CFO Meets with PCG Frankfurt to Discuss Areas of Collaboration
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), led by Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II, together with Undersecretary Ma. Arlene S. Borja, welcomed Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon-Abalos of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Frankfurt for a meeting to explore potential areas of collaboration between the Commission and the Consulate.
The discussion centered around the CFO’s official visit to Frankfurt, Germany, in October 2025 for the Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse). During the meeting, the CFO’s crucial role in supporting Filipinos in the diaspora was highlighted. This involves advancing programs that promote Filipino heritage, language, and culture among overseas Filipinos through collaboration with the Post.
Further, it was discussed how the Philippines’ participation as Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair last year could be leveraged to further stimulate interest in Filipino literature among PSOs and the broader Filipino diaspora in Europe. Secretary Ang shared that, as a follow-through initiative, the CFO has also partnered with the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) to help them explore cultural connectedness to their Filipino roots through Philippine literature.
Consul General Banzon-Abalos shared the latest initiative from the Consulate aimed at connecting with migrants in their jurisdiction. Titled “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” this interactive workshop intends to explore the dynamics and generate insights on Filipino-German marriages and how these intermarriages can thrive despite cultural differences. During the discussion, the importance of data-sharing for migrant welfare agencies was brought up. In response, Secretary Ang presented a copy of the 2025 CFO Compendium to Consul General Banzon-Abalos which the Post can use for their data-mapping initiatives.
The Consul General emphasized the success of the Ube Fiesta, an annual event in Germany that celebrates ube, the vibrant purple yam popular in Filipino cuisine. This festival not only unites the Filipino community in Germany but also serves as a platform to promote various initiatives that support Filipino businesses and professionals. Additionally, it provides an important opportunity for the Consulate to assess and map community needs and resources. She also introduced a new initiative stemming from the success of the Ube Festival called the Ube Lovers Tour. This tour allows participants to return to the Philippines to explore its beautiful landscapes and experience the sustainable farming of ube directly from its source.
The meeting concluded with both the CFO and PCG Frankfurt reaffirming their shared commitment to pursue collaborative initiatives that promote cultural diplomacy, enhance migrant support services, and foster stronger connections between overseas Filipinos and the Philippines.
