os AWARDS AND ACCOLADES 07 cOVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE 11 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT 33 MIGRANT WELFARE SERVICE 53 POLICY DEVELOPMENT 54 INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIZATION STRENGTHENING MMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASJUSTICE FRANCISCO PAREDES ACOSTA (RET.) SECRETARY AND CHAIRPERSON COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS Justice Francisco P. Acosta was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 20, 2018. Prior to his appointment, Justice Acosta was a former Court of Appeals Associate Justice. He was appointed to the Court of Appeals on December 16, 2006 and retired more than ten years after. Before his appointment to the Court of Appeals, he was a practicing lawyer for thirty-three (33) years specializing in litigation and corporate law, and he used to teach at his alma mater. San Beda College of Law. He was a bar examiner in 2008 for Legal Ethics and 2018 for Labor Laws and Social Legislation. He also previously served as Consultant at the House of Representatives and Office of Taguig City Mayor, and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine National Oil Company. Justice Acosta took up his elementary and secondary education in St. Louis School in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya: where he was a consistent honor student. a PMT Commander, Junior Scout Master and varsity basketball player. He finished his college degree- AB Philosophy. from San Beda College and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He acquired his JD from the same school's college of law. graduating in the top 5 of his class. He passed the bar in 1971, with an average grade of 85.3 He is the current President of the San Beda University Law Alumni Inc., and San Beda Law Alumni Association Inc. He has been enshrined in the San Beda Law Hall of Fame in 2018. He is not only a dedicated and outstanding public servant and educator. but also a civic and religious volunteer, a family-oriented man, and a proud “Ulirang Ama” awardee of 2015. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASOffice of the President of the Philippines COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is an agency under the Office of the President was established on 16 June 1980 through Batas Pambansa (Republic Act) 79 to promote and uphold the interests. rights, and welfare of Overseas Filipinos, and strengthen their ties with the Motherland. As such, the Commission refers to the following major programs. projects, and activities from 2018-2021: COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASAWARDS AND ACCOLADES Financial Management The CFO once again received from the Commission on Audit (COA) an “unqualified or unmodified opinion” for its 2021 financial records and operations, the top auditing mark from the COA that can only be achieved if an entity's financial statements are free from any ‘material misstatements.’ The CFO received the same rating from the COA in 2011, 2018 and 2020, respectively. These findings from the COA mirror CFO's adherence to the highest standards of _ transparency, accountability, and good governance. ISO 9001:2015 Certified The CFO is ISO 9001:2015 certified since January 2018, Its Quality Management System (QMS) was recertified in 2021 for ISO 9001:2015 for another three @) years for all of its processes, having complied with the certifying authority's international standards of service and excellence, evidence of the agency's commitment to efficient public service. ISO 90012015 is a globally recognized quality management standard developed and published by the International Organization —_ for Standardization (ISO). Certificate The certification provides a model for organizations of all types and sizes to use in building an effective quality management system. The standard is based on several quality management principles, including having a strong client/customer focus, involvement of high-level organization management, an outlined process-based approach, and —_ ongoing improvement of the aforementioned approach. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASA ee ACCOLADES GADTIMPALA Award On August 14, 2019, the CFO was conferred with the 2018 GADtimpala Bronze Award for being one of the country's Outstanding Gender-Responsive Government Agencies by the PCW. The CFO was among the 6 government agencies recognized for their gender mainstreaming efforts during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) held on August 14, 2019 at the PICC, Pasay City. Other awardees included DOLE, NEDA, NHA, COA, and CHED. PRIME-HRM Bronze Award The has earned a PRIME-HRM Bronze Award from the Civil Service Commission (CSC). In March 2014 and March 2019, It was given a Level Il Accreditation by the CSC for its Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM), The CSC PRIME- HRM Bronze Award is both a reward and a reminder of CFO's commitment to sustain excellence especially for the welfare of the dedicated men and women of the CFO. Selyo ng Kahusayan In 2021, the CFO received its Level IV accreditation, leap frogging from Level Ill, for service excellence from the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino due to its continuous usage and promotion of Filipino language in its delivery of service for overseas Filipinos. In 2019, it was accorded with a level II award. It first received its distinction in 2018 with a level | award. