Manila, Philippines — Now in its second year, Bukas announces Walang Hiyang Estudyante Awards 2024, a student awards event hosted by Bukas to recognize students from all over the country who have created their own path in their studies in pursuit of their goals and dreams. This year’s awards highlight the value of a strong support system in a student’s journey. A total of six students will be included in the 2024 roster together with their WHE Champions, the people who have supported and helped them throughout their journey.

Still Breaking Stigmas

The “Sa’yo Ang Bukas” campaign (“Tomorrow is yours” in English), remains to be the overarching message behind the awards. Where students who excel in academics and athletics often take the spotlight in graduations and recognition ceremonies, Bukas’ Walang Hiyang Estudyante Awards once again gives the center stage to equally deserving and exceptional students who took the unconventional route in their studies and carved their own paths toward owning their future—a journey that Bukas is committed to help Filipino students with through its mission of making education more affordable and accessible for all.

“It's easy to be labeled as fickle or indecisive. But here's the thing: it's our journey, our story, and every twist and turn contributes to who we become. And that's why the Sa’yo Ang Bukas campaign means so much to me. This "Walang Hiyang Estudyante" award is a testament that there's no shame in charting your own path, even if it's not the one you first envisioned. Maraming salamat, Bukas, for recognizing the courage it takes to redefine success and for celebrating those of us who dare to follow our own compass.” — Shaira Mae Gabat, Eskwelabs Graduate, The Career Shifter Awardee (WHE Awards Class of 2023)

Similar to how student loans are only a means to finance one’s education, choosing the unusual path as a working student, a scholar, a shiftee, a student parent, a transferee, or a career shifter to finish one’s studies should be a conversation that is celebrated than stigmatized. This is the battle cry of every Walang Hiyang Estudyante: there is no shame in creating one’s own path.

The pioneer batch of awardees during the Walang Hiyang Estudyante Awards 2023

Owning the Future Together

While the WHE Awards 2024 will keep the same categories as last year, this year's awards adds another layer to the celebration by recognizing the students’ WHE Champions, the people who have inspired, motivated, supported, and helped them throughout their journeys.

Bukas understands that education is never a solo endeavor. Families and friends come together to support students during enrollment. Communities raise funds for scholarship opportunities. Loved ones agree to be co-borrowers in student loans. And the list goes on. On the other hand, students persevere in studying, not just for themselves, but for the people that matter to them. They are also more empowered to conquer their fears and take risks for their future because they know they are not alone. They have a community journeying with them toward a better tomorrow despite challenges. A well-deserved recognition is only fitting for the WHE Champions.

For WHE Awards 2024, a total of six students will be included in the roster together with their WHE Champions. Truly, behind every Walang Hiyang Estudyante is a strong support system that is equally unashamed (“walang hiya”) to do whatever it takes to help them succeed. With Bukas and their champions, students are free to create their own path and own their future in school and beyond.

Do you know a Walang Hiyang Estudyante? Nominate them (or yourself!) for the Walang Hiyang Estudyante Awards 2024. Nomination period runs until 15 November 2024 (Friday). Fill out the nomination form found here. Together, let’s own the future!

Want to learn more about WHE Awards 2024? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions here.

About Bukas

Bukas is an education financing platform that provides secure, flexible, and affordable student loans to students and professionals, partnered with leading colleges, universities, bootcamps, training institutions, technical and vocational institutions in the Philippines and overseas. Since 2019, Bukas has helped about 20,000 students with presence in more than 100 campuses nationwide and four international partners. For more information, visit www.bukas.ph.

About ErudiFi

Founded in 2017, ErudiFi is a mission-driven technology company focused on making education affordable in Southeast Asia. Operating as Danacita in Indonesia and Bukas in the Philippines, ErudiFi has helped secure funding for thousands of financially underserved students through tech-enabled partnerships with leading universities and vocational schools in the region. By improving access to education, ErudiFi is driving generational transformation and helping to build a better tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.erudifi.com