The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante "Klink" Ang II emphasized the CFO's role in safeguarding the welfare of Filipino permanent migrants, including Filipino spouses or partners of foreign nationals. <br /><br />Sec. Ang explained that the Commission serves as the bridge for permanent migrants, ensuring they remain actively connected to the Philippines. <br /><br />“Ang CFO naman po ang in-charge sa mga permanent migrants. Ang misyon po namin ay ilapit po sila sa Pilipinas para po sila ay patuloy na makatulong [sa pag-unlad ng bansa],” Sec. Ang said. <br /><br />On Education Overseas <br />Among the highlights of the discussion was the CFO’s role in assisting Filipino families abroad with education. <br /><br />For families seeking permanent residency, finding schools aligned with the Philippine educational system is often a challenge. Sec. Ang noted that the CFO serves as the Secretariat for Philippine Schools Overseas, ensuring they adhere to the country’s curriculum for seamless reintegration should the students opt to return home. <br /><br />“Ang habol po nila ay seamless integration sa school system dito sa Pilipinas pag-balik nila,” Sec. Ang said. <br /><br />Forging Cultural Ties Beyond Borders <br />One of the CFO’s flagship initiatives, the YouLead Program, was also showcased during the interview. Designed for the youth of Filipino families abroad, the program immerses participants in Filipino culture, fostering stronger ties to their heritage. <br /><br />“Para makapag-connect sila sa Filipino roots nila and to position themselves para tumulong po sa national development natin,” he added. <br />Sec. Ang closed the interview by expressing his gratitude to PTV 4 after being able to share the mandates and programs of the Commission.