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS GgCOVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE With the ongoing worldwide health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the CFO responded to the threats by continuously undertaking several initiatives to ensure the continued delivery of its services to the public, such as the following: a) Assistance to affected US Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Participants, Au Pairs, and Permanent Migrants. b) Provision of food = and accommodation assistance _—to affected CFO clientele upon their arrival from their host countries when they were stranded in Manila. ¢) Coordination with the National Center for Mental Health regarding the psychological and medical assistance needed by stranded CFO clientele. d) Continuous monitoring of the plight of its clients overseas and has activated and established mechanism where clients can either call, text, email, or interact via social media COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS UCOVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE e) Set up an Online/Tele-counseling for the Spouses or Fiancé(e)s/Partners of Foreign Nationals to continuously supervise the welfare of marriage migrants. f) The Exchange Visitor Program Sx Sree Committee of the Philippines JI] PROGRAMS So adopted a resolution providing for a ARE BACK! Moratorium on the participation of ipaaneaoe Filipino nationals in the Exchange Visitor Program of The United States of America during an emergency meeting of the EVP Committee to address concerns of EVP (3-1) participants stemming from issues arising from the Covid-19 crisis Peas es eerie rate a oo g) In support of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s efforts to contain the pandemic and the Bayanihan Act, the CFO implemented austerity measures of which an amount of PhP10.2 million savings generated by the Commission was already appropriated back to the National Government as CFO's contributions for measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic. This is consistent with the law’s provision authorizing the President to reprogram, reallocate, and realign savings on other items of appropriations in the FY 2020 GAA. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASCOVID-19 ye = RESPONSE h) CFO also launched on March 25. OF-CORS is an online pre- 2020, the Overseas Filipino-CFO departure platform for CFO Online Registration System (OF- clientele during the time that CORS) for Filipino Emigrants, physical operations were Filipino Spouses and Partners of temporarily suspended. CFO Foreign Nationals, Au Pairs, and J1 clients may now register online in Visa Holders. the comforts of their homes. After completing and submitting online The OF-CORS is an_ innovative the necessary travel requirements, project of the Commission a temporary CFO Certificate will implemented in lieu of the be issued, which they need to mandatory physical registration of print as proof of their successful Filipino Emigrants, Filipino Spouses registration with the CFO. The and Partners of Foreign Nationals Certificate will be inspected by Au Pairs, and 31 Visa Holders in any the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at of the CFO offices in Manila Main NAIA or any other international Office, satellite offices in Cebu City, airport on the day of their Davao City, and extension desk at departure from the Philippines. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS 9COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE i) The CFO also launched the CFO —— Electronic Payment and Collection System (CFO-EPCS) to allow clients to pay their registrations fees at all Bayad Centers nationwide. This was made possible through a tripartite partnership with Bayad Center and MultiSys firms. The online payment system also allows for credit and debit card payments. This is also in accordance with The Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Services Delivery Act of 2018 j) To keep its clients abreast with updates on its services, as well as the government's response. the CFO actively employed communication strategies to promote public awareness thru regular posts in our various official social media accounts and websites. The CFO created a Viber Community specifically for the Filipino Diaspora to strengthen its SASL RSiy inne a pogsontrtan oka ng engagement — and continue ae to “as extending its services to Filipinos ih ti _ ali = all over the world. ~e — am fs ec man Trafficking! k) CFO continues to operate the 1343 Action line - the national Report hotline against human trafficking FELE] Cal PORTANT ovtetce wtro wana COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASUGNAYAN AND VIRTUAL UGNAYAN The Ugnayan is a_ series of gatherings/meetings with Filipino community/organization leaders in various regions of the world to discuss means of cooperation for diaspora engagement. It serves as a platform for the engagement of OFs to familiarize them with the programs and services of the CFO. It also intends to empower OFs by promoting the CFO's financial freedom campaign, the establishment of a support network, and intensifying their participation in the government's campaign _ against human trafficking. With this project, networking among the Filipino community organizations can also be instrumental — in encouraging diaspora philanthropic activities in support of Philippine development. It also complements their right of suffrage while overseas and avail of financial literacy training. Through the Ugnayan Series, CFO engaged with several __ Filipino community organizations and leaders in countries with large concentrations of overseas Filipinos particularly the United States. It was an opportunity for the CFO to reach out to —overseas_Filipinos (organizations, media, civil society, etc.) to discuss various ways of diaspora engagement for the home country’s development. We have met with thousands of _Filipino community leaders in countries with a large concentration of overseas Filipinos such as Canada, Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Guam, and mainland United States. