Getting used to it with CFO

EXPERIENCE FROM CFO 

For most Filipinos, CFO is not common to them. CFO stands for Commission on Filipino Overseas. This is located at Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue corner Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway) Manila, Philippines.

This is a requirement for me since I married a foreigner. The Embassy of my wife requires me to acquire this since it is one of the requirement. Usually this is taken for granted by some Filipinos which affects them when they are about to board the airplane. You could be off-loaded from your flight if you miss this requirement. Some immigration officers in the airport usually ask you to present your GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING CERTIFICATES, especially when there is no chop in your passport.

Actually, the certificate states that you have had undergone a guidance and counseling program in compliance with the SEC. 15 (j) of R.A 10364 and the implementing Rules and Regulation of R.A 8239.

R.A 10364 stands for AN ACT EXPANDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9208, ENTITLED "AN ACT TO INSTITUTE POLICIES TO ELIMINATE TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN, ESTABLISHING THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR THE PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF TRAFFICKED PERSONS, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR ITS VIOLATIONS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES".

For others who want to know more about CFO, this agency was established on 16 June 1980 through Batas Pambansa 79. This is an agency of the Philippine Government under the Office of the President tasked to promote and uphold the interests, rights and welfare of Overseas Filipinos, and strengthen their ties with the Motherland.

The evolution of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas can be traced over a series of policy pronouncements. Presidential Decree No. 442 (Labor Code of the Philippines), which was passed in 1974, created the Overseas Employment Development Board in order to set up a systematic program for the overseas employment of Filipino workers, as well as to register and monitor emigrants leaving for various countries. The following years were characterized by a steady increase in migration, thus making it necessary to establish an independent unit which would constitute a local support network solely for Filipino emigrants. In June 1978, Presidential Decree No. 1412 was passed the Office of Emigrant Affairs (OEA). The decree specifically identified Filipino emigrants as the recipients of its services.

On June 1980, Batas Pambansa Blg. 79 was enacted to strengthen the government's policy on the promotion of migrant welfare and interest. It created the Commission on Filipinos Overseas which replaced OEA but retained and further expanded its mandate.

CFO registers and provides pre-departure orientation seminars to emigrants. It also promotes the transfer of technology as well as material and financial contributions from overseas for development projects in undeserved communities all over the Philippines. It also provides younger generations of Filipinos overseas with opportunities to learn Philippine history and culture.

In order for you to have a smooth process to this agency, you must book your appointment via online registration. Remember to print your appointment details when entering the office.  Just to remind you, this process will take time because there are also other Filipinos applying for this certificate; but don't worry for as long as you have your appointment with them, there should be no problem. Walk in applicants still need to apply online and wait for their date of appointment. So make sure to register online before you go to their office.

For your requirements, you should  have:

• Original and photocopy of two valid identification card with photographs
• Duly completed guidance and counseling form (the counseling form will be given to you by the officer. Don't worry, the officers are friendly and considerate)
• If married, original and photocopy of marriage contract or certificate on security paper from the National Statistics Office (NSO) or from your Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO); or original and photocopy of Report of Marriage duly registered by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate or Department of Foreign Affairs (if married abroad)
• Other documents as may be required by the counselors like birth certificate, voter's ID, pictures (of you and your spouse)
• Payment of PHP 400.00 consisting of counseling and registration fee with documentary stamp

For the requirement of  registration, just bring with you the following:

• Original and photocopy of your passport
• Original and photocopy of your visa (if available/applicable)
• Original and photocopy of your Immigration Data Summary for US-bound emigrants (except for K visa holders)
• Original and photocopy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence for Canada-bound emigrants
• Original and photocopy of certificate of eligibility for Japan-Bound emigrants
• Original CFO  Guidance and Counseling Certificate (after satisfactory completion of the GCP); and
• Duly completed emigration registration form

When filling the form, don't hesitate to ask assistance from the officer whom you are assigned to because they are helpful. They are there to guide you. Please also remember: "YOU MUST BE AT THE CFO OFFICE AN HOUR AND A HALF BEFORE THE START OF THE SESSION".

Other things to consider:

• Applicant must be presentable. As much as possible, do not wear revealing dresses, skirts or short pants because you are to attend a seminar and NOT TO DISPLAY YOURSELF. Proper grooming is also one of the talking points by some lecturers.
• For men, avoid wearing short pants, sandals, and plain T-shirt. You must be presentable wearing collared shirt and pants with shoes.
• All documents must be well prepared to avoid cramming when your lecturer asks you to show your documents related to your application of certificate.
• You must know the basic details of spouse. Know your spouse's birthday, parents' name, parents' birth date, spouse's place of birth, where, when, and how did you meet,  favorite dishes, and others.
• You must also participate in the lecture session. 

For the guidance and counseling session, you are expected to experience film viewing, power point presentations and other activities depending on the country where you are about to go to. The lecturer will also ask you to give a brief history of how did you meet. If by that time you are cramming to tell your love story, then you might be asked to stay for a while to verify facts and other information. 

Please note that your spouse is not allowed to enter during the seminar, but for some instances just like my case, my wife is pregnant that's why they allowed her inside. Of course I insisted as I can't imagine my wife waiting for me outside with no available seats, hot and very humid weather (thanks to the guard). There are also some nearby fast food restaurants where your spouse could wait.  

For more information about the agency, you should visit their website: http://www.cfo.gov.ph.