Commission on Filipinos Overseas Commends AFTA at Global Education Convention in Abu Dhabi

NEW YORK - Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II praised the Association of Filipino American Teachers in America (AFTA), Inc. for its sustained contributions to the Filipino community abroad during the 4th International Education Convention held on February 14, 2026.

The convention, themed “Puso: Paghabi at Paghubog ng Kaalaman Tungo sa Pandaigdigang Antas,” gathered nearly 200 educators, professionals, parents, and students at the ballroom of the Mercure Hotel Downtown in Abu Dhabi.

In his message, Ang highlighted the important role played by diaspora organizations like AFTA in advancing education and strengthening ties between overseas Filipinos and the Philippines. He specifically recognized AFTA’s receipt of the 2018 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas under the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino category.

The secretary commended AFTA’s continued initiatives, particularly its participation in the Balikturo Program, which allows Filipino educators abroad to share their knowledge and expertise with institutions in the Philippines.

He noted that the Commission on Filipinos Overseas has supported the program through promotional assistance and coordination, emphasizing the value of partnerships between government and diaspora organizations.

Ang also underscored the CFO’s mandate as the Philippine government’s lead agency for diaspora engagement, working to connect overseas Filipinos with national development efforts through programs such as LINKAPIL, Philippine Schools Overseas, and Youth Leaders in the Diaspora.

In closing, the secretary invited participants to continue working with the CFO as partners in nation-building, stressing the importance of transforming migration into opportunity and global experience into shared progress for the Filipino people.