DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) conducts a community education program in the province of Pangasinan, specifically in Urbiztondo and Mangatarem, from May 22-26.
Ivy Miravalles, director of the Migrant Integration and Education Division, said this community education and information campaign program seeks to capacitate communities and assist prospective migrants in making informed decisions regarding settlement abroad and generate community involvement in migration concerns.
“The campaign also aims to raise public awareness on the programs and services of the CFO, various issues concerning migration, intermarriage, and existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment, documentation fraud, and human trafficking, among others,” she said.
She added that for this program, the CFO reaches out to the public in Pangasinan through school symposia, public assemblies, media interviews, and interaction with community leaders and members.
“Dito rin siguro mabanggit na namin ‘yong social issues tulad ng fixers and agent na gusto naming iwasan ng publiko so ito ay taunan naming ginagawa,” Miravalles said during the Tongtongan ed PIA media forum of PIA Pangasinan.
She reiterated the CFO’s warning to the public against scammers (individuals or organized groups) claiming to have the power to facilitate the release of CFO Guidance and Counselling Program (GCP) Certificates or even reserve an appointment slot.
“CFO strongly advises its clients to refrain from entertaining or transacting online or in person with individuals or groups and be cautious of individuals introducing themselves as CFO employees,” she said.
She added, “CFO personnel will never contact or approach clients to demand money or any form of payment in exchange for an appointment slot or CFO certificates.”
The Bureau of Immigration will off-load departing passengers caught with fake CFO certificates and subject them to further investigations.
According to Miravalles, the CFO is already working with the anti-cybercrime authorities and other relevant law enforcement agencies to track down and prosecute these scammers and fixers.
The CFO has also opened its online channels for netizens to report any posts, advertisements, and messages containing these scams.
Concerned citizens may send screenshots of the advertisements and communication to the CFO's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CFOGovPH/) or send them via email at info@cfo.gov.ph.
Established on June 16, 1980, through Batas Pambansa 79, the CFO is an agency of the government under the Office of the President tasked to promote and uphold the interests, rights, and welfare of overseas Filipinos and strengthen their ties with the Motherland.
The CFO registers and provides pre-departure orientation seminars to emigrants.
It also promotes the transfer of technology, material, and financial contributions from overseas for development projects in underserved communities all over the Philippines.
It also provides younger generations of Filipinos overseas with opportunities to learn Philippine history and culture. (JCR/AMB/PIA Pangasinan)
