MOST of the over 10 million overseas Filipino workers have not completed tertiary schooling because of financial difficulties, legal restrictions and stressful work schedules. In Hong Kong alone where more than 200,000 OFWs are working as mostly domestic helpers very few have been able to study for college degrees despite the desire to do so.
But hope is here. In a press release sent to media organizations, Emilio Baja, founder of Full Phils, a youth-based NGO, states that he was spurred into action after seeing the challenging living conditions of OFWs in Hong Kong. He saw that education can enable them to have better jobs.
"Full Phils is a people-driven movement", explains Baja. "Growing up as a young Filipino, I've experienced how powerful it is when individuals unite to drive actual change. Each donor, each school, and each legal partner is an essential part of making education an achievable reality for OFWs. We're shaping futures together, with the support of more than 30 student volunteers in Manila and Hong Kong who continue to power this initiative on the ground".
Full Phils, which opened in 2023, institutionalizes its scholarship program for higher education making it possible for OFWs to pursue college degrees via flexible, accredited courses. Initially created to assist OFWs in Hong Kong, the group has been collaborating with schools, companies and legal professionals to bring tertiary education closer to Filipinos abroad.
Partners
Behind this effort are education stakeholders who are convinced that learning must be convenient and available. AMA University and the Philippine Women's University have welcomed OFWs by opening their doors to online programs and distance learning facilities.
Full Phils has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the University of the Philippines Open University to look into future programs especially tailored for OFWs. The agreement is a promising move towards opening up academic opportunities for Filipinos overseas.
Supporting this endeavor are top players in different sectors in finance, telecommunication, and fast-moving consumer goods like San Miguel Foundation Inc., Solar Philippines, LT Group Inc., and the MVP Group.
"Gifts are essential in creating valuable learning resources, connectivity tools, and student services essential for OFWs in addition to tuition aid," says Baja. "We are very much indebted to our sponsors and look forward to getting this kind of support for OFWs in Hong Kong, keeping their hopes and aspirations afloat by igniting their pursuit of higher education".
Milbank and Divina Law are Full Phils' foreign and domestic legal partners, respectively, advising on legal matters to ensure that the organization's scholarship models and governance are the best. Reyes Tacandong & Co., FullPhils' auditor, assists in verifying its processes as transparent, accountable and compliant.
Adding more reinforcement to community outreach and integration are the Philippine Association of Hong Kong and the Philippine Consulate General of Hong Kong. During its first two years of operation, Full Phils has been able to secure tertiary education opportunities for over 20 OFWs a figure which continues to increase as new partnerships are created and as interest in the program mounts.
For the continued existence and growth of this work, Full Phils invites organizations and individuals who have faith in the power of education to transform lives to contribute. Contributions to the scholarship fund can be channeled through its official website, wherein supporters may opt to sponsor individual scholars, give in general funding, or give resources in kind. The process has been made easy through secure online transfer facilities to ensure that helping OFWs further their education has never been more convenient.
