The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America–Philippines Chapter Inc. (AFTA-PCI) have met to discuss expanding joint initiatives focused on teacher development, literacy enhancement, and educational assistance for Filipino students locally and abroad.
During a courtesy visit by AFTA-PCI leadership, including President Marissa Maningat, Chairman and former Education Undersecretary Lorna Dig-Dino, and Vice President for Teaching and Research Rizalinda Labanda, CFO Secretary Dante Ang II offered to facilitate connections between the organization and key institutions such as the National Book Development Board, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), and the Philippine Board on Books for Young People to widen access to learning materials in underserved communities.
The collaboration comes as AFTA-PCI prepares to expand its teacher-training and student-support programs into Mindanao following its 2026 Balik-Turo Caravan, which covered Palawan, Camarines Sur, and Misamis Oriental.
The institutions also explored joint efforts under the Paaralan sa Konsulado Program to support the education of overseas Filipino children, with potential ties to the planned opening of a Philippine diplomatic post in Miami. Furthermore, the CFO invited AFTA-PCI to participate in a book-reading event at Cavite Science Integrated School in Maragondon, Cavite, as part of the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (Linkapil) Program.
During the visit, AFTA-PCI presented a recognition award for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., honoring his administration’s efforts to advance literacy and strengthen the national education sector.