The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has begun building a global network for alumni of Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO), marking a strategic step toward long-term engagement with the Filipino youth diaspora.

On February 3, a “kumustahan” luncheon was held at the CFO main office in Pasay City, where Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II met with alumni from PSOs in the Middle East. The gathering addressed the challenges these students face when returning to the Philippines for higher education and highlighted the need for a structured support system.

This initiative aligns with CFO’s role as Secretariat to the Inter-Agency Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas (IAC-PSO), under Executive Order No. 252, s. 2000. While CFO has historically focused on regulation and accreditation, Secretary Ang emphasized shifting toward diaspora engagement—transforming PSOs into enduring cultural and social bridges to the Philippines.

Currently, 35 PSOs operate in 11 countries, serving roughly 25,000 Filipino students. These schools play a vital role in preserving Filipino identity among youth raised abroad, ensuring continued cultural, social, and economic ties to the motherland.

Alumni from the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ), Al Taj International School in Saudi Arabia, and the Philippine-Emirates Private School in the UAE shared the difficulties of reintegrating into Philippine society. Many cited “reverse culture shock,” including challenges with academic credit alignment, transportation, and interacting with local peers.

“Our commitment goes beyond graduation,” Secretary Ang said. “We want to ensure that as these students return home for their undergraduate studies, they have a network that understands their unique background and helps them navigate the transition.”

IPSJ alumni proposed a robust digital presence to share resources and media relevant to reintegration. They noted that participation in CFO’s Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) program helped them reconnect with Filipino language and culture.

The discussions are a prelude to a larger consultative meeting ahead of the Association of Philippine Schools Overseas (APSO) Annual Conference in June. CFO aims to formalize the alumni network, with the first official annual gathering tentatively planned for late 2026.

Through this initiative, CFO ensures that the early education of Filipino youth abroad continues to contribute to nation-building, long after they leave their PSOs.