Frequently Asked Questions

COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS

What is the Commission on Filipinos Overseas?

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is an agency under the Office of the President which was established on 16 June 1980 through Batas Pambansa (Republic Act) 79 to strengthen ties with Filipinos overseas and promote their interests in the Philippines and abroad.

How was the CFO formed?

The creation of the CFO can be traced over a series of enactments starting in 1974 with Presidential Decree No. 442, also known as the Labor Code of the Philippines. The decree provided for the creation of the Overseas Employment Development Board (OEDB) to set up a systematic program for overseas employment of Filipino workers, as well as to register and monitor emigrants leaving for various countries abroad.

With the steady increase in migration features, it became necessary for the institution of an independent unit which shall comprise the local support network solely for Filipino migrants.

Thus, in June 1978, Presidential Decree No. 1412 was passed, creating the Office of Emigrant Affairs (OEA). The decree specifically identified Filipinos who will be leaving the country as emigrants, as recipients of its services.

In June 1980, Batas Pambansa 79 was enacted to strengthen the policy on the promotion of migrant welfare and interest. It created the CFO, replacing OEA and simultaneously retaining the latter's mandate, and expanding its functions to include the formulation of policy recommendations to promote the welfare and interests of Filipinos overseas.

What is the legal mandate of CFO?

The work of CFO is guided by the following laws and executive and administrative orders:

Batas Pambansa Bilang 79. An Act Creating the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and for Other Purposes (June 16, 1980)

Executive Order No. 728. Retaining The Commission on Filipinos Overseas Under the Office of the President as a Critical Agency, Designating the Members of the Commission and Providing for the Organizational Guidelines of the Secretariat of the Commission (September 12, 1981)

Executive Order No. 938. Establishing the Overseas Offices of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas Pursuant to Section 4 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 79 (March 2, 1984)

Executive Order No. 498. Institutionalizing the Presidential Awards For Filipino Individuals And Organizations Overseas (December 19, 1991)

Administrative Order No. 242. Further Reconstituting the Exchange Visitors Program Committee and Redefining its Functions (January 17, 1996)

Executive Order No. 252. Establishing the Inter-Agency Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas, Defining its Composition, Structure, and Functions (May 5, 2000)

Executive Order No. 343. Transferring the Commission on Filipinos Overseas from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Office of the President (August 5, 2004)

Executive Order No. 373. Reorganizing the Composition of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas Under the Office of the President (October 18, 2004)

Executive Order No. 457. Designating the Commission on Filipinos Overseas as the Lead Agency for the Commemoration of the Centennial of Filipino Migration to Hawaii (August 23, 2005)

Executive Order No. 550. Creating the Presidential Task Force NCLEX and addressing Concerns Arising from the Possible Conduct of NCLEX in the Philippines (July 31, 2006)

Executive Order No. 548. Creating a Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment Under the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (August 1, 2006)

Executive Order 548-A. Creating the Presidential Task Force Against Human Trafficking (February 9, 2007)

What are the main functions of CFO?

Batas Pambansa 79 mandates CFO to:

Provide advice and assistance to the President and the Congress of the Philippines in the formulation of policies concerning or affecting Filipinos overseas;

Develop and implement programs to promote the interests and well-being of Filipinos overseas;

Serve as forum for preserving and enhancing the social, economic and cultural ties of Filipinos overseas with the Philippine motherland; and

Provide liaison services to Filipinos overseas with appropriate government and private agencies in the transaction of business and similar ventures in the Philippines.

Who are the main beneficiaries of CFO programs?

Filipino emigrants and immigrants or permanent residents abroad;

Filipinos overseas who have become citizens of other countries or dual citizens;

Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals leaving the country;

Descendants of Filipinos overseas as defined in B.P. 79

Filipino youth overseas; and

Exchange Visitor Program participants

What are the Programs of CFO?

The work of CFO is conducted under a program framework of activities to serve Filipino communities overseas. This framework consists of the following four program areas:

Migrant Social and Economic Integration

Filipino Education and Heritage

Filipino Unity and National Development

Policy Development and Data Banking

What is the difference in terms of clients and functions, among CFO, POEA, OWWA and DFA?

	CFO	POEA	OWWA	DFA
Clients	emigrants spouses and other partners of foreign nationals *permanent residents and immigrants overseas	*temporary migrants/ overseas Filipino workers or OFWs (documented or regular)	*temporary migrants/ overseas Filipino workers or OFWs (documented or regular)	*overseas Filipinos, whether permanent, temporary or irregular migrants
Functions	promote the interests and welfare of Filipino immigrants encourage their assistance to Philippine development initiatives *promote Filipino culture and heritage among overseas Filipinos	process contracts and related documents for overseas employment regulate recruitment agencies *coordinate with host governments for reasonable terms of employment	conduct pre-departure seminars and trainings implement reintegration programs *provide scholarship, livelihood and other services to overseas Filipinos and their families	forge multi and bilateral agreements with host countries promote the political and economic interests of the Philippines overseas *implement Assistance-to-Nationals program of the Philippine government

The clients of CFO are the permanent residents and immigrants overseas, including spouses and other partners of foreign nationals. The functions of CFO include promoting the interests and welfare of Filipino immigrants, encouraging their assistance to Philippine development initiatives, and promoting Filipino culture and heritage among overseas Filipinos.

POEA's clients are the overseas Filipino workers. The functions of POEA include processing of contracts and related documents for overseas employment, regulating recruitment agencies, and coordinating with host governments for reasonable terms of employment, among others.

