Dr. Noemi Formaran, President of the Association of Philippine Schools Overseas (APSO), underscored a powerful message during the 7th episode of The Chairman’s Report hosted by Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II: academic excellence must go hand-in-hand with mental wellness and global readiness.

Broadcast on IBC 13 and co-produced with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), the episode shed light on the growing relevance of Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs) as institutions that serve not only to educate Filipino students abroad, but to prepare them holistically for life, whether they choose to study in the Philippines or at international universities.
“More than the education, we are after the mental wellness and resiliency of our students,” Dr. Formaran emphasized. “Achievement of academic standing is much easier to have than having mental wellness and balance.”
She shared that many PSOs have institutionalized mental health awareness through school calendars filled with activities promoting psychological resilience. Faculty members are also being trained in counseling, special education, and socio-emotional learning—proving that PSOs are deeply invested in the well-being of their students.
The discussion also touched on the K-12 program and its relevance to overseas learners. Dr. Formaran defended its continuity, citing its critical role in making Filipino graduates competitive globally.
“There was one time in Qatar where engineers had less chances of being accepted if their university preparation was less than four years,” she recalled. “Now with Grades 11 and 12, our students are readily accepted in universities abroad without having to take bridging programs.”
Even for those planning to return home for college, she stressed that PSOs make reintegration smoother by aligning with the Philippine education system.
While reforms to the K-12 curriculum are currently under review, Dr. Formaran acknowledged the need to reduce subject redundancies but opposed abolishing the program altogether. “It is valuable,” she affirmed.
Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II praised the efforts of APSO and the CFO in providing accessible, values-based, and globally competitive education for overseas Filipinos.

“The Philippine Schools Overseas reflect the true spirit of Bagong Pilipinas—empowering Filipinos wherever they are in the world, and ensuring no one is left behind in education and nation-building,” said Secretary Ang. “This is governance in action, from the homeland to the global Filipino.”
In alignment with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of inclusive and transformative governance, initiatives like the CFO’s support to APSO schools demonstrate how the government is ensuring that Filipino families abroad remain connected, empowered, and cared for. Whether through mental health programs, curriculum alignment, or reintegration pathways, PSOs stand as beacons of Filipino values and excellence beyond borders.
Through the CFO’s diaspora engagement programs and strong partnerships with APSO, PSOs continue to strengthen their mission of delivering quality, values-based education while prioritizing the mental health and future readiness of young Filipinos overseas.
𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬
The CFO, established under Batas Pambansa Blg. 79, is dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of Filipinos permanently residing abroad. It is distinct from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which primarily addresses the needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and other temporary migrants.
CFO works to strengthen the social, economic, and cultural ties of global Filipinos with their home country. Its primary constituents include Filipino permanent migrants, dual citizens, spouses and partners of foreign nationals, individuals in exchange visitor programs, au pair participants, and children of foreign nationals with Filipino roots.
For media inquiries, contact:
Commission on Filipinos Overseas
📧 info@cfo.gov.ph | osec@cfo.gov.ph