Stories of inspiration

PSFI Gathers Scholars for Transformative LEAD Workshop

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, recently held the LEAD Workshop, a leadership and personal development training for its scholars. The event brought together 79 students from five partner schools under three of PSFI’s flagship education programs: the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP), Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL), and Science and Technology Education Program (STEP).

LEAD, which stands for Leadership, Empowerment, Action, and Development, was designed as a collaborative effort between PSFI’s Education and Downstream programs. With support from Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, the workshop aimed to nurture the leadership potential of scholars across nursing, allied health, and STEM fields. It also fostered cross-disciplinary learning and strengthened the scholars’ commitment to service, collaboration, and ethical leadership.

Held in a dynamic and supportive environment, the workshop featured interactive sessions on servant leadership, team building, values-based decision-making, and self-discovery. The activities encouraged scholars to reflect on their personal journeys, embrace their role as future changemakers, and build lasting connections with peers from different disciplines.

Adding to the momentum were the scholarship heads and representatives from PSFI’s academic partner institutions who joined the workshop. Their presence reinforced the importance of collaborative education and mentorship. A special message from Dr. Florentino Afable, Chancellor of LPU St. Cabrini, inspired participants to pursue their paths with compassion and courage. He also shared his enthusiasm for potential medical missions led by MSP scholars, a vision closely aligned with PSFI’s goal of community-focused development.

PSFI Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones, Jr. also joined the scholars virtually to formally close the event and reinforce PSFI’s continued support for youth leadership and growth.

The LEAD Workshop was more than a training. It was a celebration of youth leadership, collaboration, and shared purpose. It reflected PSFI’s ongoing commitment to building the next generation of leaders and professionals who are not only competent but also compassionate and community-driven.

Through the continued support of partners like Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, PSFI remains steadfast in its mission to create meaningful opportunities for Filipino youth and empower them to lead with purpose.

Related stories:

Hope Flows in Sitio Burog: Avegail’s Story

For years, Avegail Salta’s family endured hours of waiting and long walks just to fetch water from a single deep well. Now, hope flows freely in Sitio Burog as clean water brings healthier days and a renewed sense of empowerment to the community.

Clean Beginnings: Deep Well Inauguration Brings Hope and Health to Sitio Burog

A deep well water system has brought clean, safe water to 127 Ayta Mag-antsi households in Sitio Burog, Tarlac, marking a major milestone for the Roots to Shoots (RTS) program. This collaborative project strengthens health, hygiene, and nutrition in the community and signals the beginning of expanded WASH efforts in the region.

John Carlo’s First Mission: A Scholar’s Way of Giving Back

As a first-time volunteer, STEP scholar John Carlo Alvarez found purpose in giving back to his hometown through the REACH medical and dental mission. What began as a day of service became a heartfelt journey of gratitude, community, and a lifelong commitment to helping others.

Third Time’s a Charm: Beverly’s Commitment to Keep Learning

At 44, solo parent Beverly Besa has taken the MGCCFI-PSFI Tech-Voc Scholarship three times—learning cookery, baking, and hilot. From selling food during the pandemic to graduating as Most Outstanding Scholar, Beverly proves that learning never stops when driven by love for family.