OWWA's clients are the overseas Filipino workers who are documented or regular.

Some of its functions are the conduct of pre-departure seminars and trainings, implement reintegration programs, and provide scholarship, livelihood and other services to overseas Filipinos and their families.

Under the One Country Team Approach, the clients of DFA are the overseas Filipinos, whether permanent, temporary or irregular migrants. The functions of DFA include forging multi and bilateral agreements with host countries, promoting the political and economic interests of the Philippines overseas, and implementing Assistance-to-Nationals program of the Philippine government, among others.

What is the organizational structure of CFO?

The CFO is headed by a Chairman with cabinet rank, and representatives of the following departments:

Department of Foreign Affairs as Vice-Chairman

Department of Trade and Industry

Department of Labor and Employment

Department of Education

Department of Justice

Department of Tourism

Office of the Press Secretary

CFO Executive Director

The CFO is supported by a Secretariat headed by an Executive Director.

What are the different divisions of CFO?

CFO has the following divisions to carry out programs, projects, and services in the interest of Filipinos overseas:

Policy, Planning and Research Division - responsible for providing the CFO with effective and efficient planning, programming and project development services. It also initiates, coordinates, and implements the conduct of all relevant policy research and development work.

Projects Management Division - responsible for the promotion and implementation of programs and projects for Filipinos overseas. It proposes and develops strategies and mechanisms to optimize program promotion and implementation.

Migrant Integration and Education Division - responsible for implementing the registration and pre-departure programs and services as well as the public assistance and information program of the Commission. It also provides welfare support services to Filipino emigrants and other categories of migrating Filipinos.

Administrative and Finance Division - responsible for efficient management of the Commission's human and financial resources. It is also responsible for various administrative, personnel, budgetary, financial, logistical and accounting services of the Commission.

Management Information Systems Division - responsible for the development, establishment and maintenance of a computerized data banking and information system on Filipinos overseas in support of the policy functions of CFO. It also formulates plans, programs and procedures for effective database management and networking, as well as in support of the implementation of a Shared Government Information System for Migration.

REGISTRATION AND PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES

What is pre-departure registration?

Pre-departure registration is a process which generates an information resource on Filipino emigrants, which in turn, provides accurate reference for policy formulation and program development. It is a requirement to all Filipino emigrants or those leaving the country to settle permanently abroad.

What are the requirements for registration?

Filipino emigrants are required to present the following documents for registration:

Original valid passport

Original and photocopy of visa

One (1) 2x2 or passport-size photograph

One (1) valid identification card with photograph*

Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary (for USA-bound emigrant)*

Original and photocopy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence (for Canada-bound emigrant)*

Photocopy of Certificate of Eligibility (for Japan-bound emigrant)*

Original and photocopy of letter of approval for Work to Residence visa (for New Zealand-bound emigrants)*

Photocopy of employment contract (for immigrant workers)

Duly completed registration form

Payment of P400.00 registration fee

Attendance in the PDOS, guidance counseling or peer counseling session

For youth emigrants aged 13 to 17, the following additional documents are also required:

Photocopy of parent's passport or valid identification card, if accompanied by parent/s during registration

Letter of authorization from parent/s authorizing the guardian to register the child on their behalf (if accompanied by guardian during registration)

Original and photocopy of DSWD travel clearance

For children 12 years old and below, the following additional documents are required if the proxy is not the legal/natural/adoptive parent of the registrant.

One(1) valid identification card with photograph of the proxy

Special Power of Attorney or notarized authorization letter from the parent/s/ or guardian/s authorizing the proxy to register the minor children.

*browse over to reveal definition

Who are exempted from pre-departure registration?

All Filipino emigrants leaving the country to settle abroad permanently are required by law to register with CFO. No one is exempted from pre-departure registration.

But the following are not required to attend the pre-departure orientation seminar and to be personally present during the registration (they can also be registered by proxy):

Minors 12 years old and below

Senior citizens 60 years old and above

Those with mental illness or psychiatric disability, and incapacitated due to permanent or long-term ailments

What are the requirements for registration by a proxy?

The same registration requirements for older emigrants apply for children 12 years old and below. The following additional documents, however, are required if the proxy is not the legal/natural/adoptive parent/s of the registrant:

One (1) valid identification card with photograph (original and photocopy) of the proxy; and

Special power of attorney (SPA) or a notarized letter of authorization from the parent/s or guardian/s authorizing the proxy to register the minor.

In the registration of Filipino emigrants under other special circumstances (those with mental illness or psychiatric disability, who are incapacitated due to permanent or long-term illness, and 60 years old and above), the proxy is required to present the following additional requirements:

Medical certificate/report (except for those who are 60 years old and above);

Letter of authorization from the emigrant; and

Original and photocopy of a valid identification card with photograph of the proxy.

Are adopted children in relation to RA 8043, also known as the Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995, required to be registered with the CFO?

Republic Act 8043 also known as the Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995 (click here) is a law which allows aliens to adopt Filipino children if such children cannot be adopted by qualified Filipino citizens.

Adopted children leaving the country to live abroad are required to be registered with the CFO. They may be registered personally or by a social worker from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or by a representative of the child caring agency accredited by DSWD.

What are the requirements for registration of adopted children under RA 8043?

Following are the requirements for registration of adopted children:

Original valid passport of the adopted child;

Original and photocopy of visa of the adopted child;

One (1) passport-size photograph of the adopted child;

Original and photocopy of the valid identification card of the person authorized to register the adopted child;

Placement Authority issued by the Philippine Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB);

Original and photocopy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence (for Canada-bound emigrant);

Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary (for USA-bound emigrant);

Duly completed registration form of the adopted child (downloadable at www.cfo.gov.ph);

Attendance in the peer counseling for those 13-19 years old; and

Payment of P 400.00 registration fee.

