THE Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has initiated a discussion with its partners in highlighting the continuing importance of the Filipino diaspora as a catalyst for the country’s development and other national priorities, Secretary Dante Ang II said on Monday.
“The Filipino diaspora has always been a strategic partner in nation-building,” said Ang as he led the celebration of CFO’s 45th anniversary held at the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City.
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s aspiration of a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), Ang said Filipino migrants have been shaping a better future for the Philippines through their remittances, philanthropy, creating trade opportunities, technology transfers, and cultural diplomacy.
Commission on Filipinos Overseas Chairman Dante Ang II poses with the partner awardees during the 45th anniversary forum and milestone celebration of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas titled ‘Filipino Diaspora for Bagong Pilipinas: Contributions, Challenges, and Future Directions’ held at the Grand Marriot Ballroom in Pasay City on June 16, 2025. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Ang said the anniversary forum featured three panels composed of a distinguished lineup of speakers, diplomats, migration experts, development partners, policy advocates, and overseas Filipinos themselves.
He stressed that the event was aimed at underscoring the Filipino diaspora’s enduring role and growing impact on national development with a theme “Filipino Diaspora for Bagong Pilipinas: Contributions, Challenges and Future Directions.”
Dr. Maruja M.B. Asis served as moderator on the first panel with the topic “The Contributions of Filipino Immigrants: Perspective of Major Destinations Countries.”
Serving as panelists were Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega, Canadian Embassy Migration Program Manager Melanie Pronovost, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Program Manager Yuko Tomita, and Vice President for Teaching and Research of the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America, Inc. Rizalina Labanda.
In panel two, Scalabrini Migration Center research fellow Dr. Karen Anne Liao served as the moderator on the topic “Filipino Marriage Migrants, Cultural Exchange Participants and Youth Diaspora: The Unique Experiences and Voices.”
Commission on Filipinos Overseas Chairman Dante “Klink” Ang 2nd poses with the awardees during the agency’s 45th Anniversary Forum held at the Marriot Grand Ballroom in Pasay City on June 16, 2025. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Commission on Filipinos Overseas Chairman Dante “Klink” Ang 2nd poses with the awardees during the agency’s 45th Anniversary Forum held at the Marriot Grand Ballroom in Pasay City on June 16, 2025. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
The panelists were Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Filipino Canadian comedian Mikey Bustos.
During the third and last panel of discussion, De La Salle University professor Dr. Ma. Divina Gracia Roldan was the moderator with the topic “Promoting a Thriving Exchange of Knowledge, Skills, and Resources between the Philippines and the Global Community.”
Working with her as panelists were Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Dr. Leah Buendia, University of the Philippines – Los Baños adjunct professor Dr. Albert Remus Rosana, and Filipino American film director Joel Nathan “Bani” Logroño.
The idea behind the multi-paneled forum and the message that the panelists wanted to convey indicated that the contributions of the Filipino diaspora to the country’s development goes beyond just remittances, the CFO chief explained.
“Through a series of insightful panel discussions, the forum seeks to explore key issues and opportunities surrounding migration, diaspora engagement, science and innovation, cultural exchange, global partnerships, and the lived experiences of overseas Filipinos and their families that propels our country’s development,” he added.
Ang thanked everyone during the awards ceremony, giving recognition to its loyal employees.
“This celebration will not be complete without giving tribute and honor to the dedicated people behind CFO’s four and a half decades,” he said.
