COMMISSION on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante Ang II said the agency conducted a focus group discussion (FGD) in Japan to gather crucial policy inputs from scholars it will use in laying the groundwork for inclusive, long-term youth programs abroad. Ang said on Friday a CFO team led the discussion that assessed the challenges faced by Filipino students, particularly in the Kansai region. The team also planned out a structured approach to support systems in collaboration with the Kyoto Association of Pinoy Scholars (KAPS). During the discussion, the Filipino students shared their experiences and made recommendations for optimizing support, from pre-departure planning to post-graduation reintegration into the Philippine workforce. They also suggested policy intervention, aligning with the CFO’s political connection mandate and the administration’s goal of facilitating better governance. Ang said the students want the government to exempt them from the travel tax and help lighten their financial load. They also requested the development of clearer, accessible information regarding Filipino student visas granted for Japan. The participants recommended implementing mandatory Registration and Pre-Departure Seminar and Guidebooks for Filipino scholars, similar to those required for US J-1 visa holders, to clarify rights, responsibilities, and support systems before deployment. The students highlighted the scarcity of established post-graduation programs once they return home. They said there is a lack of clarity regarding skills utilization, particularly in regulated fields like medicine and education. The students proposed a standardized policy to sort out inconsistent service-return requirements across scholarship programs. Ang said the CFO will highly consider the students’ proposals for the creation of a larger organization representing Filipino students in Japan that will promote unified advocacy and inclusivity beyond localized groups like KAPS, and accreditation for student organizations to facilitate coordination with embassies, consulates, and educational institutions. While government support mechanisms already exist, the feedback confirms the need for long-term policies and plans consistent with the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas vision, Ang said.