Article by:
Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is intensifying efforts to align Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs) with international academic standards amid a growing demand for quality education and as the Filipino community continues to expand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a news release on Wednesday, CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II highlighted the urgent need to enhance the competitiveness of PSOs during a high-level meeting in the UAE.
During a mission to Abu Dhabi, Ang held talks with Philippine Ambassador Alfonso Ver, focusing on how Filipino-run schools can remain globally competitive while expanding to meet rising demand.
Ang also shared the results of consultations made with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), which expressed strong support for PSOs.
“Local authorities are actively encouraging the expansion of PSOs, citing not only the increasing Filipino population but also a rising interest from other nationalities in enrolling their children in the Philippine system,” he said.
Ver, meanwhile, emphasized that competitiveness must be the cornerstone of the expansion of PSOs.
He said students seeking admission to institutions such as Khalifa University need rigorous preparation, particularly in mathematics and other core subjects, aligned with international standards.
“The government here offers generous opportunities and a high quality of life, which is why many of our students prefer to remain in the UAE after graduation,” Ver said, pointing to the availability of the 10-year Golden Visa as a significant incentive for high-achieving Filipinos.
He said this long-term residency permit is granted under specific conditions, including proof of a stable monthly income, significant professional contributions, or community service.
The CFO noted the story of Mary Jane Alvero, who thrived in the UAE.
Alvero, a chemist and 2012 Pamana ng Pilipino awardee, was able to build a distinguished career in the Emirates and now owns three laboratories in the Philippines, through the UAE's supportive environment.
Meanwhile, beyond academic quality, Ver also cited regulatory integrity as he raised concerns about the proliferation of unregulated online schooling platforms that have reportedly affected legitimate PSOs.
Ang assured the embassy that the CFO would coordinate with the Department of Education to address these “fly-by-night” providers and safeguard the credibility of the overseas education system.
As the lead agency of the Inter-Agency Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas, the CFO is tasked with regulating and supporting PSOs worldwide.
Ang said maintaining curriculum parity with Philippine standards helps preserve cultural identity among Filipino children abroad while facilitating smoother transitions to higher education, whether in the Philippines or their host countries.
Among the initiatives of the CFO are a partnership with the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) and the Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA).
The agreements grant PSOs access to teacher training programs, school improvement initiatives, and updated K-12 instructional materials.
“By focusing on academic excellence and regulatory oversight, the CFO aims to ensure that the children of migrant workers are not only equipped for global success but remain deeply connected to their Philippine heritage,” Ang said. (PNA)
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