration trends while ensuring the welfare of Filipinos abroad or those who choose to return home.
The agency is collaborating with other government offices to align diaspora-related programs with the administration's broader development agenda, recognizing that sustained engagement with global Filipinos is "a strategic national asset." Ang noted that the refocused approach seeks to highlight not just the economic impact of the diaspora, such as remittances, but also their growing influence in diplomacy, global networks, innovation, arts, culture, and community leadership.
The CFO will continue consulting with overseas Filipino communities as new initiatives are rolled out, Ang added.
