5,223 Boholanos migrated in 6 yrs

The Bohol Chronicle
August 31, 2005

5,223 Boholanos migrated in 6 yrs
By MIKE ORTEGA LIGALIG

A total of 5,223 Boholanos have left the country as migrants seeking the proverbial ‘greener pasture’ found abroad during the last six years, the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) reported.

Of the number, 1,610 were from Tagbilaran.

Last year alone, 543 left Bohol as migrants abroad. Of the number, 210 came from the city.

CFO notes that out of this number of migrants, 1,523, in which 369 of them were from the city, married foreign nationals, taking the risk of cultural clashes in the union.

During a press briefing here, CFO speakers told reporters that several serious issues have surfaced concerning those who are already permanent residents abroad, and one of these issues is violence and brutality haunting Filipino women in the hands of their foreign husbands.

CFO says most of these issues remain unsettled for they have not been tackled openly.

It is with this concern that CFO steps in and offers assistance to those who are in trouble abroad.

Those planning to marry foreign nationals or those considering living abroad are invited to avail of CFO’s counseling sessions so that they may be provided with in-depth information on what kind of life and situation they are about to embrace abroad.

Two symposia had been held at the University of Bohol and the Bohol Institute of Technology aimed at educating the public on CFO’s services and functions.

CFO also introduced new ways for local government units how they can secure funding support from Filipinos abroad and other funding institutions for their local projects.

The Commission has been responsible for disseminating information on human trafficking and illegal recruitment, dual citizenship, and the absentee voting law.

Established in 1980 through Batas Pambansa Blg. 79, CFO has been tasked to:

Provide assistance to the President and the Congress of the Philippines in the formulation of policies and measures concerning or affecting Filipinos overseas;

Develop and implement programmes to promote the interest and well-being of Filipinos overseas;

Serve as a forum for preserving and enhancing the social, economic, and cultural ties of Filipinos overseas with the motherland; and

Provide liaison services to Filipinos overseas with appropriate government and private agencies in the transaction of business and similar ventures in the Philippines.

CFO office in Cebu City can be reached at 032-255-5253, or visit them at its address in Manila: Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue corner Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway) Manila, Philippines 1007; Tel. Nos. (02) 561-8321 locals 300 to 304; 200 to 204; 101 to 105 Fax No. (02) 561-8332 Email: cfodfa@info.com.ph; cfomieo@info.com.ph, or at its website: http://www.cfo.gov.ph.