The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) said that the number of Filipino students enrolled in Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs) is expected to remain steady amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. CFO Project Management Division Chief Marita del Rosario-Apattad told BusinessWorld that expected enrollees for School Year 2026-2027 are basically the same as previous years.
The statement comes as conflict continues in the region, raising concerns for the safety and education of overseas Filipino students. PSOs are schools established by Filipino communities abroad that follow the Philippine curriculum, and their enrollment stability reflects sustained demand from overseas Filipino workers and their families.
The CFO's assessment suggests that despite geopolitical tensions, families prioritize continuity in education. The steady numbers also indicate that the existing PSOs remain operational and attractive to the Filipino diaspora in the Middle East.