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASUGNAYAN AND VIRTUAL UGNAYAN This program was aligned with the CFO's mandate and commitment to strengthening relations with the Filipino community overseas; and to effectively and efficiently deliver gender-responsive policies. programs, and services for the well being and empowerment of the community of Filipinos overseas, the CFO developed the Ugnayan Series. The development of this program also stemmed from the policy pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte on bringing government services closer to overseas Filipinos. On October 23, 2020, the second Online Ugnayan was conducted where an online _consultation/ meeting with the Filipino community and leaders in Los Angeles, United States of America (October 22 Los Angeles Time) was held. We engaged with the Philippine Nurses. Association of America, the Association of Filipino Teachers in America as well as the Coalition of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce as our partner Filipino community organizations in the area While the original Ugnayan is a series of face-to-face meetings with the Filipino community and leaders, this year the Commission conducted it online. This is given the COVID-19 pandemic, where online service has become the “new normal’, CFO conducted its first Online Ugnayan sa Japan via Zoom and Facebook live on August 22, 2020, and has partnered with —several_—_Filipino communities such as the Japan-Filipino Migrants Center. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASUGNAYAN AND VIRTUAL UGNAYAN BST «On November 22, 2020. the last leg of le) ict oF Paeioesr OF re oT the Online Ugnayan Series was COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS conducted for overseas Filipinos in Hawaii. We have partnered with several Filipino community groups in the area such as the Hawaii - Domestic Violence Action Center and the University of Hawaii-Center for Philippine Studies The Ugnayan theme revolved around the effects of the pandemic to OFs in Japan. the SUNDAY Moron tal USA, and South Korea, and how heey 5 {Philippine time) the Philippine government could i — “2 assist them. It was participated 8 by Filcom leaders, Presidential awardees, and more than thousands of Zoom and FB Sy participants from Japan, the USA South Korea, the Philippines, and other countries. On November 8, 2020, the third virtual Ugnayan was conducted for overseas Filipinos in South Korea. We have actively engaged with the Filipino communities in the area and have as one of our partners the Filipino Korea Spouses Association, a group of Filipinas married to Koreans and advocates for the welfare of these marriage migrants We have also engaged with the Filipino Korean Heritage Association and the Seoul Filipino Catholic Community. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASUGNAYAN AND VIRTUAL UGNAYAN In 2021, CFO Online Ugnayan sa East Coast was held on July 30, 2021. Issues and concerns of Filipinos in the US which are relevant to the pandemic situation were discussed. Online Ugnayan sa East Coast was implemented in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Washington. Philippine Consulate General in New York, and Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Washington. We have also cro presented government - a cseistance to ovemese engaged with several _Filipino rograms an s programs: organizations in the area such as the Filipinos under the _ session Association of Filipino Teachers in America, Philippine Nurses Association of America, and the Coalition of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce. among others “Bayanihan in the Time of Pandemic These include the 1343 Action line Against Human Trafficking: Economic, Social, and Reintegration Programs of the Government for affected OFWs and their families; as well as our CFO programs such as the BalinkBayan One-Stop Portal for Diaspora Engagement: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Program: Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. Updates on the Recognition of the Foreign Divorce in the Philippines were also discussed, given the glaring difference in culture and laws on marriage and divorce in Japan and the Philippines. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASPRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR FILIPINO INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS OVERSEAS The Presidential Awards, established through Executive Order No. 498 in 1991, is a biennial award conferred to distinguished Filipino individuals and organizations in recognition of their contribution to national development efforts, or their outstanding achievements in their field. The award is also conferred to foreign individuals and organizations that assist and continue to help the country or advance the cause of Filipino communities overseas Since its inception in 1991, the awards have so far been extended to 485 Filipinos and private organizations overseas from S1 countries MMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASPRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR FILIPINO INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS OVERSEAS YEAR OF CONFERMENT