Who are allowed to register at the CFO-NAIA Desk Office?

The following Filipino emigrants may be allowed to register with the CFO-NAIA Desk Office:

Filipino spouses and other partners previously granted permanent residence status in the country of destination

Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals who have completed the pre-departure counseling requirements, as evidenced by a genuine counseling certificate

Filipino emigrants exempted from attending the PDOS or peer counseling under special circumstances

Filipino emigrants with permanent residence visa issued abroad who will be exiting from the Philippines

Emigrants whose visas will expire within three (3) working days of their issuance

Other emigrants under meritorious circumstances, as may be approved by the Executive Director or the duly authorized representative

What is the proof that a Filipino emigrant is already registered with CFO?

After satisfactory completion of the registration requirements, an emigrant sticker will be affixed to the emigrant's passport as a proof of registration with CFO. The said sticker will be checked by the immigration officer at the airport on the day of the emigrant's departure.

How can Filipinos residing or working outside the Philippines, and holding immigrant visa or permanent residence status register with CFO? Do they need to return to the Philippines for the registration?

Filipinos residing or working outside the Philippines whose immigrant or residence visas were issued abroad may avail of the remote (on-line registration or by facsimile). Only those residing or working outside the Philippines whose immigrant or permanent residence visas are issued abroad may avail of this registration.

In 2008, how many Filipino emigrants registered with the CFO?

In 2008, CFO registered 70,579 Filipino emigrants with an average of 267 emigrants a day.

From 1981-2008, how many Filipino emigrant were registered with the CFO, and what are their destination countries?

There are about 1,607,252 Filipino emigrants registered with CFO from 1981 to 2008.

The top destination countries of Filipino emigrants are USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Germany, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

What is CFO's Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)?

Pre-departure Orientation Seminar is conducted for emigrants to address their adjustment concerns in their destination countries. It is a discussion of various topics such as travel regulations, immigration procedures, cultural differences, settlement concerns, employment and social security concerns, and rights and obligations of Filipino migrants.

What are the schedules for PDOS?

Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar Schedule for Filipino Emigrants
(CFO Manila)

Destination Country	Day	Time
United States of America and other countries	Mondays to Fridays	10:00 am - 12:00 nn 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Canada	Mondays to Fridays	9:30 am - 12:00 nn
Australia and New Zealand	Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays	2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar Schedule for Filipino Emigrants
(CFO Cebu City)

Destination Country	Day	Time
United States of America and Canada	Mondays to Fridays	10:00 am - 12:00 nn
Australia, New Zealand and other countries	Mondays to Fridays	2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

What is the role of CFO in the protection of Filipino nationals migrating to other countries?

Through its guidance and counseling program, pre-departure orientation seminars, peer counseling, and extensive local community education programs, CFO provides emigrants and potential migrants with information on the immigration policies and basic laws of their host countries, rights and obligations overseas, and support services available to them.

To supplement the guidance and counseling program, CFO maintains a CFO Watchlist, which contains information on foreign nationals who have history of domestic violence or involvement in trafficking, serial sponsorship, bigamy, adultery, child abuse, deception and fraud, among others. Through this Watchlist, CFO counselors can extend appropriate counseling intervention to Filipino nationals they may sponsor for travel overseas.

What is CFO's Guidance and Counseling Program?

Per Department of Foreign Affairs Orders Nos. 11-97 (Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act 8239, "Philippine Passport Act") and 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as spouses and other partners of foreign nationals, are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling program as a pre-requisite to the issuance of passports.

The guidance and counseling program is a country-specific discussion which provides Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals with adequate information and advice on the realities of intermarriage and migration, rights and obligations overseas, available support networks for women in distress, cultural and social realities overseas, and other information which may help them make informed decisions about cross-cultural unions and settlement overseas.

What are the requirements for attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program?

Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;

Duly completed guidance and counseling form;

If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office, or Local Civil Registry Offices; or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate (if married abroad)

Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and

Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

After attending the guidance and counseling requirements, the CFO issues the guidance and counseling certificate. After receipt of the passport and visa, Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals will have to register with CFO prior to their departure. Registration is done either in CFO Manila or Cebu Extension Office, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An emigrant registration sticker is affixed to the emigrant's passport as proof of registration.

Who are exempted from attending Guidance and Counseling Services?

The following are exempt from attending the counseling program:

Filipino spouses and other partners previously granted permanent residence status in the country of destination; or

Filipino spouses and other partners with permanent residence visa issued abroad.

Why did the CFO devolve to NGOs the conduct of the guidance and counseling sessions?

For the past years, guidance and counseling sessions were conducted by the CFO through its counselors. CFO's Guidance and Counseling Program was devolved to the St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW) and People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization, Inc. (PRISM) in April 2005 and May 2006, respectively.

The transfer of CFO's Guidance and Counseling Program to SMEF-COW and PRISM aims to strengthen the relationship between the government and the private sector in providing services to the public. It will also save the government some expenses in maintaining the counseling program.

What happens when a Filipino spouse/other partner of foreign national loses his/her Counseling Certificate?

Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals may request for a replacement of their counseling certificate in case of loss. In requesting for a replacement, the following shall be required:

Affidavit of loss

Duly completed issuance form

Payment of P800.00 re-issuance fee

The new certificate will be issued not earlier than five (5) working days after filing of application to replace the lost counseling certificate.

