For 100 aspiring caregivers from Quezon City and Parañaque, a full scholarship marks the beginning of an opportunity to build skills, pursue a livelihood, and learn to care for others with competence and compassion.
On September 28 and 29, 2026, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), with the support of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), held conferment ceremonies for the newest scholars under its Medical Scholarship Program-Technical-Vocational Caregiving Scholarship Program (TVCSP). Fifty scholars from each city were formally awarded full scholarships to pursue caregiving training.
The ceremonies brought together scholars, training institutions, barangay leaders, and program partners to celebrate this milestone and highlight the responsibilities that come with a future in care.
A Community of Support
The Quezon City ceremony, held on September 28, welcomed 50 scholars enrolled at Asia Pacific Caregiver & Healthcare Training Center Inc. Mr. Ramon Flores, OIC of the External Affairs Committee, welcomed the scholars. Messages of support were also delivered by barangay chairpersons Hon. Franze Russele A. Bilaos of Bagong Pag-asa, Hon. Ma. Cecilia M. Agcaoili of Project 6, Hon. Sherilyn D. Corpuz of Bungad, and the chairperson of Sangandaan.
In Parañaque, another 50 scholars attended their conferment ceremony on September 29. Cherry Quinsay, President of CAP Training and Assessment Center Inc., welcomed the group. Hon. Robelyn Joy Samson, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson of Barangay Tambo, also welcomed the scholars and shared words of encouragement.
Learning to Care with Competence and Compassion
BCFI Executive Director Filipina C. Laurena reminded the scholars that caregiving carries a responsibility that goes beyond earning a living.
Caregiving is not just a profession but a mission.
She emphasized that caregivers are entrusted with people’s lives. Alongside technical competence, they must develop kindness, patience, and compassion. Her message encouraged the scholars to approach their studies with an understanding of both the skills and the character needed to care for others.
From Delivery Rider to House Parent
For Ronald Alan Santos, one of the program’s outstanding scholars and now a full-time house parent at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the scholarship opened a new path.
Before joining the program, Santos worked as a delivery rider. He had long been searching for free caregiving training when he came across a PSFI social media post. He immediately expressed his interest and asked for a chance to become a scholar.
Isa po itong malaking biyaya sa aking buhay at nagbukas ng bagong landas para sa aking kinabukasan.
Reflecting on his learning experience, Santos highlighted the LEAD workshop, where he learned about self-awareness, decision-making, effective communication, and emotional intelligence. He also emphasized the importance of being responsible and respecting the dignity of every person in his care.
His testimony offers a personal perspective on what the scholarship can mean: an opportunity to pursue a new direction while developing the skills and values needed to serve others.
Turning Opportunity into Service
PSFI Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones, Jr. encouraged the scholars to use the opportunity to uplift themselves, their families, and their communities. He reminded them to make the most of the gifts and support they receive through the program and to extend that generosity to others.
I hope you all pay it forward sa lahat ng gagawin ninyo in the future
His message connected the scholarship to a wider purpose. As scholars work toward their own aspirations, the skills they develop can also become a means of supporting others.
Since 2024, the TVCSP has supported 300 caregiving scholars, with a target of reaching 550 scholars by 2028. For the newest 100 scholars, the conferment ceremonies marked the start of a journey toward becoming caregivers who bring both competence and compassion to the people they serve.
