The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Association of Fil-AM Teachers of America (AFTA) for the implementation of the BaLinkBayan Project. A virtual ceremonial signing was held on 28 May 2022 with Secretary Francisco Acosta representing CFO and President Rena Pedaria representing AFTA. Also present at the event were Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman, Dir. Marie Apattad and Dir. Romeo Rosas II, project managers of the BaLinkBayan Project, and Ms. Ivy Sacay, AFTA’s Executive Secretary.
AFTA is a premier Filipino-American teacher organization in the United States with a vision that all teachers have the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential and be of service to their community. Its mission is to strengthen and advance the teaching profession and provide inclusive services in the global setting.
Through this partnership, CFO and AFTA aim to work hand-in-hand in managing a FAO-led BaLinkBayan website that targets to reach OFs in their networks and areas, and further the engagement of OFs in the US and in forwarding national development. The organization has been a longtime partner of the CFO in conducting the Balik-Turo program where members capacitate their counterpart teachers in the Philippines to upgrade their skills and knowledge. They are also active in implementing and participating in philanthropic activities under the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Program of the CFO. The organization was also conferred the Presidential Awards under the LINKAPIL category in 2018 by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
AFTA will be the sixth Filipino association overseas (FAO) onboard the BaLinkBayan Project, and the third one from the United States.
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