Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs) continue to provide educational support to Filipino children abroad, with around 25,000 students currently enrolled in 36 accredited schools across 11 countries, according to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (Commission on Filipinos Overseas).
The CFO said PSOs help ensure educational continuity for children of overseas Filipinos by implementing the Department of Education curriculum, allowing students to transition more smoothly into Philippine schools should they return home.
The agency highlighted the role of PSOs during a recent meeting with alumni of Philippine Schools Overseas in Davao City, where discussions focused on strengthening engagement with overseas Filipino students and graduates.
CFO Chairperson Dante “Klink” Ang II said the agency is working to deepen engagement with Filipino students abroad as part of broader efforts to maintain strong links between overseas Filipinos and the Philippines.
At present, 36 accredited PSOs operate in Bahrain, Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Greece, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These institutions serve students from pre-elementary to high school levels and employ around 1,000 teachers and administrators.
The CFO said PSOs play an important role in preserving Filipino culture and identity while addressing challenges associated with labor migration by ensuring access to Philippine-based education systems abroad.