Are there instances when Counseling Certificates are withheld or not issued?

Yes. The following are some of the grounds for non-issuance of Counseling Certificate:

Submission or presentation of fraudulent documents by the counselees and/or their foreign partners

Misrepresentation by the counselees' and/or their foreign partners during the counseling

The certificate may also be temporary withheld for the following reasons:

Counselee may be a prospective victim of mail-order bride scheme, forced prostitution, and domestic violence, among others

Counselee is a minor or below 18 years of age

Counselee had earlier attended counseling session(s) but is subsequently petitioned by another foreign partner

Counselee presents or submits incomplete, or questionable/doubtful documents

Counselee is believed to be intimidated by other persons to marry the foreign partner

Counselee lacks background information on the foreign partner

Counselee has children from previous relationship(s)

Counselee has not personally met foreign partner

Counselee is included in the CFO Watchlist

Foreign partner is included in the CFO Watchlist (e.g. foreign partner is a serial sponsor)

Foreign partner is believed to be an imminent threat on the counselee's life

What is the two-day orientation seminar for spouses and other partners of South Korean nationals?

The two-day cultural orientation seminar for spouses and other partners of Korean nationals is a special seminar which provides extensive discussion and workshop about the culture, rights and obligations, immigration and labor policies, support networks, and other settlement concerns in South Korea.

What is Peer Counseling?

Peer Counseling is a program designed for Filipino emigrants aged 13-19 years old which provides information on international travel requirements, immigration policies of host country, coping mechanisms in different situations, and information on teenage concerns like schooling, social support systems, dating and teen trends, among others.

What are the schedules of CFO's Peer Counseling Sessions?

Schedule of Peer Counseling Sessions for Filipino Youth Emigrants
(CFO Manila)

Destination Country	Day	Time
All Countries	Mondays to Fridays	10:00 am - 12:00 nn 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Schedule of Peer Counseling Sessions for Youth Migrants
(CFO Cebu City)

Destination Country	Day	Time
All Countries	Mondays to Fridays	10:00 am - 12:00 nn

What is the Community Education Program?

The Community Education Program (CEP) is an annual nationwide information campaign conducted by the CFO in coordination with various government agencies (DOLE, POEA, OWWA, DFA, PNP), non-government organizations, local government units and academic institutions. The program seeks to assist prospective migrants in making informed decisions regarding working or migrating abroad, as well as generate community involvement on migration concerns. It also aims to raise public awareness on various issues concerning migration, intermarriages and existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment, documentation fraud and trafficking in persons, among others.

What are post-arrival services?

Post arrival service is a complementary program of the CFO's pre-departure services which aims at providing Filipino immigrants with relevant information that will enable them to adjust and cope with the demands of settlement in the host country. Post arrival services include language courses, orientation programs, and networking or referral services to employment agencies, migrant resource groups, and other Filipino associations within the area of settlement.

Overseas-based Filipino organizations, welfare groups and other private organizations conduct post-arrival services to newly arrived Filipino immigrants of the host country.

What is the Migrants Advisory Information System?

The Migrants Advisory Information System (MAIS) is a computer-based information tool that aims to address the information needs of our countrymen who are considering migration as an option. It covers the following specific areas:

Country Profile of Filipino Migrants' Destination Countries

Immigration Policies, Social Security Policies and Labor Policies of Filipino Migrants' Destination Countries

Profile of Migrants Support Groups and Welfare Organizations Overseas

Profile of Filipino Organizations Overseas

List of Philippine Embassies and Consulates

PHILIPPINE SCHOOLS OVERSEAS

What is a Philippine School Overseas?

A Philippine School Overseas (PSO) is an educational institution operating outside the Philippines, which may be fully or partly owned by Filipinos or managed and operated by Filipinos, and implementing the Philippine basic education curriculum with permit or recognition from the Department of Education.

PSOs have been established to address educational needs of children of Filipinos overseas, and ultimately, facilitate their reintegration into the Philippine educational system upon their return to the Philippines. The schools also serve as a venue for the teaching and propagation of Filipino culture and heritage among Filipino youth overseas and a locus of community activity.
What is CFO's role in the establishment of Philippine Schools Overseas?

In accordance with Executive Order 252 (series of 2000), CFO serves as the Secretariat and member of the Inter-Agency Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas (IACPSO). The Committee is tasked to develop policies and coordinate initiatives in the establishment, operation, and management of PSOs.

What other agencies comprise the IACPSO aside from the CFO?

Department of Education (Chair)

Department of Foreign Affairs (Co-Chair)

Department of Labor and Employment

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

How many Philippine schools overseas were established?

Forty four (44) PSOs have been established and made operational in nine countries - Bahrain, China, Greece, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. More than 20,000 students are currently enrolled in PSOs at various levels, from pre-elementary, elementary, and high school.

How are PSOs accredited?

Applications for permit to operate a Philippine school overseas, or permit to adopt the Philippine curriculum shall be submitted to the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) Secretariat through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate concerned. The Secretariat shall transmit the applications to the DepEd Technical Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas for evaluation.

The process of full accreditation shall consist of three phases: the application and evaluation phase, the permit phase, and the recognition phase.

The following are the accreditation application requirements:

Completed application form per DECS Order 40, s. 1994 indicating, among others, the following:

Instructional program of the school including additional subjects required by the host government;
Annotated summary of textbooks to be used;
School, personnel plantilla indicating names, qualifications, experience, and subjects to be taught;
School building plan and photographs showing facilities of the school.

