PRESS FEATURE
HK OFWs get access to online education scholarships
This article was originally published in The Manila Times.
MANY of the more than 10 million overseas Filipino workers have not finished tertiary education due to financial constraints, legal barriers and demanding work schedules. In Hong Kong alone — where over 200,000 OFWs are employed primarily as domestic helpers — few are able to pursue college degrees despite their aspirations to do so.
But there’s hope. In an announcement sent to media outlets, Emilio Baja, founder of Full Phils, a youth-led nonprofit, says he was inspired into action after witnessing the difficult living conditions of OFWs in Hong Kong. He realized education can help them get better jobs.
“Full Phils is a community-powered initiative,” says Baja. “As a young Filipino, I’ve seen how meaningful it is when people come together to create real change. Every donor, every school, and every legal partner plays a critical role in making education a reachable goal for OFWs. We’re building futures together, with the help of over 30 student volunteers in Manila and Hong Kong who continue to fuel this mission on the ground.”
Full Phils, launched in 2023, formalizes its scholarship program for tertiary-level education — offering OFWs the opportunity to earn college degrees through flexible, accredited programs. Originally established to support OFWs in Hong Kong, the organization has been partnering with academic institutions, corporations and legal experts to make higher education more accessible for Filipinos working abroad.
Partners
Powering this initiative are education partners who believe learning should be flexible and accessible. AMA University and the Philippine Women’s University have opened their doors to OFWs through online programs and distance learning setups.
Full Phils has also signed an agreement with the University of the Philippines Open University to explore future offerings specifically designed for OFWs. The partnership marks a promising step toward expanding academic options available to Filipinos working abroad.
Backing this initiative are leading institutions across various industries in finance, telecommunications, and fast-moving consumer goods, such as San Miguel Foundation Inc., Solar Philippines, LT Group Inc., and the MVP Group.
“Donations are crucial in providing valuable learning resources, connectivity tools, and essential student services for OFWs on top of tuition assistance,” says Baja. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and hope to continue receiving support for OFWs in Hong Kong, keeping their dreams and aspirations alive by fueling their pursuit of higher education.”
Milbank and Divina Law serve as Full Phils’ international and domestic legal partners, respectively, providing legal guidance to ensure the organization’s scholarship frameworks and governance adhere to the highest standards. Reyes Tacandong & Co., FullPhils’ auditing firm, helps verify its processes remain transparent, accountable and compliant.
Further strengthening community outreach and integration are the Philippine Association of Hong Kong and the Philippine Consulate General of Hong Kong.
In its first two years of operations, Full Phils has successfully facilitated tertiary education opportunities for more than 20 OFWs — a number that continues to grow as new partnerships are formed and as interest in the program rises.
To sustain and expand this work, Full Phils welcomes contributions from organizations and individuals who believe in the transformative power of education. Donations to the scholarship fund may be coursed through its official website, where supporters can choose to sponsor individual scholars, contribute to general funding, or provide resources in kind.
The process is designed to be seamless through secure online transfer options, making it easier than ever to support OFWs in their pursuit of higher education.