NUMBER OF AWARDEES: 2018 25 2022 56 (for conferment) TOTAL 81 COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASTHE MIGRATION, ADVOCACY AND MEDIA (MAM) AWARDS A welcome innovation in the 2011 Celebration of the MOF is the fitting recognition of media institutions and practitioners who have featured Filipino migration and the life. challenges and successes of overseas Filipinos. The Migration, Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards was conceived by the CFO to recognize the significant role of the media in raising public awareness on issues related to Filipino migration, and the challenges of migration and development, and advocating the cause and promoting a positive image of Filipinos overseas Topics and issues related to migration that could be featured may include human trafficking, illegal recruitment, brain drain and brain circulation, remittance flows, political crisis, health problems, social costs of migration, families left behind by migrants, success stories, among others OMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASTHE MIGRATION, ADVOCACY AND MEDIA (MAM) AWARDS The MAM Awards is the first of its kind. especially for a government agency that confers awards on media with special focus on migration Eligible for the Awards are works by any individual, government and private media outlet. institution, or practitioner in the fields of print, radio, movie and television. advertising and internet based in the Philippines and abroad The MAM Awards consist of seven categories The Print Journalism Award Radio Journalism, Television Journalism Award, Film Media Award. Interactive Media Award, Advertisement Award and Media Advocate YEAR OF CONFERMENT NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS. 2019 4 2022 19 TOTAL 36 OMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASHIMIG MIGRASYON: SONGWRITING CONTEST The CFO developed and implemented its first ever HIMIG MIGRASYON SONGWRITING CONTEST. The songfest was primarily meant to serve as a tribute to the sacrifices and important contributions of the overseas Filipinos to their host countries and Philippine development. especially during this time of a global pandemic. It also aimed to make music an advocacy tool to raise public awareness of the challenging yet inspiring life of our overseas Filipinos and the issues they face throughout their migration journey. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS Out of 326 entries from 26 countries worldwide that the Commission received, the top 20 were shortlisted by the first-level panel of judges. The top 20 was further shortlisted for the top 5 and ranked accordingly to determine the top 3 winners by a second- level panel of judges.LINGKOD SA KAPWA PILIPINO (LINKAPIL) PROGRAM vean | Amounror | ,MUMBEROE | "AREAS AS DONATIONS (INDIVIDUALS) BENEFICIARIES (PROVINCES) 2018 24M 70,784 27 2019 24.934 M 38,441 24 2020 7.810 M 36,747 46 2021 5.80M 5,088 25 2022 (Q1) 29M 9,039 12 TOTAL 65.444M 160,099 134 COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASYOUTH LEADERS IN THE DIASPORA YEAR NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS. 2018 o 2019 44 2020 22 2021 137 TOTAL 22 COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS 2PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SENTRO RIZAL The ‘Virtual project provides an alternative to the Sentro Rizal’ (VSR) traditional mode of appreciating Filipino heritage through digital content. It is a portable collection of essential Filipiniana references in DVD format which are primarily culled out from the current library catalog of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), with additional materials sourced from collaborating producers and publishers. This initiative was undertaken in compliance with Section XII of Republic Act No. 10066 - National Cultural Heritage Law (2009) - which calls for the institutionalization of Sentro Rizal(s) to serve as venues for the promotion of Philippine arts and culture in areas with significant number of overseas Filipinos. While the virtual nature of the collection allows cultural dissemination beyond borders and is purposively designed to appeal to the tech-savvy younger generations, this initial compilation is a modest attempt to introduce the Philippines via distance learning but does not preclude the establishment of corresponding physical facilities. More than 200 copies have been distributed to government officials, Philippine Embassies, foreign diplomats. and overseas Filipino leaders and organizations since 2016. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASPROGRAM Ce OVERSEAS FILIPINO CENTENARIANS As one of the implementing agencies of the Centenarian Act of 2016, which aims to pay tribute to all Filipinos who reached 100 years old whether living in the Philippines or abroad, the CFO reviews and evaluates all applications coming from abroad that are endorsed by the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Philippine Embassies and Consulates. From 2018 to the first quarter of 2022. the CFO assisted 59 individuals and families wishing to avail the centenarian benefits. Since the passage of the law, a total of 35 overseas Filipino centenarians were awarded the Php100.000.00 centenarian gift. YEAR OF CONFERMENT NUMBER OF AWARDEES 2018 5 2019 10 2020 10 2021 27 2022 (Q1) 7 TOTAL 59 (OMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASCELEBRATION OF THE MONTH OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS National Forum on Migration Secretary Francisco P. Acosta In the Philippines, it has become a tradition in the last three decades to highlight December as the “Month of Overseas Filipinos.” Former President Corazon Aquino issued Proclamation No. 276 in June 1988, institutionalizing the commemoration of the MOF every December. It is the time of the year where the whole nation is commemorating the hard work and sacrifices, achievements. and positive contributions in the host and home countries, of the more than 10 million overseas Filipinos worldwide. The CFO is the co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee for the Celebration of the MOF and the International Migrants Day (with members from other government and non-government agencies), which organizes activities in commemoration of MOF. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS = Lo | SI In 2007, then-President Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo signed Administrative Order No. 202 creating the Inter-Agency Committee for the Celebration of the Month Overseas Filipinos with the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW. an umbrella organization of migrant civil society organizations) as Chair and the CFO as Co-Chair. a co ? oFsiN THE NEW NORMAL:PROGRAM UL Ce CELEBRATION OF THE MONTH OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS YEAR OF CONFERMENT NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS. 2018 1,070 2019 1,630 2020 19,050 2021 143,090 TOTAL | 164,840 COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASGENDER AND DEVELOPMENT MAINSTREAMING CFO remains mainstream development committed to gender and within its core functions: policy development, and program/project implementation. The commitment is in line with some policies and sectoral program requirements such as Executive Order |No, 273 (Approving and Adopting the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD 1995:2025) and PCW-NEDA- DBM Joint Circular No. 202 - 01 on “Guidelines for the Preparation of Annual Gender and Development (GAD) Plans and Budget and Accomplishment reports to implement the Magna Carta of Women CFO GAD Plans and Budget, and GAD Accomplishment Reports were thus annually prepared, developed and were approved and endorsed by the Philippine Commission on Women. The CFO-GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) which consists of representatives from all divisions of CFO continuously ensures that GAD issues and concerns. gender equality and women’s empowerment be mainstreamed with the Commission Yearly, the CFO has undertaken month- long activities and services for its women clients and employees in International celebration of the Women’s Month. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASGENDER AND DEVELOPMENT MAINSTREAMING The CFO online GAD Corner has been regularly updated with —_latest information and education materials and news releases, which gives access to CFO _ personnel, representatives from _partner agencies or organizations. researchers, and students to CFO's collection of GAD knowledge materials and its related programs, projects, and activities. The CFO was shortlisted by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for the GADtimpala 2018 under the category of Outstanding Gender-Responsive Government Agency. GADtimpala stands for Gender and Development Transformation & Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs Agenda, Linkages & Advocacies. ‘newer ria The GADtimpala aims to recognize deserving national = government agencies for their ” outstanding achievement and performance in mainstreaming gender in the bureaucracy, upholding the rights of women and effective implementation of gender responsive programs. It also recognizes the innovativeness and gender-responsiveness of the agencies’ programs or projects that contribute to gender equality and women's empowerment, especially those that have made impacts on the lives of women. On August 14, 2019, the CFO was conferred with the 2018 GADtimpala Bronze Award for being one of the country’s Outstanding Gender Responsive Government Agencies by the PCW. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASPROGRAM MANAGEMENT GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT MAINSTREAMING The CFO was among the 6 government agencies recognized for their gender mainstreaming efforts during the = 10th_— anniversary celebration of the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) held on August 14, 2019 at the PICC, Pasay City. Other awardees included DOLE, NEDA, NHA. COA, and CHED. The GADtimpala Bronze Awards conferred on CFO is in recognition of its significant contributions to gender equality and women’s empowerment. especially in implementing gender responsive programs for Filipino emigrants, and in __ providing interventions and services for Filipinos overseas, especially those who are victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence (GBV). This accolade adds to CFO's recent strings of victories, which attests to the agency's determination to protect Filipino migrants in vulnerable situations, especially women, who are subjected to gender-based violence and biases across all stages of the migration cycle. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASPROGRAM MANAGEMENT PUBLICATIONS CFO values the importance of information materials as effective tools in raising public awareness about the programs and services of ._.., the Philippine government for | AMBASSADOR RODOLFO migrants and their families. DAA ROR ES Co a lemon by ig ‘greater recognition for Filipinos LS = = CFO developed several publications and information materials that are printed; electronically published in CFO's website: shared to social : media accounts: and sent via email $ to different partners, stakeholders, and various Filipino organizations and communities abroad. This has further strengthened the government's efforts in _ raising, promoting, and upholding the interests, rights, and welfare of our overseas Filipinos (OFS). E> itetmatinre,. ort Riaineshere CFO has also an existing partnership 5 with the Manila Times, one of the z major broadsheets in the Philippines : for a weekly special feature of the = S== stories of overseas Filipinos and communities. The feature articles are produced by the CFO and are = published by the Manila Times under = : the SPOTLIGHT section. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS 9 oo —!/PESO SENSE - FINANCIAL FREEDOM CAMPAIGN FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINOS CFO also spearheads the PESO Sense: the Philippine Financial Freedom Campaign. This program aims to assist overseas Filipinos and their families make informed financial decisions and improve their financial literacy by developing or enhancing their personal strategies. skills and knowledge in attaining financial freedom. Through the years. the target beneficiaries expanded to not just the sender and receiver of remittances, but to communities and every Filipino in the Philippines and abroad The PESO Sense undertakes lectures and financial literacy training called the “Kaalamang Pinansyal Tungo Sa Kaunlaan (Kapit Ka)" to educate participants on proper management of their finances. Specifically, the training module covers the topics on financial standing, financial fitness quiz, prioritizing expenses. preparing dream matrix, right formula of saving, preparing Personal Income and Expense Tracker (PIET), 10 commandments to be financially literate and an ‘oath’ of financial literacy, COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASPESO SENSE - FINANCIAL FREEDOM CAMPAIGN FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINOS From 2018 to 2021, some of the Kapit Ka trainings conducted are as follows: for overseas Filipinos in Italy (through webinar) - November 6, 2021 for the Rotary Club of Makati F. Zobel - September 29. 2021 for overseas Filipinos in Cambodia (through webinar) - October 3,10, 17, and 31, 2020 for CFO Employees (through webinar) - May 27-28. 2020 for National Anti-Poverty Commission - February 24, 2020 for One Cainta College students - November 21, 2019 for Dalig National High School students - September 21. 2019 for Topspot Multipurpose Cooperative employees - June 14, 2019 for Mang Inasal personnel - March 18, 2018 ‘Sino ka sa mga ito? = MMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVIPROGRAM MANAGEMENT PESO SENSE - FINANCIAL FREEDOM CAMPAIGN FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINOS To further promote the program and reach more overseas Filipinos around the globe, the PESO Sense team also conducted the following activities: + TV guesting in the Kabuhayang Pinoy program ~ March 31, 2022 + Webinar guesting at Cooperative Development Authority's KOOPs e-forum ~ August 31, 2021 * Radio guesting at Radyo Veritas Legazpi - November 29 and December 6, 2020 + Webinar on Saving and Investing for CFO Employees - May 27-28, 2020 + Presentation on PESO Sense best social media practices at Department of Education - February 6, 2020 + Presentation at Seamless Philippines Convention = September 25. 2019 Moreover, the CFO utilized the social media and succeeded in doing so. 8 years and 3.8 million “Ka-Peso” later, PESO Sense Facebook page is among the top government owned, and the top financial literacy Facebook pages in the Philippines. With its various contents, the page serves as an online “free financial advisor” to Filipinos around the globe As of June 2022. the page is reaching more than 10 million users weekly from all over the world. 73% of its total followers are women and the biggest age group is 25-34 followed by 18-24 years old. Aside from the Philippines, followers come from other countries such as: United Arab Emirates ‘Saudi Arabia United States of America Hong Kong Taiwan Qatar Japan ‘Kuwait Singapore Canada Australia Malaysia italy South Korea United Kingdom Bahrain India Israel ‘Oman Macau COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASThe CFO conducts pre-departure services and other welfare programs to emigrants and Filipinos Overseas. Through its Guidance and Counseling Program, pre-departure orientation seminars, peer counseling. Country Familiarization Seminar, and extensive local community education programs, CFO provides emigrants, Exchange Visitor program participants, au pair participants, and potential migrants with information on the immigration policies and basic laws of their host countries, rights and obligations overseas, and support services available to them COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASMIGRANT WELFARE SERVICE PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION SEMINAR FOR EMIGRANTS Table B.1. Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar for Emigrants en NUMBER OF REGISTERED EMIGRANTS/BENEFICIARIES 2018 73.09 2019 65,122 2020 15,764 2021 16,554 2022 (QI) 4,308 TOTAL 175,267 MMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASPRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION SEMINAR FOR EMIGRANTS The CFO conducts Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS) for 20 to 59-year-old Filipino emigrants with the core objective of providing them with relevant information needed to address concerns about permanently residing overseas. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS It aims to help Filipino emigrants adjust to the nuances of relocating to or living in a foreign land, including informing their rights as permanent residents. CFO strongly believes that a well-informed emigrant is in a better position to seek opportunities, assert his/her rights, and reduce __his/her vulnerabilities in unfamiliar territory, An empowered Filipino migrant also reflects a positive image of Filipinos residing in host countries. CFO registered and oriented 4,308 emigrants in the first quarter of 2022. The top 3 destination countries of Filipino emigrants are the USA. Canada, and Japan.MIGRANT WELFARE SERVICE PEER COUNSELING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH MIGRANTS/PEER COUNSELEES Vee NUMBER OF REGISTERED PEER COUNSELEES/BENEFICIARIES 2018 10,615 2019 7592 2020 1511 2021 513 2022 ng TOTAL 20,350 COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASPEER COUNSELING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH MIGRANTS/PEER COUNSELEES The Peer Counseling Program is required for Filipino emigrants 13 to 19 years old. The sessions aim to provide a venue for the young migrants to discuss their concerns about leaving their country of birth While sessions are not country- specific, country profiles. and settlement concerns are __ also discussed. No other government agency provides this specialized pre- departure program for migrating Filipino youth CFO also provided peer counseling sessions to a total of 119 youth migrants aged 13-19 years old in the first quarter of 2022. Canada. the USA, and Italy are the top 3 destination countries for youth migrants. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS 7MIGRANT WELFARE SERVICE GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM / REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE MIGRANTS Table B.3. Guidance and Counseling Program / Registration of Marriage Migrants NUMBER OF REGISTERED FILIPINO YEAR 'SPOUSES/PARTNERS OF FOREIGN NATIONALS/BENEFICIARIES, 2018 17.219 2019 18.370 2020 4694 2021 4182 2022 (QI) 1,947 TOTAL 46,412 COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASGUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM / REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE MIGRANTS The Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) is mandatory for Filipinos leaving the country as a spouse or fiancéle) of a foreign national. The program not only provides information about the country of destination but also allows the counselees to have a one-on-one session with the guidance counselors of the CFO for a more in-depth exchange. During the one-on-one _ session. counselors can address counselees questions on a more personal level hopefully leading them towards empowerment, in dealing with the realities of intermarriage The COVID-I9 pandemic did not deter the Commission in looking after the welfare of Filipino marriage migrants. CFO continuously implements the GCP through online or virtual tele- counseling. CFO continuously implements the GCP through online or virtual tele- counseling COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS 9MIGRANT WELFARE SERVICE COUNTRY FAMILIARIZATION SEMINAR AND REGISTRATION OF FILIPINO AU PAIRS Tene YEAR NUMBER OF REGISTERED AU PAIRS/BENEFICIARIES 2018 1913 2019 1.690 2020 43 2021 856 2022 (Ql) 329 TOTAL 5,201 COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS rtCOUNTRY FAMILIARIZATION SEMINAR AND REGISTRATION OF FILIPINO AU PAIRS Filipinos leaving the Philippines for Europe as au pairs are required to register with the CFO and attend the Country Familiarization Seminar (CFS). An au pair is described as a young Filipino citizen, between 18-30 years of age, unmarried and without any children, who are placed under a cultural exchange arrangement with a European host family for a maximum stay of two years. The CFS is a vital tool for the au pair participants to equip them with adequate information on topics such as settlement, concerns, values, cultural, and social realities in the host countries, health and safety issues, airport and travel procedures, and support networks. CFO registered and oriented 329 au pairs in the first quarter of 2022. COUNTRY FAMILIARIZATION SEMINAR COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASMIGRANT WELFARE SERVICE EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM (EVP) - FOR FILIPINOS LEAVING THE COUNTRY AS EXCHANGE VISITORS TO THE US YEAR NUMBER OF REGISTERED EVP PARTICIPANTS/BENEFICIARIES 2018 72 2019 6817 2020 1,041 2021 1,842 2022 (QI) as TOTAL 17,727 COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS 42EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM (EVP) - FOR FILIPINOS LEAVING THE COUNTRY AS EXCHANGE VISITORS TO THE US The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) refers to the international exchange administered by the United States to implement the Mutual and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 It is a result of an agreement between the US and the Philippines to allow the exchange of their nationals for training in both countries. It aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the US and the people of other countries utilizing educational and cultural exchanges, Filipinos leaving the country to participate in the EVP are required to register with the CFO, Part of their registration is their attendance in the Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) to inform them about their rights and responsibilities as JI-visa holders, as they are not expected to stay permanently in the US. In the first quarter of 2022, CFO registered and oriented 315 EVP participants. