THE Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America–Philippines Chapter Inc. (AFTA-PCI) are exploring expanded cooperation on teacher training, literacy programs, and support for Filipino learners, including those overseas.
CFO Secretary Dante Ang II offered the commission’s assistance in linking AFTA-PCI with potential institutional partners, including the National Book Development Board, the Second Congressional Commission on Education and the Philippine Board on Books for Young People, particularly for efforts to bring reading materials to underserved communities.
The proposed collaboration comes as AFTA-PCI seeks to expand its teacher-training and student-support initiatives to Mindanao following its 2026 Balik-Turo Caravan in Palawan, Camarines Sur and Misamis Oriental.
AFTA-PCI officials led by president Marissa Maningat, chairman and former Education undersecretary Lorna Dig-Dino, and vice president for teaching and research Rizalinda Labanda discussed the group’s programs during a courtesy visit to the CFO.
The two groups also discussed possible cooperation under the Paaralan sa Konsulado Program, which supports the education of Filipino children overseas, particularly in connection with the planned opening of a Philippine diplomatic post in Miami.
Under the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (Linkapil) Program, the CFO also invited AFTA-PCI to join a book-reading activity during an upcoming book donation drive at Cavite Science Integrated School in Maragondon, Cavite.
The meeting highlighted opportunities to link the expertise of Filipino-American educators with government and education institutions in strengthening literacy and expanding access to learning resources.
AFTA-PCI also turned over a recognition award for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., citing his administration’s initiatives to promote reading and strengthen the Philippine education sector.