The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) serves as the Secretariat to the Inter-Agency Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas (IACPSO), which coordinates inter-agency policy and program initiatives to assist in the establishment and standardization of Philippine schools overseas (PSOs).

Philippine schools overseas are duly-registered educational institutions operating outside the Philippines and implementing the educational curriculum approved by the Department of Education (DepEd). These schools are either accredited, or have pending applications for accreditation by DepEd. They must also possess a valid permit to operate issued by their host country. By their very nature, Philippine schools overseas need to comply with requirements and regulations of the Philippine Government and pertinent regulations of the countries where they are located.

Philippine schools overseas 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 the Filipino culture and heritage among Filipino youth overseas and a locus of community activity.

As of November 30 2007, fourthy three (43) Philippine schools overseas have been established and made operational in nine countries – Bahrain, China, Greece, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Of these schools, 39 have been accredited by the Philippine Department of Education, while the rest are in various stages of application for accreditation. More than 20,000 students are currently enrolled in Philippine schools overseas at various levels, from pre-elementary, elementary, and high school.

The vital role of these schools in the education of children of Filipinos overseas calls for certain standards of management and operation. The IACPSO formulates the policies and procedures governing the establishment, management and operation of such schools.

The IACPSO was established in February 1995 and strengthened through Executive Order No. 252 dated 05 May 2000. It is co-chaired by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Other members of the IACPSO are the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

The Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) serves as the policy making body and a forum for discussion and resolution of issues concerning the establishment, operation, and management of Philippine schools overseas or such type of schools or educational programs overseas. It reviews, formulate and adopt or recommend policies and programs to establish and maintain high standards of educational management, and ensure quality of education for Filipino youth overseas consistent with national policy. Specifically, the Inter-Agency Committee undertakes the following:

1. Develop policies and guidelines in connection with the establishment, operation, management, accreditation and regulation of Philippine schools and educational programs overseas;
2. Develop a system for classifying institutions overseas that provide Philippine-based curriculum and instruction;
3. Conduct studies on issues and problem areas affecting the operation of Philippine schools overseas:
4. Provide inputs to the DepEd, in the development of Philippine schools overseas;
5. Hold meetings and consultation on a regular basis to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of policies and programs for Philippine schools overseas;
6. Conduct site visits and ocular inspections of Philippine schools overseas in furtherance of the objectives of this order; and
7. Serve as arbiter in matters regarding Philippine schools overseas which are brought to its attention.

Specifically, the functions of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas concerning Philippine schools overseas are as follows:

1. Provide secretariat support to the IAC and keep records of the IAC meetings and agreements;
2. Assist the IAC in disseminating information on the policies and guidelines on the establishment, operation, and management of Philippine schools overseas, and coordinate inter-agency actions in support of this function;
3. Develop researches necessary to review, clarify, and or formulate policies, as may be necessary, to effect better operation, management and representation of schools;
4. Provide technical or other advice as may be necessary or as may be requested by Philippine schools overseas or Philippine communities overseas, pursuant to the objectives of the Executive Order;
5. Develop and maintain an information system on Philippine schools overseas, including relevant educational laws and regulations of host countries; and
6. Extend assistance in obtaining donations as may be needed from the public or private sources for educational materials, equipment or school facilities.