MANILA, Dec. 1 -- The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is strengthening its ties with the more than 10 million Filipinos living and working abroad, placing diaspora engagement at the center of its programs.

CFO Secretary Dante Francis Ang II said the 10.7 million Filipinos living and working overseas are vital partners in advancing nation-building, apart from being mere economic contributors.

"Successful Filipinos abroad are more inclined to help Filipinos locally," he said in a media forum Monday.

Migration opportunities allow Filipinos to "earn a higher return on their educational capital and contribute to the country once they have become successful," he added.

Among the commission's programs include the "BaLinkBayan" which p...