The Philippine Global Explorers (PGE) and the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) are set to formalise the PGE Gabay Scholarship Grant, expanding educational assistance to deserving ‘Iskolar ng Bayan’ pursuing studies in tourism and hospitality.
A ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Philippine Global Explorers and the University of the Philippines Diliman for the establishment of the PGE Gabay Scholarship Grant is scheduled on 02 September 2026 at the Chancellor’s Office in UP Diliman, Quezon City.
Through the agreement, PGE will provide monthly financial support to selected UPD students pursuing Tourism and Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management degrees, helping the scholars meet some of the expenses associated with completing their university education.
The partnership marks an important expansion of the Gabay Scholarship Programme and strengthens PGE’s commitment to supporting the education of future professionals in sectors closely connected with tourism, hospitality and the wider Philippine travel industry.
‘Iskolar ng Bayan’
literally translates to “scholar of the nation/people”, is a phrase coined organically within the UP student journalism around 1975 which refers to a person whose education is made possible, partly, by the Filipino people (state-supported universities) and who, therefore, has a responsibility to use that education for the good of the nation, and eventually, serving the people.
Read: UP’s own history of ‘Iskolar ng Bayan’
Supporting the ‘Iskolar ng Bayan’
Under the new partnership, three UPD students have been identified as beneficiaries of the PGE Gabay Scholarship Grant:
- Thea Angela P. Magana
- Sherleigh Amara T. Llacer
- James Macky S. Saludes
The scholars will be formally introduced during the signing ceremony and are scheduled to deliver a message of thanks following the signing of the agreement.
The ceremony will also bring together representatives from PGE and senior officials involved in the student affairs and scholarship administration at UPD.
According to the official ceremony programme, Prof. Jose Carlo G. de Pano, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, will deliver the welcome remarks, while UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II will give a message on behalf of the university. Prof. Christine C. Hernandez, Director of the Office of Scholarships and Grants, is scheduled to deliver the closing remarks.
Dr. Rambi Francisco is also listed in the programme to deliver the donor’s message.
UP Diliman’s Office of Scholarships and Grants (OSG), which operates under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, administers scholarship and financial-support programmes for students with financial needs. Its stated mission includes ensuring that limited financial resources do not prevent students from obtaining a UP education.
Building the Gabay Scholarship Programme through Institutional Partnership
PGE’s Gabay Scholarship Programme was established to assist deserving students taking up subjects related to tourism, hospitality, international studies and related fields.
The Gabay Scholarship Programme recognises that the financial challenge of completing a university degree extends beyond tuition. Students may also need regular support for transportation, meals, learning materials, internet connectivity and other costs associated with attending university and completing academic requirements.
Through the partnership with UPD, this support will now operate within the University’s established scholarship and grants framework.
UPD’s OSG oversees private and government-funded scholarship programmes and provides processes for scholarship applications, donor-supported programmes and the release of financial benefits to student beneficiaries. Its scholarship process includes evaluation of eligible applicants and review by the appropriate scholarship committee.
For PGE, working with the University of the Philippines Diliman provides an important institutional framework for identifying and supporting students while allowing the Gabay Scholarship Programme to further build, expand and carry on for years to come.
Investing in the Future of Philippine Tourism and Hospitality
The selection of students from tourism and hospitality-related degrees also reflects the wider purpose behind the Gabay Scholarship Programme.
UPD’s Bachelor of Science in Tourism, offered through the Asian Institute of Tourism, prepares students across areas including tourism development and management, accommodation, travel services, transportation, events and tourism research.
Its Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management, meanwhile, prepares students for management and leadership across hotels, restaurants and related hospitality institutions.
Supporting students in these areas therefore represents more than assistance towards completing a degree.
It is an investment in young Filipinos who may eventually contribute their knowledge and professional skills to the country’s tourism, hospitality and service sectors.
This aligns closely with PGE’s wider commitment to using the experience, knowledge and network of Filipino travellers to support education and contribute to the Philippines. PGE’s Articles of Incorporation specifically identify fostering education for Filipino youth through travel and developing collaborative relationships with the domestic tourism industry among the organisation’s purposes.
From One Scholar to a Growing Programme
The UP Diliman partnership comes at an especially meaningful stage for PGE and the Gabay Scholarship Programme.
Earlier this month, PGE celebrated Justin “Jaja” Carangan, the organisation’s first Gabay Scholar, as she completed her Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management degree from Richwell Colleges.
Her graduation provided the programme with its first completed scholar journey.
The establishment of the PGE Gabay Scholarship Support Grant at UPD now represents the next stage: expanding the programme so that additional students can receive sustained educational assistance.
Together, these milestones demonstrate how the Gabay Scholarship Programme is developing from an individual scholarship initiative into a broader educational programme capable of working alongside academic institutions.
Made Possible by Those Who Support Gabay Scholarship
The growth of the Gabay Scholarship Programme would not be possible without the individuals who have contributed to it.
PGE extends its appreciation to the donors and supporters whose contributions allow the organisation to provide regular assistance to its scholars.
Unlike a one-off educational activity, a scholarship creates an ongoing commitment.
Monthly support requires donors who are willing to remain part of a student’s educational journey — helping scholars meet recurring costs semester after semester until they are able to complete their studies.
The result of that support can now be seen both in Jaja Carangan becoming Gabay’s first graduate and in three new Iskolar ng Bayan beginning their journey as beneficiaries of the PGE Gabay Scholarship Grant at UP Diliman.
Every contribution helps PGE move closer to its goal of supporting more deserving students.
Help Gabay Scholarship Support More Students
The partnership with UP Diliman represents growth, but PGE hopes that it will not be the programme’s final expansion.
The number of students Gabay Scholarship can support ultimately depends on the resources available to sustain each scholarship.
PGE therefore invites individuals, organisations and partners to help strengthen the Gabay Scholarship Fund.
Support can take different forms through direct financial contributions, sponsorship of scholars, professional mentoring, internship and OJT opportunities, employment connections or introductions to organisations that may wish to support education.
Every additional donor creates the possibility of Gabay Scholarship reaching another deserving student.
By supporting the programme, donors are not simply funding monthly stipends. They are helping students remain in university, complete their qualifications and move towards careers where their education can benefit their families, communities and the wider Philippine tourism and hospitality sectors.
Support the PGE Gabay Scholarship
Help another deserving Filipino student continue their education and work towards graduation.
Learn more about the PGE Gabay Scholarship Programme and how to support its scholars.
Please use the reference code:
GABAY SCHOLARSHIP
Send your Donations to our Philippine Global Explorers, Inc. UnionBank account:
Philippine Global Explorers Peso Bank Account
Account Name: Philippine Global Explorers Inc.
Bank Name: UnionBank of the Philippines
Peso Account Number: 003210002299
Swift Code: UBPHPHMM
