In a country that is challenged by a great diaspora, there must be a venue that links the motherland with the overseas workers. The Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) seized the opportunity through BaLinkBayan (balinkbayan.gov.ph), a portal that's a portmanteau of balikbayan (a Filipino who works and live in other country and is now returning to the Philippines) and link. BaLinkBayan is central to the Diaspora to Development (D2D) program.

Further, the CFO is a central figure in helping the overseas Filipinos with their needs as well as that of the families and communities they left behind. CFO partners with nine government agencies (Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, National Anti-Poverty Commission, National Youth Commission and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation); three local government units (City Government of Naga, City Government of Cagayan de Oro and Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte); and one private company (National Competitiveness Council).

While the website is dubbed as a one-stop portal, BaLinkBayan can effectively narrow the gap evident between these workers and government services. It has an 'Access Government Online Services' that directly links to national government services. Such services include SSS, Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth as well as Land Registration Authority's (LRA) Online Tracking System, DTI's Enhanced Business Name Registration System and Philippine Statistics Authority's (PSA) Online Request for Civil Registry Documents.

Overseas Filipinos have questions regarding their SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth contributions, among others. The site has a dedicated FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page and under the Online Services section are the contribution-related questions. Mig R. Ant (or simply Migs), the site's ant-inspired character, answers the questions.

Not only that, if the overseas Filipino is from Naga or Ilocos Norte, he or she can transact his or her business through BaLinkBayan. Non-residents can also inquire if, for example, his or her property is located in either Naga or Ilocos Norte. An overseas worker can instantly access information about the property such as general information, assessment, payment, arrear and other such information pertaining to that particular property. Nevertheless, a registration is required, which can be also done through the site. The same login credentials should be used when accessing naga.gov.ph/rpt/, for instance.

For one, online inquiries are much better than going to each relevant government offices when the overseas worker is supposedly taking his or her time off away from his or her job abroad. Time spent dealing with the long queues, gathering identification requirements, and completing other documentary requirements should be spent with the loved ones instead. The best part is, they can inquire online even when they are not physically here in the Philippines. It saves time, money and energy and allows the overseas Filipinos to enjoy their vacation here in the Philippines.

Indeed, the portal is a great way for ensuring overseas Filipinos better government services that they unimpeachably deserve. Thus, BaLinkBayan is all about bringing the Filipinos closer to home we all call the Philippines.