The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is strengthening its programs to better support permanent and long-term Filipino migrants through enhanced investment initiatives, financial education, health cooperation, and reintegration services.

CFO Chairperson Dante “Klink” Ang II emphasized that the agency’s mandate covers Filipinos who have settled abroad permanently—such as immigrants, spouses of foreign nationals, and long-term residents—not just overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

To encourage returning Filipinos to reinvest in the country, CFO has partnered with the Philippine Stock Exchange, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Go Negosyo to make local investments more accessible. Ang said CFO is pushing for a “green lane” to help balikbayans bring capital back home and start businesses.

Financial literacy efforts also continue through the CFO’s Peso Sense Program, which equips overseas Filipinos and their families with tools for saving and long-term investment.

On health cooperation, CFO is exploring ways for balikbayans and retirees to access medical benefits earned abroad. The agency is working with PhilHealth and Filipino organizations in the U.S. to advocate for portability of Medicare and Medicaid benefits, allowing eligible returnees to use these in the Philippines. While some hospitals, such as The Medical City and St. Luke’s, can already process certain benefits, more accredited facilities are needed.

Ang highlighted that overseas Filipinos contribute not only through remittances but also by sharing expertise and skills through workshops and capacity-building programs in the Philippines. He encouraged Filipinos abroad to connect with CFO’s platforms and services through www.cfo.gov.ph.

He assured that CFO remains committed to keeping overseas Filipinos closely linked to the Philippines—politically, economically, and culturally—no matter where they reside.