25 November 2005

Clarification on Balikbayan Privileges

The Philippine Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), in consultation with the Philippine Department of Education and Bureau of Immigration has issued clarifications on Balikbayan (returning former Filipino) privileges, particularly on travel ticket and pre-university public schooling:

TRAVEL TICKETS

A Balikbayan who is a foreign passport holder, may enter the Philippines using only a one-way ticket. The person, however, is advised to bring proof of former Filipino citizenship.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

A Balikbayan may avail of the free public elementary and high school education as offered in the Philippines. A balikbayan enrolee is required to submit his or her latest report card, transcript of records, and certificate of good moral character when enrolling in a Philippine school. The host school will determine the educational level for which the balikbayan enrolee qualifies based on the aforesaid documents, and the result of the test which the school may administer to determine the enrollee’s aptitude.