At 39, Jackie Buitizon of Malitam, Batangas City, wears many hats. She is a mother of three, a devoted wife, and a resilient woman with an unshakable drive to build a better future for her family.
Her husband, a fisherman who occasionally takes on construction work, does what he can to provide. But when the income falls short, Jackie doesn’t hesitate to step in. Whether it’s managing the household, taking on odd jobs, or driving a tricycle around the community, she does it all for her children.
“Naiisip ko po talaga ang mga anak ko kaya ginusto kong mag-apply sa scholarship,” Jackie shared. “Gusto ko sila mabigyan ng magandang buhay.”
When she heard about the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) program of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), Jackie saw a life-changing opportunity. SKIL was created to address widespread unemployment and the increasing demand for skilled workers by offering free technical-vocational training to out-of-school youth and unemployed individuals.
In Batangas, the program is implemented in partnership with TESDA Regional Training Center IV-A, with support from Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC) and the Shell Import Facility Tabangao (SHIFT).
Jackie enrolled in Automotive Servicing NC I, a short-term course that equips learners with hands-on experience in vehicle maintenance and repair. Scholars are trained using real tools and engines, preparing them for employment in service centers, dealerships, and Shell stations. It also opens opportunities to launch their own small businesses.
In a class largely filled with men, Jackie stood tall. Her fascination with machines started long before she joined SKIL. Every time her tricycle broke down, she would watch the mechanics work, eager to learn and imagining the day she could do it herself.
Thanks to the SKIL scholarship, that day is now within reach.
“Wala pong imposible. Alam kong kaya ko rin gawin ang ginagawa ng mga lalaki,” she said with confidence.
Now, Jackie dreams of landing a stable job in the automotive field, one that will allow her to support her family more securely. She is grateful to PSFI, SPC, SHIFT, and TESDA for making the training accessible, inclusive, and free of charge.
And if another opportunity to learn arises, Jackie is more than ready.
“Hindi ako matatakot sumubok ulit kahit anong edad ko. Basta para sa kinabukasan ng mga anak ko, lalaban ako.”
Jackie’s journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to start over, to learn a new skill, and to fight for a brighter future not just for yourself but for the people you love.
Read related story: https://pilipinasshellfoundation.org/tuloy-ang-pagsulong-skil-scholars-ng-batangas/
