What is the Meaning of CFO – Commission on Filipinos Overseas

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is a government agency in the Philippines that operates under the direct authority of the Office of the President. What is the Meaning of CFO – Commission on Filipinos Overseas It was established on June 16, 1980, through the proclamation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 79.

The primary role of the CFO is to promote and safeguard the welfare and rights of Filipino emigrants and permanent residents in other countries. Additionally, the agency focuses on fostering and enhancing connections with Filipino communities residing outside the Philippines. The Chairman of the Commission on Filipinos Abroad leads the CFO.

One of the key services provided by the CFO is counseling sessions. These sessions aim to provide comprehensive information about intermarriage, migration, the cultural and social aspects of living abroad, and support networks available to women in distress. Through these sessions, the CFO seeks to equip Filipinos with the necessary knowledge and resources to navigate their lives abroad successfully.

What is the meaning of CFO?

  1. Empower our citizens through ongoing professional growth focused on social responsibility.
  2. Create policies and enable high-quality programs and services that surpass the public’s expectations.
  3. Maximize the advantages of migration by fostering collaboration between overseas Filipinos and their host countries, while also addressing any associated social challenges.

Purpose of CFO

The CFO, or Commission on Filipinos Overseas, plays a crucial role in assisting emigrants and promoting various initiatives to benefit the Philippines. One of its primary responsibilities is registering emigrants and providing them with pre-departure orientation seminars. These seminars aim to educate and prepare individuals who are about to migrate, equipping them with essential information about their rights, responsibilities, and resources available to them in their host countries.

Additionally, the CFO encourages technology transfer, which involves the sharing and adoption of technological advancements and knowledge between Filipinos abroad and local communities in the Philippines. This transfer of technology can help promote economic development and enhance various sectors within the country.

Moreover, the CFO also facilitates material and financial contributions from overseas Filipinos for development projects in underserved communities throughout the Philippines. This involvement encourages overseas Filipinos to actively participate in uplifting the less privileged areas of their home country, contributing to poverty alleviation, infrastructure improvement, education, healthcare, and other essential aspects of community development.

Another important aspect of the CFO’s work is providing opportunities for younger generations of Filipinos living abroad to learn about Philippine history and culture. By organizing events, workshops, and cultural programs, the CFO promotes a sense of identity, heritage, and connection to the Philippines among the youth. This helps preserve and promote Filipino culture, traditions, and values, ensuring that future generations maintain a strong link to their roots.

Overall, the CFO plays a vital role in assisting emigrants and fostering connections between overseas Filipinos and their home country. Through various programs and initiatives, it promotes knowledge sharing, supports community development projects, and nurtures cultural ties, benefiting both the emigrants and the Philippines as a whole.

History

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) was created by Batas Pambansa 79 on June 16, 1980, as a government agency under the Office of the President. Its main purpose is to promote and protect the interests, rights, and welfare of overseas Filipinos while also strengthening their ties with the Philippines.

The roots of the CFO can be traced back to the passage of Presidential Decree No. 442, also known as the Labor Code of the Philippines, in 1974. This decree established the Office of Emigrant Affairs and the Overseas Employment Development Board (now known as POEA), among other offices. As migration from the Philippines continued to increase, there arose a need for an independent organization that could serve as a local support network exclusively for Filipino emigrants.

In response to this need, Batas Pambansa Blg. 79 was enacted in June 1980. This law strengthened the government’s policy on migrant welfare and interest and established the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. The CFO replaced the Office of Emigrant Affairs while retaining and expanding its mandate. The specific inclusion of Filipino emigrants as recipients of the services provided by this law was a significant development.

Since its establishment, the CFO has been actively involved in various initiatives and programs to support overseas Filipinos. It has implemented services such as pre-departure orientation seminars, which aim to prepare Filipino emigrants for life abroad and provide them with information on their rights and responsibilities. The CFO also assists in the development of programs and policies related to Filipino migration and conducts research on migration trends and issues.

Overall, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas plays a crucial role in safeguarding the welfare of overseas Filipinos and promoting their connection to the Philippines.

 

Functions and Responsibilities

Batas Pambansa Blg. 79 mandates the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) to perform the following functions:

  1. Assist the President and the Philippine Congress in developing policies and measures pertaining to or affecting Filipinos living abroad: The CFO is responsible for providing assistance and expertise to the President and Congress in formulating policies and measures that relate to Filipinos residing in other countries. This includes matters such as overseas employment, migration, and the protection of Filipino rights abroad.
  2. Develop and implement programs to promote the interests and well-being of Filipinos living in other countries: The CFO is tasked with creating and executing programs that aim to enhance the welfare and advancement of Filipinos living abroad. These programs may include initiatives related to economic development, social integration, education, and cultural preservation.
  3. Serve as a forum for the preservation and strengthening of Filipinos living abroad’ social, economic, and cultural ties to their homeland: The CFO acts as a platform for Filipinos living overseas to maintain and strengthen their connections with the Philippines. It facilitates engagement through various means, such as organizing events, cultural exchanges, and fostering networks among overseas Filipinos.
  4. Liaise with appropriate government and private agencies in the Philippines on behalf of Filipinos living abroad in the transaction of business and similar ventures: The CFO serves as a liaison between Filipinos abroad and relevant government and private agencies in the Philippines. It assists in facilitating transactions, addressing concerns, and providing support to overseas Filipinos in their interactions with these entities.

Overall, Batas Pambansa Blg. 79 establishes the CFO as a crucial institution in promoting the welfare and interests of Filipinos living abroad. It plays a vital role in policy development, program implementation, cultural preservation, and providing support to overseas Filipinos in their dealings with Philippine entities.

List of CFO Programs and Services

Here are some programs offered by CFO:

BaLinkBayan: Overseas Filipinos’ One Stop Online Portal for Diaspora Engagement

CFO’s BaLinkBayan is an online portal designed to facilitate diaspora engagement, specifically targeting overseas Filipinos. It serves as a one-stop platform that provides a range of options for Filipinos living abroad to collaborate with both national and local governments in various activities.

One of the key features of BaLinkBayan is its support for Filipinos who are interested in starting a business. The portal offers resources and information to help overseas Filipinos navigate the process of establishing their own businesses in the Philippines. This includes access to relevant guidelines, regulations, and support services to facilitate the setup and operation of their ventures.

Additionally, BaLinkBayan provides avenues for overseas Filipinos to contribute to their home country through donations and volunteer work. The platform offers opportunities to support various causes and initiatives in the Philippines, allowing Filipinos abroad to make a positive impact on their communities back home.

Furthermore, BaLinkBayan enables access to online government services, making it easier for overseas Filipinos to avail themselves of essential government services remotely. This includes services related to documentation, such as passport renewal or authentication, as well as other online services provided by government agencies.

Overall, CFO’s BaLinkBayan aims to foster closer ties between overseas Filipinos and their home country by providing a convenient and comprehensive platform for engagement. It seeks to empower Filipinos abroad to actively participate in the development and progress of the Philippines, whether through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or accessing government services.

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