Emilio Baja, founder of Full Phils, with the Full Phils scholars in Hong Kong
Full Phils, the youth-led non-profit dedicated to helping Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong earn their college degrees, closes 2025 with major milestones that signal the organization’s growing impact on Filipino migrant communities.
Founded in 2022 by then 14-year-old Emilio Baja, Full Phils began with a mission to help OFWs build a future of their own through accessible, Philippines-accredited online education. Three years later, the organization now supports nearly 30 scholars and works with a network of more than 50 volunteers in Manila and Hong Kong.
“Full Phils was built on the belief that OFWs deserve opportunities that honor both their sacrifices and their aspirations,” said Emilio 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.”
Expanding Educational Access and Supporting OFWs’ Growth
Full Phils partners with academic institutions including the University of the Philippines, Philippine Women’s University, and AMA University to provide OFWs with online degree programs they can pursue while working abroad. Beyond scholarships, Full Phils also prioritizes holistic development, offering monthly workshops on financial literacy, mental health, personal development, and life skills essential for long-term success.
A key highlight of the year is the organization’s first batch of graduating scholars, marking a significant milestone for the young NGO.
Two scholars are set to complete their degrees this school year:
- Rhagine Carbonell, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Dyan Agonoy, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Both scholars will receive their Certificate of Completion on December 14 in Hong Kong, symbolizing the fulfillment of a dream long deferred by the demands of working overseas.
“These graduates represent the heart of why Full Phils was started,” said Emilio Baja, founder of Full Phils. “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.”
A Growing Advocacy, Strengthened Through Storytelling
Emilio Baja, founder of Full Phils and author of “A Heart in Two Places” during his book launch
Earlier this year, Full Phils introduced A Heart in Two Places, its first children’s book written by Baja. Created to help young readers understand the realities of OFW life, the title was featured at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany—the world’s largest international book fair. Copies are now available at select Fully Booked branches nationwide, with further rollout planned, as well as the Full Phils website and its social media pages. Proceeds from the book support the organization’s scholarship fund.
With its scholar community growing and volunteer base strengthening, Full Phils is preparing to scale its programs in 2026. The organization plans to open more scholarship slots, work with additional university partners, and expand its support modules for OFWs taking online college degrees. It is also exploring its first international expansion, with Singapore as a potential new hub to serve more OFWs seeking accessible, accredited education.
“As we look to 2026 and beyond, we hope to empower even more OFWs to invest in themselves. Their sacrifices deserve pathways, not obstacles, toward the futures they envision,” Baja concludes.
To learn more about Full Phils or explore partnership opportunities, visit https://fullphils.org.
