Tagaytay: Overseas Filipino families whose children are enrolled in unaccredited Philippine schools abroad could eventually face problems when they decide to continue their studies back home, Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) chairperson Secretary Dante 'Klink' Ang II said on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a media training at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay, Ang warned that students who studied at unaccredited Philippine schools overseas (PSOs) may have their credentials rejected when they decide to enroll in schools in the Philippines. Ang stated that enrolling in a non-accredited PSO could lead to issues with the child's credentials when integrating back into the Philippine education system.
Ang emphasized the need for transparency from these institutions, as students may face challenges enrolling in Philippine schools, whether at the college level or within the basic education sector. He pointed out the growing concern with overseas schools that market themselves as offering Philippine education without recognition from the Department of Education (DepEd).
In East Timor, for instance, only one Philippine school is officially recognized, while six others claim to offer Philippine education, according to information from the Philippine embassy in East Timor. Ang highlighted that students with unrecognized credentials might need to take bridging programs or be placed in lower grade levels, adding financial burdens on their families.
He noted that many OFWs choose Philippine-style education for their children, anticipating a return to the Philippines. Most reported cases are in countries with significant Filipino communities, such as the Gulf region, where demand for Philippine education remains high.
Ang explained that some institutions legally operate for other purposes, like language or vocational training, but lack authorization to provide basic education programs. He mentioned that some operate informally or online.
To address the issue, the CFO, in coordination with DepEd and host foreign governments, has issued advisories identifying recognized Philippine schools abroad. Ang urged unaccredited schools to obtain a license from DepEd to avoid possible sanctions from the Philippine government.
