Stories of inspiration

Beyond Technical Training: SKIL Scholars Build Confidence and Leadership in Palawan

Story by Cheilo Padilla, Program Officer

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN | For 20 scholars training in Housekeeping NC II, three days away from the classroom offered a chance to reflect on who they are, where they hope to go, and how they can support one another along the way.

The scholars, enrolled in Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.’s (PSFI) Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) program, joined a Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development (LEAD) Workshop from August 26 to 28, 2026, at Ala Amid Bed and Breakfast in Puerto Princesa City.

Facilitated by PSFI Program Coordinator Maezel Cardel and Program Officer Cheilo Padilla, the workshop combined interactive activities, personal reflection, and group discussions. Scholars explored their strengths and aspirations while practicing communication and interpersonal skills that can help them in their training and future work.

The workshop also made space for a conversation about health. Maria Charisma Deriada and Stephani Engcoy of the Amos Community Center led an HIV 101 session covering awareness, prevention, transmission, and responsible health practices. Voluntary HIV testing was offered to participants.

For SKIL scholar Marjorie Bosas, the experience was also a reminder of what the opportunity meant to her. She thanked PSFI for helping young people continue pursuing their dreams despite the challenges they face.

“

Naging liwanag muli ang PSFI sa mga nagdilim naming pangarap. Ang pag-asa na muli naming nasilayan at dahil iyon sa inyo, PSFI, maraming salamat po.

The scholars also heard from Rojan Enoy, Operations Supervisor of the Puerto Princesa Shell Terminal. A former PSFI scholar under PhilDev and a past LEAD Workshop participant, Enoy shared his own journey and encouraged them to stay focused on their goals.

His visit gave the group a glimpse of where continued learning and perseverance can lead. Through the LEAD Workshop, PSFI aims to complement the scholars’ technical training with the confidence, self-awareness, and people skills they can carry into their careers and communities.

Related stories:

A Dream Finally Flows: Safe Water Reaches Sitio Kaging

A long-held dream has become a reality for families in Sitio Kaging, Bamban, Tarlac, as a new community water system brings safe and reliable water to 36 families, benefiting more than 120 individuals. The milestone was achieved through the Roots to Shoots Light Program and the collective efforts of the community and its partners.

A Mother Begins Again: Jocelyn Returns to School at 50

At 50, solo mother of six Jocelyn Enfermo returned to school through the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) and completed her caregiving training. With new skills and renewed hope, she is ready to begin again and build a more secure future for her children.