Philippine Schools Overseas Information Sheet

Original or certified true copy of permit or authorization from the host government

List/portfolio of the board of trustees or governing board or proprietors

Original true copy of registration certificate issued by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, or by the counterpart agency in the host country

Endorsement from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate to the DepEd through the IACPSO Secretariat

How many students are enrolled in the Philippine schools overseas?

About 20,000 school children are enrolled at various levels in Philippine schools overseas.

LAKBAY-ARAL SA PILIPINAS PROGRAM

What is CFO's Lakbay-Aral sa Pilipinas Program?

The Lakbay-Aral sa Pilipinas Program, a Filipino term literally translated as travel-study, is a program started by the Commission on Filipinos overseas in 1983 to provide younger generations of Filipinos overseas with an opportunity to learn more about their roots and heritage by experiencing life in the Philippines.

The Lakbay-Aral holds activities such as lectures and workshops on Philippine history, geography and culture, guided tours to historical landmarks and tourist spots, interaction with Filipino students, members of indigenous communities, government officials and community leaders, as well as participation in traditional rites and festivals.

How can one participate in the Lakbay-Aral Program?

The program is open to 15-25 years old youth with Filipino ancestry or anyone who would like to learn more about the Philippines. A minimum of thirty (30) participants will be required to implement one module.

How much is the fee for the Lakbay-Aral Program?

The program fee depends on the selected module. It could range from $800-$1,800 per participant. The fee covers all inland transportation, food (breakfast, lunch and dinner), hotel accommodation, tour packages, learning materials, and accident and medical insurance for the duration of the program. The fee does not cover international airfare to and from Manila.

LEARN FILIPINO

What is the Guide to Learning Filipino?

In support of efforts to educate Filipino youth overseas in the use of their mother language, CFO published the Guide to Learning Filipino, to aid educators in teaching the Filipino language. An audio cassette tape of Filipino songs supplements lessons in the book.

The Guide contains lessons about Philippine conditions. Philippine songs, legends, stories or folklore, games, and cuisines have also been integrated with the lessons as exercises, examples, and practical learning to reinforce the learning of the Filipino language. Throughout the book, questions, activities and exercises are provided to motivate learners to think for themselves and to practice or widen their vocabulary.

How can private organizations avail of the Guide?

Filipino associations or private institutions overseas offering classes on Filipino language may request for a copy of the Guide to Learning Filipino by completing the order form available at CFO.

While CFO does not charge fees for the book, organizations requesting for copies of the publication are requested to shoulder handling and shipping cost for sending the book.

What is the internet-based Learn Filipino program?

On December 7, 2006, CFO launched the basic module of the internet-based teaching of Filipino language (LearnFilipino.ph). Designed to target a wider audience of young overseas Filipinos throughout the world, the course allows enrollees to learn Filipino on-line at their own pace and at a very minimal cost.

The Learn Filipino Project consists of three modules: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Students are expected to complete each module within 180 hours. The CFO will issue Certificates of Completion to successful students at the end of each module.

LINGKOD SA KAPWA PILIPINO PROGRAM

What is the role of CFO in encouraging overseas to help in national development?

Pursuant to its mandate, CFO develops and implements activities that facilitate the flow of assistance from Filipinos overseas to local communities in the Philippines. Through the CFO's Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) or Link for Philippine Development program, overseas Filipinos are able to channel their assistance to support projects in livelihood/micro-enterprise development, education, health and welfare, small-scale infrastructure, and technology and skills transfer. CFO also maintains active linkages with Filipino associations and other possible donors overseas, as well as local partners in the Philippines, to encourage investments and partnerships for development.

What is the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Program?

The Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino program (LINKAPIL) or Link for Philippine Development was established by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas in 1989 to seek a broader and deeper partnership between Filipinos overseas and Filipinos in the home country based on a common desire to advance the collective good of the Filipino people and to contribute to the realization of national development. Literally, it means "service to fellow Filipinos".

The LINKAPIL program facilitates the transfer of assistance from Filipinos and other donors overseas to support projects in livelihood development, education, health and welfare, small-scale infrastructure, and technology and skills transfer.

Who may benefit from the LINKAPIL Program?

Less developed communities, underprivileged and marginalized sectors, disabled and elderly, non-government organizations and foundations, educational institutions, private and public hospitals are among the possible beneficiaries or partners under the LINKAPIL Program.

What is CFO's participation in the LINKAPIL Program?

The LINKAPIL Program relies on cooperative linkages among Filipinos overseas, the national government, local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector to enable the transfer of resources and skills from overseas to beneficiaries in the Philippines.

The CFO serves as the principal conduit between overseas donors and the local beneficiaries of the project. It helps identify or recommend to overseas donors projects which could be undertaken in various localities in the Philippines, including coordination with government agencies that could provide support services. CFO also assists in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects, and shall submit, on a regular basis, feedback on the status or progress of projects to the sponsoring Filipinos or other donors overseas.

Donors may consider supporting specific projects under the following components of LINKAPIL: education, health and welfare, infrastructure, livelihood, and technology and skills transfer.

How much donations from overseas donor organizations and individuals have been distributed by CFO? How many constituents benefited from these donations?

From 1990-2008, a total of P2.19 billion worth of donations have been coursed through the LINKAPIL with approximately 14 million beneficiaries all over the Philippines.

How does CFO evaluate/follow-up on donations? What is the monitoring mechanism?

