PRESS FEATURE
Full Phils caps breakthrough 2025 with first graduating scholars, expands mission for OFWs
This article was originally published by Komfie Manalo in the The Daily Chronicle.
As 2025 draws to a close, Full Phils is marking a defining chapter in its young but fast-growing journey—celebrating its first batch of graduating scholars and reinforcing its commitment to helping Overseas Filipino Workers in Hong Kong earn accredited college degrees while working abroad.
Founded in 2022 by Emilio Baja, then just 14 years old, Full Phils began with a simple but powerful idea: OFWs deserve access to education that respects both their sacrifices and their aspirations. Three years later, that vision has translated into tangible impact.
The organization now supports nearly 30 scholars and is backed by more than 50 volunteers across Manila and Hong Kong, forming a cross-border community united by education and service.
“Full Phils was built on the belief that OFWs deserve opportunities that honor both their sacrifices and their aspirations,” said Baja, founder of Full Phils. “Our work is guided by the idea that education can open doors that have long felt out of reach for many OFWs.”
Through partnerships with institutions such as the University of the Philippines, Philippine Women’s University, and AMA University, Full Phils enables scholars to pursue Philippines-accredited online degree programs without leaving their jobs overseas.
Beyond academic access, the organization emphasizes holistic growth, hosting monthly workshops on financial literacy, mental health, personal development, and practical life skills to help scholars prepare for life beyond migration.
The year’s most meaningful milestone comes with the graduation of Full Phils’ first scholars—an achievement that underscores the organization’s mission translated into reality. Two OFWs are set to complete their Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management this school year: Ragine Carbonelle and Dyan Agonoy.
Both will receive their Certificates of Completion on December 14 in Hong Kong, a moment that represents years of perseverance and a long-deferred dream finally realized.
“These graduates represent the heart of why Full Phils was started,” Baja said. “Education gives OFWs the opportunity to rewrite their futures, for themselves and for their families. Seeing our first scholars graduate reminds us that every volunteer hour, every donor, and every college degree brings us closer to a Philippines where no dream is put on hold.”
In parallel with its education programs, Full Phils has also expanded its advocacy through storytelling. Earlier this year, the organization released A Heart in Two Places, a children’s book written by Baja that explores the realities of OFW life through the eyes of young readers.
The book was featured at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany, the world’s largest international book fair, and is now available at select Fully Booked branches nationwide, with further rollout planned through the Full Phils website and social media platforms. Proceeds directly support the organization’s scholarship fund.
With a growing scholar community and an increasingly engaged volunteer base, Full Phils is setting its sights on a larger scale in 2026. Plans include opening more scholarship slots, partnering with additional universities, and expanding support modules for OFWs enrolled in online degree programs.
The organization is also exploring its first international expansion, with Singapore identified as a potential new hub to reach more migrant Filipinos seeking accessible, accredited education.
“As we look to 2026 and beyond, we hope to empower even more OFWs to invest in themselves,” Baja said. “Their sacrifices deserve pathways, not obstacles, toward the futures they envision.”
More information about Full Phils and partnership opportunities is available at fullphils.org.