KUALA LUMPUR - The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has been designated as the lead policy agency for the country’s first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), a project aimed at providing long-term care and a sustainable home for ageing members of the Philippine diaspora.

The designation was formalised on Wednesday with the signing of a multi-sectoral memorandum of agreement at the CFO headquarters in Pasay City, as reported by The Manila Times. 

CFO Chairman Secretary Dante Ang II said the agreement establishes a strategic partnership between the CFO, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), nonprofit Atikha Overseas Workers and Communities Initiatives Inc., the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) and the US-based National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).

Ang said the pilot CCRC will be developed in San Pablo City, Laguna, citing its favourable climate, proximity to hospitals and scenic surroundings.

He said the project is envisioned as a social enterprise, encouraging overseas Filipinos to invest in, and eventually own and manage, the facilities.

Under the agreement, the CFO will spearhead policy coordination focused on leveraging its global diaspora network, promoting brain gain by recruiting overseas health care professionals, and serving as the main institutional link for returnees seeking a secure and environment-friendly community.

“Every Filipino who gave their strength to the world should always find a home for care, pride and purpose in the Philippines,” Ang said.

Other partners will contribute specialised expertise, with Atikha developing a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-accredited health care training centre and the DMW focusing on the reintegration of returning overseas workers.

SIDC will handle land acquisition for the project, while NaFFAA will lead awareness and investment campaigns within the Filipino American community.

The partners will also establish a Technical Working Group and a Joint Secretariat to oversee planning and implementation, aligning the initiative with global goals for safe, dignified return and reintegration.

The CFO, an agency under the Office of the President, is distinct from the DMW and is mandated to serve Filipinos permanently residing abroad, including dual citizens and spouses of foreign nationals.