A feedback system is available within the LINKAPIL Program to inform the donor about the status of the projects/activities undertaken. Regular status reports is required from the beneficiaries, which in turn, will be validated by CFO through on-the-spot monitoring and evaluation. CFO prepares and transmits to the donor progress reports indicating, among others, information on the manner and extent of resource utilization by the beneficiaries

Are donations tax-free?

Importations to the country are subject to duties and taxes. Depending on the items being donated and the qualification of the beneficiary/donee, certain donated items may be entered duty-free subject to clearance of government agencies concerned. It is important to note also that while items may be exempted from import duties, these are usually still subject to Value Added Tax (VAT).

The following donations are tax/duty-free entry subject to existing rules and regulations:

Items For Donation	Exemption
1. Books including magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals that are educational in nature	Duty and tax free
2. Computers and other similar information technology products	Duty free
3. Drugs, medicines and other pharmaceuticals having similar preparations registered with the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD)	Duty free
4. Essential machinery and equipment including spare parts and accessories	Duty free
5. Food and non-food products/relief items for free distribution to the needy	Duty free
6. Heavy equipment or machineries used for construction, improvement, repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects, including garbage trucks and other similar equipment	Duty and tax free
7. Medical equipment and machinery, including spare parts and accessories	Duty free

What are the requirements for duty free entry of foreign donations?

The following documents are required in requesting for duty-free certification for incoming donations from overseas:

From the donor

Deed of Donation duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate;
Itemized list of Donation (also referred to as packing list or inventory of donated items);
Proforma invoice or commercial invoice (not required for used items); and
Shipping documents (bill of lading or airway bill)

The name listed as donee/consignee or recipient in the Deed of donation must be the same as that appearing in the shipping documents.

From the donee/consignee or recipient

Letter of request for duty-free certification addressed either to the Department of Finance (DOF) or the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);
Duly notarized deed of acceptance of the donation;
Distribution plan for the donation;
Copy of SEC registration and Articles of Incorporation and/or By-laws, in case of non-stock, non-profit charitable or religious institutions requesting exemption from payment of duties for the first time;
DSWD License to Operate and Certificate of Accreditation, if non-government organization;
Current and valid DOH License to Operate, if hospital;
An authenticated document signed both by the donor and the donee indicating who will assume the responsibility of the payment of VAT that may be imposed on the donation.

For essential machinery and equipment

Product catalogue and/or technical description of products to be donated
Certificate of registration for cooperatives or NACIDA-registered firms
Endorsement of the Board of Investments
For books, magazines, newspapers and other periodicals
Packing list indicating titles of books and publications
Authority of representative (in lieu of donee)
Duly notarized affidavit and deed of undertaking indicating that the donated articles shall be used actually, directly and exclusively for educational purposes and shall not be resold or transferred for material consideration; and
Endorsement of Mabuhay Lane, Department of Finance

For computer equipment and other educational, scientific, and cultural materials

Deed of undertaking indicating that the donated articles shall be used actually, directly and exclusively for educational purposes and shall not be resold or transferred for material consideration;
CHED or DepEd accreditation, if the recipient is an educational institution;
UNESCO endorsement, if the recipient is a non-government organization; and
Copy of BIR certificate, and international agreement or executive order allowing tax-exempt privileges, if applicable.

For medicines

Distribution plan for medicines;
Letter to the DOH-Bureau of International Health Cooperation (DOH-BIHC) requesting endorsement to BFAD for the issuance of clearance;
The letter request should be submitted with the complete list of drugs and quantity to be donated, with the following information - Generic name/brand name, Formulation (with English translation), Dosage forms/strengths, Batch/lot number and expiration date (shelf life of at least 6 months upon arrival in the Philippines), Name and address of manufacturer;
BFAD Certificate of Product Registration (CPR)

For medical equipment capable of emitting radiation, such as X-ray and ultrasound equipment:

Letter to the DOH-BIHC requesting endorsement to the Bureau of Health Devices and Technology (BHDT) for the issuance of clearance. This document must be submitted with the following: Complete brochure/literature about the equipment model; For x-ray equipment, a copy of the license to operate an x-ray facility issued by the BHDT; Name(s) and credentials of the person(s) who will operate the equipment.
An import fee will be paid to the BHDT upon approval of clearance.

For food and other items

Duly notarized distribution plan, confirmed by the local Social Welfare and Development Office and endorsed by the DSWD Field Office which will provide technical assistance on the utilization of specific shipment;
Duly notarized distribution report on pervious shipment (if any);
Prior agreed / approved arrangements with DSWD Regional Office concerned on items other than food, medicines, and relief items;
Letter to the DOH-BIHC requesting endorsement to BFAD for the issuance of clearance. The request is submitted with the complete list of food items and quantity to be donated, with expiration date of at least 6 months upon arrival in the Philippines; and
BFAD Certificate of Product Registration (CPR)

What are the procedures for the availment of duty exemptions on foreign donations?

The donee/consignee or recipient files a letter of request for duty free importation either with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) or the Department of Finance (DOF). The NEDA processes, evaluates, and endorses requests for duty free importation for machinery and equipment. The DOF processes, evaluates, and endorses requests for duty free importation of relief goods (medicine, food, among others) intended for DSWD accredited and licensed non-government organizations, as well as books, publications, and education-related materials/equipment.

The letter to NEDA must be addressed to:

The Director
Trade, Industry, and Utility Staff
National Economic and Development Authority
St. Josemaria Escrive Drive
Ortigas Center, Pasig City

The letter to DOF must be addressed to:

The Secretary
Department of Finance
Attention: Revenue Operations Group
DOF Building, Roxas Blvd., Manila

For books and publications, the letter to DOF must be addressed to the Secretary of Finance (Attention: Mabuhay Lane)

Who choose the beneficiaries?

