The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) hosted the second batch of delegations from the Bangladesh Ministry of Expatriatesโ Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE) and Wage Earnersโ Welfare Board (WEWB) on 10 July 2025.
CFO Chairperson Secretary Dante โKlinkโ Ang II welcomed the Bangladesh delegation with sincere appreciation. Representing the delegation was Additional Secretary Mr. Md Saiful Haque Chowdhury, returning the sentiments of gratitude. Through Secretary Angโs opening remarks, he briefly illustrated the vision and mission of CFO, expressing his interest in collaborating with MoEWOE and WEWB to effectively manifest this. Through such collaboration, he seeks to lobby for increased engagement for diaspora serving institutions.
During the courtesy visit, the CFO key officials presented an overview of the Commissionโs services, projects, and other diaspora engagement strategies. Mr. Eurmarlo M. Tolosa from Migrant Integration and Education Division (MIED) outlined the various frontline programs and services of the CFO. He covered the data and purpose behind the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP), and the Advocacy Committee behind the 1343 Action Line.
Ms. Marita Del Rosario-Apattad from the Project Management Division (PMD) highlighted the CFOโs flagship projects, which include the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL), Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO), Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD), and the Incentives for Overseas Filipino Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians.
Subsequently, Mr. Michael Apattad from the Policy, Planning, and Research Division (PPRD) presented the CFOโs various policy work and supported legislations in the commissionโs pursuit to increase engagement with the Filipino diaspora. This included but was not limited to The Anti Mail-Order Spouse Act or Republic Act 10906, and Republic Act 9189, otherwise called The Overseas Voting Act. He also briefly discussed the CFOโs published research and publications. Mr. Apattad then discussed the CFOโs awarding system, entitled Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) before moving forward to the open forum.
The open forum gave way for elaboration on the Commissionโs programs and initiatives. Mr. Kamruzzman of the MoEWOE raised the subject of remittances and inquired if the government has implemented initiatives to utilize such. In response, Secretary Klink clarified that the remittances are mainly private contributions for the families of overseas Filipinos. He further stated that the CFO has partnerships with the Philippine Stock Exchange, to encourage investments in government security. Mr. Sarewoere Alam then asked about the communities that CFO engages with such as the youth diaspora, and if thereโs certain criteria to participating in programs. Ms. Del Rosario-Apattad emphasized that the willingness to learn about oneโs cultural identity is above any criteria, highlighting the mission of forming leaders of the next generation.
Bringing the forum to a close, Head of Delegation Mr. Md Saiful Haque Chowdhury extended his sincerest gratitude to the CFO for the exchange of valuable information. He also expressed that the existing programs by the CFO have laid the groundwork for further development platforms for the Bangladeshi diaspora. This courtesy visit concludes as a testament to the years of partnership between the Philippines and Bangladesh.
