For many overseas Filipino workers, working abroad is about securing a better future for their families.

For some Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong, that future also includes reclaiming a long-delayed personal dream: finishing college.

Through a scholarship program supported by One Meralco Foundation (OMF) and the non-government organization Full Phils, overseas Filipinas are now pursuing university degrees while continuing their jobs abroad.

The initiative aims to help overseas workers move beyond the traditional perception of being solely providers for their families. Instead, it gives them a pathway to personal growth and new career opportunities.

Among the scholars is Rebecca Norada, who is currently studying BA English Language while working full-time as a domestic helper.

Before moving to Hong Kong, Norada was a stay-at-home mother of two. She left the Philippines to provide for her family but carried with her a dream she had never given up.

“I’ve always dreamed of having a photo of myself wearing a graduation gown, holding a diploma in my hand. Maybe it’s that vision that keeps pushing me to pursue my goals, even if it means juggling the challenges of work and study.”

Balancing domestic work with remote learning can be difficult. Norada admits that isolation and exhaustion sometimes make the journey harder.

Yet pursuing her education has changed the way she sees herself.

“I used to avoid speaking up in public because I feared stumbling over my words. But one day, I pushed myself to lead and surprisingly, I did well. The feedback I got was positive, and I realized I wasn’t as bad at public speaking as I thought. That experience showed me I could grow with practice.”

Another scholar, Ludeliet Gimongala, is pursuing a degree in Psychology while caring for children in Hong Kong.

The 37-year-old breadwinner developed an early interest in child development and behavioral psychology after reflecting on her own childhood experiences.

Her passion for helping children led her to volunteer in youth programs while still in the Philippines.

However, pursuing higher education was not financially possible at the time.

That changed when a former employer encouraged her to continue dreaming.

“My previous employer said something inspiring: ‘You can become a better version of yourself. Don’t settle for less. Keep dreaming and find what you really want. Your life doesn’t have to be just about being a domestic helper. You’re exceptional, so dream big’,” she recalled.

Now in her third term as a second-year student, Gimongala looks forward to the day she will earn her diploma.

“My ‘aha’ moment came when I realized that I will soon be a degree holder. The thought of being called ‘Psychologist Ludeliet Gimongala’ feels incredibly fulfilling and wonderful. It’s a reminder of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my studies.”

Another scholar, Rosabel Alday, balances motherhood, work, and studies while pursuing a degree in Business Administration in Management Information Systems.

Alday moved to Hong Kong 11 years ago to support her daughter’s education.

Although she had already completed a vocational course in computer technology, she wanted to create more opportunities for herself and her family.

“Ayokong tumandang domestic worker sa Hong Kong. Gusto kong bigyan ang sarili ko ng choice to do something else,” she said.

Her daily routine starts early. She wakes up at 4 a.m. to complete academic modules before beginning her workday.

Small milestones—such as completing assignments or finishing school projects—continue to motivate her.

“Doing something you love is very empowering. Ang pagiging domestic worker minsan ay nakakapanliit, lalo na at minsan hindi maayos ang trato ng employer. And knowing na hindi ka forever domestic worker at may ibang opportunity sa labas ng kontrata mo makes me empowered.”

The scholarship program supporting these women was created by Full Phils, an organization founded by Emilio Baja to expand educational opportunities for Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong.

Through digital learning platforms, scholars can complete coursework while maintaining their employment schedules.

Since 2023, the program has supported 30 scholars, including Norada, Gimongala, and Alday.

OMF joined the initiative alongside other partners, including the PLDT-Smart Foundation and the Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, to help expand access to education for overseas Filipino workers.

For Norada, the support she received from OMF and the MVP Group became more than financial assistance.

“The support I received from the One Meralco Foundation and the MVP Group became more than financial assistance, it was belief. Their scholarship grant lit the way. It gave me the chance to focus on my studies without worrying about the burdens I carried out as an OFW.”

For One Meralco Foundation, supporting these women reflects a broader commitment to empowering Filipinos through education.

The program ensures that while overseas workers continue to support their families from abroad, they also gain the opportunity to invest in their own future.

As Alday looks ahead to completing her degree, she sees the scholarship as a turning point in her life.

“Because of your generosity and compassion, I would be able to achieve my own dream of having a college diploma without any worries about providing for the needs of my own daughter.”

For these Filipina workers, education has become more than a personal milestone.

It represents a chance to reclaim their dreams while continuing to support the families who depend on them.

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