Overseas donors/sponsors may identify or select the project and specific locality in the Philippines where assistance would be provided. The CFO will serve as the principal conduit between overseas donors and the local beneficiaries of the project. It may also assist the donors by identifying or recommending projects that may be undertaken in various localities.

PUBLICATIONS OF CFO

What are the publications of CFO?

10 Questions on the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. The primer provides information on the main functions, programme areas and organizational structure of the CFO.
Filipino Ties. The official newsletter of the CFO distributed worldwide.
Gintong Patnubay. The comics magazine reflects real-life stories and experiences of Filipinos overseas.
Handbook for Overseas Filipinos (Seventh Edition). The handbook provides information on a wide range of policies, programs, and activities of the Philippine government affecting Filipinos overseas. As well as returning Filipinos. It also provides information on a number of programs through which Filipinos overseas can actively participate in the realization of the Philippine development agenda.
LINKAPIL Operations Manual (5th Edition). The manual addresses the information needs of Filipinos and other donors overseas concerning the transfer of various forms of assistance to the Philippines, and the procedures and requirements in the processing of material donations from overseas.
Invest in the Philippines: Investment and Business Guide for Overseas Filipinos. The compendium provides information on investing and doing business in the Philippines, particularly in small to medium scale enterprises.
Guide to Learning Filipino. The guide is a teaching and learning material intended for organizations and groups overseas interested to teach the Filipino language to children of overseas Filipinos and other individuals who would like to learn basic or conversational Filipino.
Manual of Policies and Regulations for Philippine Schools Overseas. The manual provides policy guidelines and specific rules and regulations for the establishment, accreditation, operation, and management of elementary and secondary schools overseas.
Lakbay Aral sa Pilipinas. The brochure provides information how to join Lakbay-Aral, its program fee, and the tour packages.
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act or 2003 Primer. The primer provides information on the major provisions of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
Enjoy the Benefits of Dual Citizenship. The primer provides information on the major provisions of the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003.

Are CFO publications for free?

Yes. CFO publications are given to the public for free.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR FILIPINO INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS OVERSEAS

What is the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas?

The Presidential Awards, established through Executive Order No. 498 in 1991, is a biennial award conferred to distinguished Filipino individuals and organizations in recognition of their contribution to national development efforts, or their outstanding achievements in their field. The award is also conferred to foreign individuals and organizations that assist and continue to help the country or advance the cause of Filipino communities overseas.

What are the categories of the awards?

The Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award is conferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and development in the Philippines.
The Kaanib ng Bayan Award is conferred on foreign individuals or organizations for their execeptional or significant contribution to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, or have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.
The Banaag Award is conferred on Filipino individuals or associations for their contributions which have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.
The Pamana ng Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipinos overseas, who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

How many Filipino and foreign individuals and organizations were conferred the Presidential Awards since its institutionalization in 1991?

About 283 distinguished Filipino and foreign individuals and organizations from 40 countries were conferred the Presidential Awards since 1991.

How does CFO evaluate nominees for the awards?

Nominees are evaluated based on criteria set by the Awards Committees. Each award category has its respective evaluation criteria. Evaluation is done through the different stages of review and screening:

First stage (review, validation, recommendation)
Second stage (evaluation and short list of nominations)
Third stage (endorsement of Short List to the Office of the President)
Fourth stage (final selection and approval office of the President)

Who are disqualified from nomination?

The following are disqualified from nomination:

Individuals overseas who are employed by the host government or the Philippine government, if the contributions cited are bases for their nominations are specifically required to be among their official functions and duties; and
Former awardees, either in the same or other categories

What are the rules on the filing of nominations?

Any individual or organization, whether Filipino or foreign, based in the Philippines or overseas, may submit nominations for the awards.
Nominations originating from outside the Philippines may be submitted to the Awards Committee established in each Philippine Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction in their area. Nominations from the Philippines may be sent to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.
Previous nominees who are not recipients of the award may be re-nominated under the same or another category.
An individual or organization may not be nominated in more than one category at any one time. The Secretariat reserves the right to change the category in which the individual or organization was initially nominated, as appropriate.
In cases where an individual and the organization where he/she belongs are both nominated to the same award category, primacy of the organization will be upheld.
Only one award can be given to any person for the same deeds or set of activities.
The awards may be given posthumously.

What are the requirements for nomination?

Nominations must be made on the form prescribed by the Awards Secretariat, and submitted together with supporting documents. All submissions must be written in, or translated into English or Filipino. The nomination form must contain the following information, as relevant:

Personal data (for individual nominees) or organizational profile (for other nominees)
A summary of the relevant contributions made by the nominee
Duly completed endorsement form to be completed by the Post's Awards Committee
Constitution and by-laws, and organizational logo or seal (if organization)
Good photographs

EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM

What is Exchange Visitors Program?

The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) is an international exchange program administered by the United States to implement the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended, Public Law 87-256, 22 USC 2451, et. Seq. (1988)

The EVP was established to strengthen the educational, scientific, and technological capabilities of the country through inter-country exchange of knowledge and expertise. It would also provide non-US citizens with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the US and return home to share their acquired skills and knowledge.

What is the role of CFO in EVP?

Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 242 (series of 2002), CFO serves as the secretariat and member of the Exchange Visitor Program Committee of the Philippines which promulgates rules and regulations to implement the Philippine participation in the Program.

