The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is intensifying its efforts to involve overseas Filipinos in nation-building, following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for international investment in the country during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“The Philippines is ready. Invest in the Filipino,” President Marcos declared, highlighting the nation’s workforce as dependable, skilled, and committed to success.
CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II expressed full support for the President’s message, noting that it aligns with the agency’s mission of reconnecting the Filipino diaspora through meaningful economic engagement.
“In response, the CFO has been enhancing the Balinkbayan platform to integrate business and donation opportunities for Filipinos abroad,” Ang said. This online portal serves as a bridge for overseas Filipinos seeking to invest or give back to the Philippines.
In addition, the CFO is working with the Philippine Stock Exchange to open access to local capital markets for global Pinoys, encouraging them to become long-term investors in listed companies.
Financial literacy remains a top priority. Through its PESO Sense initiative, the CFO continues to promote smart money habits among OFWs and their families—offering tools, webinars, and digital content on saving, investing, and fraud prevention.
To further drive grassroots economic activity, the CFO has partnered with Go Negosyo to support Filipino entrepreneurs abroad and help returning migrants reintegrate economically.
During a post-SONA briefing, Secretary Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, underscored the importance of both local and foreign investment in creating job opportunities. He noted that the President’s message sends a strong signal about the improved business climate in the country.
Secretary Ang echoed Go’s remarks, emphasizing that mobilizing the global Filipino community is central to the CFO’s mission.
“We’ve been championing the same message: the Filipino people are ready to do business,” Ang said. “At the heart of our initiatives is the commitment to empower the diaspora through entrepreneurship and investment.”