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS 4:MIGRANT WELFARE SERVICE PHILIPPINE SCHOOLS OVERSEAS Table B.6. Philippine Schools Overseas - To provide technical and administrative support to Philippine Schools Overseas teachers, overseas Filipino youth, and other overseas Filipinos NUMBER OF REGISTERED EVP. NeAe PARTICIPANTS/BENEFICIARIES 2018 36,000 2019 38,000 2020 38,000 2021 26,000 2022 25,000 TOTAL 163,000 OMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASPHILIPPINE SCHOOLS OVERSEAS Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO) are duly-registered educational institutions operating outside the Philippines and implementing the basic education curriculum of the Department of Education. PSOs are established to address _— the educational needs of children of Filipinos overseas, and eventually facilitate their reintegration into the Philippine education system The schools also provide a venue for the teaching and propagation of the Filipino culture and heritage among Filipino youth overseas and serve as a locus for Filipino community activity. The Inter-Agency Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas (IACPSO) was established through Executive Order No. 252 to serve as a policy-making body and forum for the discussion and resolution of issues concerning the establishment, operation, and management of PSOs COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS GPHILIPPINE SCHOOLS OVERSEAS Composed of five (5) member agencies, the Committee is co- chaired by the DepEd and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Other members are the Department of Labor and Employment, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the CFO. which also serves as the Committee Secretariat In 2021, the CFO in partnership with the Department of Education held a Virtual Conference of Philippine Schools Overseas via Zoom on 23-24 April 2021 COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS etMIGRANT WELFARE SERVICE COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM (CEP) Table B.7. Community Education Program (CEP) for Prospective Migrants in Various Provinces/Areas YEAR NUMBER OF NUMBER OF AREAS PARTICIPANTS COVERED 2020 No implementation was conducted due to the abrupt suspension of work halfway through March due to the COVID-19 pandemic 2021 No implementation of the program because of the ongoing global health crisis but instead conducted 3 webinars with the following number of beneficiaries: + 626 Participants via Zoom and FB Live + 29,000 - FB Reach The following webinars were conducted: 1. This Tour Called Love 2. Human Hindi Laruan series: Trabaho sa IBayong Dagat. ‘Ano ang Hindi Dapat TOTAL 34,931 3 Bata bata bat ka nasa = 86 MISSION ON FILIPINOSCOMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM (CEP) The Community Education Program (CEP) is an annual information campaign conducted nationwide by It also aims to raise public awareness about issues on the CFO in coordination with various international migration, inter- government agencies. non- marriage, and existing government organizations, _faith- government policiesand based groups, media, local programs directed against illegal recruitment, human trafficking, documentation It seeks to assist prospective fraud, among others. migrants to make informed decisions on working and/or settling abroad, as well as generate community involvement on migration concerns. government units, and academic institutions. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS 8COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM (CEP) CFO engaged with and mobilized more stakeholders towards a stronger campaign against trafficking in persons. In pursuit of this, the CFO implements an annual Community Education Program (CEP) to reach out to the countryside. Through the CEP, CFO intensified public awareness about the realities of other pressing issues which the administration of President Duterte wants to address, such as inter-marriage, illegal recruitment, mail- order spouse, financial literacy campaign, and the existing government policies, programs, and services of the current administration. COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASMIGRANT WELFARE SERVICE ASSISTANCE TO NATIONALS VIA CASES REFERRED TO THE 1343 ACTION LINE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING YEAR NUMBER OF CASES ASSISTED 2018 55 2019 32 2020 64 2021 35 2022 (QI) 6 TOTAL 192 COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEASASSISTANCE TO NATIONALS VIA CASES REFERRED TO THE 1343 ACTION LINE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING The CFO as a member of the Assistance to Nationals Task Force. which was created by Administrative Order No. 182, has developed the Assistance to Nationals Program as a mechanism to ensure effective coordination among _ various government agencies to provide solutions to illegal recruitment and the exploitation of highly vulnerable groups of migrants, as well as coordination with the private sector and international organizations through the appropriate agencies of the government, with the view of establishing a support network for Filipino nationals. The nature of the cases that the CFO handled involved human trafficking labor contract violation, _ illegal recruitment. domestic violence. _ prostitution, harassment. location of whereabouts, cybercrime, repatriation request, labor disputes, among others. HUMAN TRAFFICKING... RAT ean a HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMES IN MANY FORMS: i ee BYR} Roport Human Trafficking! Call 1343 ACTIONLINE MMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS.