Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 346)
The State declares it a policy to promote the well-being and uphold the interests of Filipinos overseas.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas was created by virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg. 79 on June 16, 1980.
The Commission is composed of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs as Chairman, the Secretary of Trade and Industry as Vice Chairman, the Secretaries of Labor and Employment, Tourism, Education, Culture and Sports, Justice, and the Press Secretary as ex-officio members, and the Executive Director of the Commission.
Executive responsibility is vested in the Secretariat, which is headed by an Executive Director, assisted by a Deputy Executive Director, both appointed by the President.
The offices are Projects Management Office, Migrant Integration and Education Office, Administrative and Finance Office, Management Information System Office, and Planning, Research and Policy Office.
It is responsible for the promotion and implementation of programs and projects for Filipinos overseas and promotes economic diplomacy efforts among overseas communities.
It implements registration, pre-departure programs and services, public assistance, information programs, welfare support for emigrants, and coordination of the Assistance to Nationals Program.
The Commission shall establish representative offices in countries and areas necessary for its mandate, usually housed at Philippine Embassies or Consulates, and extension offices in major exit points in the Philippines.
To preserve and enhance ties with younger generations of overseas Filipinos, preventing alienation from their country and shaping their Filipino identity.
Initial funding shall be sourced from the Department of Budget and Management upon request of the CFO Secretariat, with succeeding years funded through regular budget appropriations.