Manila, June 20 -- The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is calling for a stronger and more inclusive approach to diaspora engagement, emphasizing that overseas Filipinos are not just remittance senders but also active partners in national development.

Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing Friday, CFO Chairperson Secretary Dante "Klink" Ang II highlighted the multi-faceted impact of the Filipino diaspora, from advancing Philippine culture and boosting international demand for local products, to producing trailblazers in science, media, and public service abroad.

"They serve, among other things, as ambassadors of the Philippines abroad. They also open up trade for the Philippines kasi po, sa dami po nila, siyempre, ang de...