Full Phils founder Emilio Baja capped a milestone month in his advocacy journey after being named the Youth Advocate awardee in the Media Advocate category at the 2025 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). The recognition highlights his work in expanding access to higher education for Filipino migrant workers, particularly domestic workers in Hong Kong, through Full Phils.
“This award represents the strength of our OFWs – people who continue to push forward despite distance, sacrifice, and uncertainty,” Baja said. “Full Phils exists because we believe education should never be out of reach.”
The national recognition was conferred on December 11, 2025, following a selection process that drew 95 entries across 17 countries, screened by a panel including the CFO Chairperson and the Vice-Chair of the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch.
December also marked Baja’s growing role in national migration discussions. On the 5th, he served as a panel speaker at the 2025 BaLinkBayan Stakeholders Conference, where discussions focused on localizing diaspora engagement and empowering OFWs through migration, philanthropy, and partnerships. Days later, he addressed participants at the National Forum on Migration and Celebration of International Migrants Day, sharing how Full Phils scholarships open doors for OFWs to pursue their dreams and encouraging stronger civic engagement to advance migrant welfare.
The forum’s theme, “Empowering Overseas Filipinos/OFWs Towards Sustainable Reintegration,” mirrors Full Phils’ mission. Founded in 2023, the youth-led nonprofit provides OFWs in Hong Kong with accredited online college programs in partnership with AMA University, Philippine Women’s University, and the University of the Philippines Open University. Support from corporate donors and governance partners sustains the scholarship efforts.
In his MAM Awards acceptance speech, Baja reflected on youth-led advocacy: “Standing here today – as the youngest person in the room – I feel humbled. To whom much is given, much is expected. There is still so much work to do alongside and for our OFWs.”
Within two years, Full Phils has opened tertiary education opportunities for more than 30 OFWs, with two graduates to date, supported by a global volunteer network.
“Every scholar reminds us why we do this work,” Baja said. “Their determination proves that reintegration is strongest when built on opportunity and education.”
With Full Phils continuing to expand its initiatives, the organization is set to create more pathways for education, empowerment, and meaningful diaspora engagement for OFWs abroad.
To learn more about Full Phils or explore partnership opportunities, visit https://fullphils.org.
