Filipino domestic workers earn degrees through Hong Kong support programme

Two Filipino domestic helpers have graduated from bachelor’s degree programmes after combining online study with full-time work in Hong Kong, with support from a non-profit organisation assisting overseas Filipino workers. Dyan Agonoy and Gelanie Aguilario completed hospitality degrees through FullPhils, which subsidises 80 per cent of course costs. Students pay about HK$600 (US$76) per term, according to the organisation’s information provided to the South China Morning Post.

Both women had previously left university because of family responsibilities. Agonoy moved from the Philippines to work as a domestic helper after marrying and starting a family. Aguilario twice attempted to complete a degree, first in political science and later in education, but pregnancy and other obligations interrupted her studies.

FullPhils was founded in 2022 by Emilio Baja, who said he was motivated after seeing large groups of Filipino domestic helpers gathering in Hong Kong. The organisation works through the Philippine government’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Programme, which converts at least five years of relevant work experience into credits towards a degree. The programme partners with AMA University, Philippine Women’s University and the University of the Philippines to provide asynchronous online modules.

Baja said the arrangement enables participants to study while remaining in full-time employment. Aguilario and Agonoy studied over three terms while managing household duties. Aguilario used time available after taking her employer’s child to school, while Agonoy sometimes worked on assignments until 1am.

She said the strain affected her health during her final term and led to medical checks arranged by her employer. FullPhils also holds monthly workshops covering skills including financial literacy and Excel. Aguilario graduated in Manila with her mother present and hopes to open a cafe and pastry shop with her siblings.

Agonoy has begun education courses and hopes eventually to teach, provided her family can join her. Baja said FullPhils had awarded about 30 scholarships and hoped to expand. He argued that longer-term change should allow Filipinos to find opportunities in the Philippines without having to live abroad to support their families.