16 September 2024 – The 2024 BaLinkBayan Stakeholders Conference of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (balinkbayan) concluded on 28-29 August 2024 at Crimson Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. This year’s Conference brought together over 150 stakeholders, including representatives from the national government, local government units, non-government organizations, Filipino associations overseas, and the media, each playing a crucial role in advancing various migration and development initiatives.
The two-day event provided a dynamic platform to showcase the balinkbayan and the attendees’ shared goals—to learn, collaborate, network, and chart the course to further operationalize the implementation of the BaLinkBayan Project.
The balinkbayan Chairperson Romulo “Leo” V. Arugay kicked off the Conference through his opening remarks and stated his vision for the BaLinkBayan Project to continue to be an online portal rich with information for the benefit of migrants and their families. He also relayed his gratitude to all the attendees for braving the gloomy weather. He further shared the balinkbayan’s continued mission to further promote the welfare of overseas Filipinos and their families. “Kami sa Komisyon ay patuloy na magbubukas ng mga oportunidad upang maikonekta ang mga overseas Filipino sa mga inisyatibong panlipunan at pang-ekonomiya sa kani-kanilang mga lokalidad. Kaya inaanyayahan namin kayo na makiisa sa aming layunin. Sama-sama po tayong magkapit-bisig tungo sa mas ikakabuti ng ating mga overseas Filipinos,” he said.
The morning session of the first day of the Conference saw leading experts on governance and cybersecurity in the Philippines. Asec. Dale De Vera from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) formally started the sessions by discussing how the participants can build an open and inclusive “Bagong Pilipinas,” an initiative of President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos, Jr. Meanwhile, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)’s Engr. George Tardio delved into protecting the Philippines’ digital landscape with the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028.
The afternoon session showcased best migration practices and initiatives at the local level. Ms. Laine Lorenzo of the International Organization on Migration (IOM) talked about how the United Nations Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) are a valuable tool for assessing migration governance structures. This was followed by the discussions of Mr. Erick Paulo Dizon of the Provincial Government of Laguna and Mr. Sherwin Acuzar of the Quezon City Government on how their respective LGUs effectively mainstream migration and development.
The BaLinkBayan officers then facilitated Focus Groups (FGD) with their respective LGU and FAO partners. Each group discussed their migration projects and programs as well as the challenges they encountered. At the end of the Conference, each LGU produced content and a write-up on either their latest initiatives or participation in the Conference, which will be showcased on their localized BaLinkBayan portals.
The first day of the Conference concluded with remarks from two of the newest LGU partners of the balinkbayan for the BaLinkBayan Project. Ms. Carmen Truita of Dauin, Negros Occidental, delivered Mayor Galicano Truita’s speech that focused on their commitment to maximize their localized BaLinkBayan portal for their migration initiatives. Lastly, Mayor Christopher Mamauag of Cabagan, Isabela, shared his thoughts as a first-time attendee of the Conference. He mentioned that the discussion of migration and development should be incorporated into every LGU’s plan. Local executive leaders must also develop policies for migrants as they are one of the country’s top development partners.
Speakers for the second day’s morning session dived into promoting active citizenship, transparency, and taking measures to fight corruption. Usec. Rolando Toledo of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) discussed the Open Government Partnership, a worldwide initiative in which the Philippines is one of the eight founding countries. Meanwhile, Ms. Ma. Rowena Dimanlig and Mr. Jose Rey Espina, both from the City Government of Pasig, shared the City’s insights on integrating Freedom of Information (FOI) and Gender and Development (GAD) into local practice.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session featured experts on government services for migrants. It also highlighted innovative solutions and strategies beneficial for the participants. Mr. Rafael Pantalita of the Social Security System (SSS), Mr. Antonio Danao of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Mr. Aurelio Miguel of Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF) provided comprehensive updates on their respective offices’ programs for overseas Filipinos and their families.
These were followed by Mr. Paulo Tibig‘s “learnjoyment” keynote session on fostering leadership and communication in public service. The 2-day Conference ended with Mr. Howie Severino’s presentation on advancing media and information literacy (MIL) in the Philippines.
In her closing remarks and ways forward, Director Marita Del Rosario-Apattad, balinkbayan’s Project Management Division Chief and BaLinkBayan Project’s Co-Manager, hoped that all the participants gained new learnings and strategies from the 2-day conference. She also reiterated the role and responsibilities of the participants. “Please continue to work with us as we make our way through the joys (and pains) of working for the benefit of our overseas Filipinos. Let us all be instrumental in keeping their bayanihan spirit alive as we represent a Philippine government who genuinely cares for them,” she said.
Aside from compelling and thought-provoking presentations, discussions, and open forums, the 2024 BaLinkBayan Stakeholders Conference also fostered a collaborative spirit and valuable connections between and among the participants, speakers, and guests. On a lighter note, the participants enjoyed a photo booth, raffle prizes, and kits containing various balinkbayan and BaLinkBayan information, education, and communication (IEC) materials prepared by the BaLinkBayan team.
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The BaLinkBayan Project is the balinkbayan’s endeavor to assist overseas Filipinos in conducting various activities in the Philippines, such as investments, donations, and skills transfer. Likewise, it aims to link overseas Filipinos with the Philippines and encourage them to become development partners in building communities in the country. Through this project, the project continues strengthening its cooperation with LGUs, FAOs, and other stakeholders.
As of this writing, the balinkbayan has inked partnerships with fifty-seven (57) LGUs all over the Philippines, strongly facilitating migration and development initiatives at the local level. At the same time, the balinkbayan also initiated collaborations with ten (10) FAOs in five (5) countries.
One of the balinkbayan’s responsibilities is to enhance the capabilities of its BaLinkBayan partners through training and workshops that will enable them to further operationalize the project’s implementation and continuously mainstream migration and development in their development plans and programs,
In line with this commitment, the balinkbayan successfully conducted the 2024 BaLinkBayan Stakeholders Conference, which marked the fourth (4th) annual gathering of the BaLinkBayan partners.
For more information, visit www.balinkbayan.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/balinkbayanbalinkbayan.
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