Established on 16 June 1980 through Batas Pambansa 79, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is an agency of the Philippine Government tasked to promote and uphold the interests of Filipino emigrants and permanent residents abroad, and to preserve and strengthen ties with Filipino communities overseas. In 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 Office of Emigrant Affairs of DOLE but retained and further expanded its mandate. Batas Pambansa Blg. 79, mandates the CFO to perform the following functions: 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 Liase on behalf of Filipinos overseas with appropriate government and private agencies in the transaction of business and similar ventures in the Philippines.
