Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Dominic Guevara (right) joins Commission on Filipino Overseas Secretary Romulo V. Arugay (left) in unveiling the new logo of the CFO which symbolizes the strong ties between overseas Filipinos and their motherland, the Philippines. (Photo by: Janna Pineda/PIA-NCR) 

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- A greater number of prospective Filipino migrants can now conveniently access frontline services of the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), following the transfer of its new main office at The Upper Class Towers along Quezon Avenue corner Scout Reyes in Quezon City. 

"This new office is a crucial first step in our endeavor to provide world-class frontline services to our clients, through improved facilities and digitalization of frontline services," said CFO Secretary Romulo V. Arugay during the inauguration ceremony of the new office. 

“As one of the migrants-serving agencies, it is the goal of this commission to ensure that Filipinos who seek to start new lives in other countries will be guided with well-informed decisions about migration,” he added, noting that the CFO will continue to proactively protect Filipino migrants from being susceptible to dangerous schemes such as exploitation, abuse, and harassment. 

The transfer of the commission to a location with more accessibility essentially forms part of the 8-point socioeconomic agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that pushes for the enhancement of bureaucratic efficiency. 

Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Dominic Guevara has reiterated the commitment of the national government to prioritize the ethical recruitment, fair employment, and the safe and orderly migration of Filipinos overseas. 

Guevara also cited the efforts of the current administration to put a responsive mechanism in place for the social welfare, repatriation, and reintegration of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in line with the President's marching orders to extend quality service to Filipinos overseas regardless of where they are in the world. 

In addition, he reminded both officials and employees of CFO to provide continuous service to their clientele, regardless of who sits at the helm of the country and the organization, and to inculcate in their work habits small gestures that have far-reaching effects such as being punctual for work and expanding knowledge and skills which will lead to the improvement of the work they do for Filipinos. 

Among the frontline services that can be availed in the CFO main office include the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for Filipino emigrants and the Guidance Counseling Program (GCP) for spouses or partners of foreign nationals which are both located at the 20th floor of the said tower. 

Meanwhile, the Office of the Secretary and other support divisions such as the administrative and financial units of the commission will be housed on the 21st floor.

The relocation of the CFO to its new main office is expected to be completed by Monday, January 15. 

Upon the completion of its transfer, clients can already make a reservation and registration (R&R) online to avail of the frontline and pre-departure services of the CFO. 

The new CFO Main Office is strategically located near major public transport systems such as MRT-3 and more accessible via buses, UV Express, and jeepneys

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is a government agency under the Office of the President. Its mission is to promote and protect the rights, welfare, and interests of Filipinos living abroad. The CFO also works to strengthen ties between overseas Filipinos and the Philippines. (JMP/PIA-NCR)