PGE Celebrates First Gabay Scholar Graduate, Jaja Carangan

Philippine Global Explorers (PGE) is celebrating an important milestone for its Gabay Scholarship Programme following the graduation of its first scholar, Justin “Jaja” Carangan, from Richwell Colleges in Bulacan, Philippines.

Jaja graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) on 7 August 2026, marking both a personal achievement for the young graduate and a significant moment for the scholarship programme that supported her studies.

Her graduation represents years of hard work, determination, and perseverance. For PGE, it also demonstrates what can be achieved when students are given practical support to continue pursuing their education.

A Journey Built on Determination

Jaja’s achievements began long before she entered college.

As a young student, she received various school recognitions and was also named a Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Child for Central Luzon through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and National Children’s Congress. It highlights children from low-income families who do well in school, show good values, and help their local communities.

She carried that same commitment into her university studies while continuing to develop her skills beyond the classroom. Alongside her education, Jaja has also worked as an event host, gaining practical experience in communication and public engagement.

Her journey through college included academic requirements, on-the-job training, and the challenges that come with completing a degree. Following her final examinations and OJT requirements in July, Jaja attended her baccalaureate mass on 5 August before graduating on 7 August 2026.

The achievement ultimately belongs to Jaja for the work she put into her studies, the challenges she overcame, and the determination she showed in pursuing her goal.

The Gabay Scholarship was there to help make that journey a little more manageable.

The Purpose of the PGE Gabay Scholarship

The PGE Gabay Scholarship was established to support deserving Filipino students pursuing studies related to tourism, hospitality, international studies, and related fields.

Rather than focusing solely on tuition fees, Gabay Scholarship recognises that many students also face the everyday costs of staying in education.

The programme therefore provides scholars with regular financial assistance that can help towards educational and living expenses such as transport, meals, internet access, books, school supplies and other academic needs.

PGE also aims to use the strength of its network to provide scholars with opportunities beyond financial assistance, including mentoring, on-the-job training, professional connections and potential pathways to employment.

The programme reflects PGE’s belief that its global network of travellers and professionals can be used not only to share travel experiences, but also to create opportunities for the next generation.

READ MORE: PGE Gabay Scholarship

A Milestone Made Possible by Gabay Scholarship Donors

Jaja’s graduation is also an opportunity for PGE to recognise the individuals and supporters who have contributed to the Gabay Scholarship Fund since the programme began.

Every donation has helped sustain a programme built around a long-term commitment: supporting scholars not simply for one activity or one semester, but throughout their educational journey.

For students facing financial pressures, seemingly ordinary expenses- transport to campus, internet access, meals, books or materials required for coursework can become barriers to completing a degree.

Gabay Scholarship donors help reduce those barriers.

PGE extends its sincere thanks to everyone who donated, continues to donate, shared the programme with others, or helped connect Gabay Scholarship with potential supporters.

Jaja’s graduation provides a tangible example of why those contributions matter.

A donation to Gabay Scholarship is not simply a contribution to a scholarship fund. Collectively, these contributions can help a student remain in education, complete a qualification, and move towards greater opportunities for themselves and their families.

From First Scholar to First Graduate

When the Gabay Scholarship was launched, supporting a student through to graduation was one of its long-term ambitions.

Jaja has now become the programme’s first scholar to reach that milestone.

Her graduation is therefore more than an ending. It provides PGE with its first opportunity to see the scholarship complete a full educational journey from supporting a student through her studies to watching her leave college with a degree and begin the next stage of her professional life.

PGE congratulates Justin “Jaja” Carangan and her family on this achievement and wishes her well as she begins the next chapter of her career.

For Gabay Scholarship, however, the work continues.

Help the Next Gabay Scholar Reach Graduation

Jaja is the first.

PGE hopes she will be followed by many more.

The sustainability of the Gabay Scholarship depends on individuals, groups, organisations and partners who believe that deserving students should have the opportunity to continue their education despite financial challenges.

Contributions of any size can be combined to provide the regular support that scholars need throughout the academic year.

Supporters can also help in other ways by sponsoring a scholar, introducing potential donors, providing mentoring, offering internship or OJT opportunities, connecting graduates with employment opportunities, or simply helping PGE share the Gabay Scholarship story.

By supporting the Gabay Scholarship, donors can help another student continue studying today and, one day, walk across the graduation stage just as Jaja has done.

LEARN MORE: PGE Projects

Support the PGE Gabay Scholarship

Help PGE support more deserving Filipino students on their journey towards completing their education.

Learn more about the programme and how you can contribute through the Gabay Scholarship.