What is a Need for Training Certificate required for health professionals?

A Need for Training Certificate (NTC) shall be issued by the Philippine government to Filipino health professionals who shall undergo training in areas of specialization determined by appropriate agencies of the Philippines as needed by the country.

Who are eligible to apply for the No Objection Statement?

All EVP participants, except for those receiving graduate medical education or training, are eligible to apply for the No Objection Statement (NOS), which serves as a waiver by the Philippine government of the two-year home residency physical presence requirement.

Pursuant to the US Immigration and Nationality Act, EVP participants are required to reside in the country if their nationality or last legal permanent residence for an aggregate period of at least two years after completion of their respective programs before becoming eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or for non-immigrant visa.

What are the obligations of an exchange visitor?

An exchange visitor must secure an insurance that would cover the participant in case of sickness or accident during the period of training. An accompanying dependent is also required to be covered by insurance.
An exchange visitor must engage only in the activity specified / listed on his / her DS 2019. Furthermore, exchange visitors are directed not to engage in unauthorized employment while under the program.
An exchange visitor participant is expected to return home and share his/her experiences with his/her fellow citizens.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT

What is the role of CFO in the policy-making functions of the executive and legislative branches of the government on matters pertaining to political, economic and social concerns, rights and obligations of overseas Filipinos?

CFO provides a continuing study and review of the economic, social, legal and administrative environment which have bearing on the status of overseas Filipinos and proposes the same to the policy-making body of the country.

CFO proposes legislative bills and provides policy inputs on issues concerning migration and overseas Filipinos to the executive and legislative branches of the government.

CFO also participated in various conferences and fora as speaker, lecturer, moderator or participant.

What researches/studies have been undertaken by CFO?

CFO prepared the following researches / studies and policy papers:

Filipino Intermarriage in South Korea
Filipino Intermarriage in Japan
Human Trafficking in Malaysia
Human Trafficking in Singapore
Human Trafficking in Macau
Issues and Concerns Affecting Overseas Filipino Youth
Lobby for the Return of the Balangiga Bells
Portability of US Medicare
The Forgotten Soldiers: Filipino World War II Veterans

What are the Philippine laws and policies affecting overseas Filipinos?

RA 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995)
RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003)
RA 9189 (Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003)
RA 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003)
RA 7042 (Foreign Investments Act of 1991)
RA 8043 (Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995)
RA 6768 (Balikbayan Law)
RA 9174 (Amendments to the Balikbayan Law)
RA 8239 (Philippine passport Act of 1996)
RA 6955 (Anti-Mail Order Bride Law)
PD 1183 (Travel Tax and Exemption)

What is NCLEX?

The National Council Licensure Examination for Nurses or NCLEX is a licensure examination taken by more thon 9,000 Filipino nurses yearly, with the hopes of securing employment in hospitals and health institutions in the United States. The NCLEX is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), o not-for-profit organization of the boards of nursing of 50 states in the U.S., the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories, namely: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. The purpose of the NCLEX is to ensure public safety, by requiring a candidate for licensure to pass on examination that measures the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as o newly licensed, entry-level registered nurse.

Where can nurses take NCLEX in the Philippines?

Previously, NCLEX con only be token in U.S. territories and other selected international test centers. But with the successful lobby efforts of the Presidential Task Force NCLEX headed by the CFO, the NCLEX could now be taken at Pearson Professional Centers, 27th Floor, Trident Tower 312 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Manila.

What is "Trafficking in Persons"?

Trafficking in persons refers to the recruitment, transportation, transfer or harboring, or receipt of persons with or without the victim's consent or knowledge, within or across national borders by means of threat or use of force, or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or of position, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the person, or, the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person for the purpose of exploitation which includes at a minimum, the exploitation or the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.

How does the Philippine government address trafficking in persons?

In 2003, the Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act 9208 also known as "The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act". It sets up policies to eliminate trafficking in persons especially in women and children. It establishes necessary institutional mechanisms to protect and support trafficked persons. It also provides penalties for violators.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), together with other relevant government agencies, is mandated to implement Republic Act 9208. The IACAT is composed of the following:

Department of Justice (DOJ) as Chair
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as Co-Chair
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID)
Philippine National Police (PNP)
National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW)

Three (3) representatives from NGOs composed of one representative each women, children and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) sectors, shall be part of the IACAT. The representatives are nominated by the government members of the IACAT and appointed by the President of the Philippines for a term of three (3) years. The NGOs shall assist the government in preventing trafficking activities, protecting and re-integrating trafficking victims and prosecuting traffickers.

To efficiently address the increasing reports and cases of human trafficking, it is necessary to enhance the coordination between and among agencies engaged in the anti-human trafficking drive. Thus, on February 9, 2007, the Philippine President created the Presidential Task Force Against Human Trafficking (TFHT) through Executive Order No. 548-A, under the supervision of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) shall remain to be the primary body to coordinate, monitor and oversee the implementation of Republic Act 9208.

On the other hand, the CFO shall complement the functions of the IACAT, and in addition, shall be specifically tasked to conduct special operations such as surveillance of persons and entities suspected to be engaged in human trafficking.

STATISTICS

How many are overseas Filipinos?

Based on the 2007 Stock Estimate of Filipinos Overseas, there are about 8.7 million Filipinos overseas; 3.6 million of them are permanent migrants, 4.1 temporary migrants, and more than 900,000 irregular migrants.

What are the top destination countries of overseas Filipinos?

The top five major destination countries of overseas Filipinos are US, Saudi Arabia, UEA, Canada and Australia.