Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Chairperson Secretary Dante Ang III warned overseas Filipino families to ensure that Philippine schools abroad are accredited by the Department of Education before enrolling their children.

Speaking during a media training at the Development Academy of the Philippines on Friday, Ang said students enrolled in unaccredited Philippine schools overseas (PSOs) may encounter problems once they continue their studies in the Philippines.

According to Ang, credentials issued by unrecognized schools may be rejected by Philippine educational institutions, which could force students to take bridging programs or repeat grade levels.

He said the issue has become more concerning in countries with large Filipino communities, particularly in the Gulf region, where demand for Philippine-style education remains high.

Ang cited a case in Dili, East Timor, where only one Philippine school is officially recognized despite several institutions marketing themselves as Philippine schools.

He explained that some institutions abroad are legally licensed only for vocational or language training and are not authorized to offer basic education programs. Others, he added, operate informally or online without proper accreditation.

The CFO has since issued advisories identifying recognized Philippine schools abroad in coordination with DepEd and host governments to help guide overseas Filipino families.

Ang also encouraged unaccredited schools to secure proper recognition from DepEd to avoid possible sanctions and future problems for students.