The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) honored the global contributions of the Filipino diaspora in shaping the country’s future during its 45th anniversary celebration held at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
With the theme “Filipino Diaspora for Bagong Pilipinas: Contributions, Challenges, and Future Directions,” the full-day forum spotlighted the enduring influence of overseas Filipinos—not just through remittances, but also in trade, innovation, philanthropy, and cultural exchange.
CFO Chairperson Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II emphasized the transformative power of migration. “The Filipino diaspora has always been a strategic partner in nation-building,” he said. “From remittances, philanthropy, creating trade opportunities, technology transfers, and cultural diplomacy, our permanent and long-term migrants are shaping a better future for the Philippines, in line with President Bongbong Marcos’ aspiration of a Bagong Pilipinas.”
Three panel discussions, each led by renowned academics and experts, explored the complex realities and opportunities linked to diaspora engagement. Speakers included diplomats, government officials, migration scholars, and overseas Filipinos themselves.
Panel discussions ranged from the role of Filipino immigrants in destination countries, to the unique voices of marriage migrants and second-generation youth, and how overseas knowledge and resources can fuel development back home. Among the notable participants were DFA Undersecretary Eduardo José De Vega, Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, Filipino-Canadian entertainer Mikey Bustos, and filmmaker Joel Nathan “Bani” Logroño.
“These conversations are meant to show that the value of the diaspora extends far beyond economics,” Ang said. “This is about science, innovation, partnerships, and the stories of our kababayan abroad.”
The event also served as a moment of recognition for CFO’s long-serving employees and partner organizations. “This celebration will not be complete without giving tribute and honor to the dedicated people behind CFO’s four and a half decades,” Ang said during the awarding ceremony.
The anniversary capped off with a renewed call to further integrate overseas Filipinos into the country’s long-term vision for inclusive and sustainable growth.
