November 7, 2025. Quezon City – Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), honored the achievements of 99 newly graduated caregivers during the MetamorphoCare 2025 Graduation Ceremony and Career Linkages Fair held at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel. The milestone event highlighted the scholars’ transformation, resilience, and readiness to serve communities as trained caregiving professionals.
Celebrating Transformation and Hard-Won Journeys
The event opened with an inspirational message from Ms. Filipina C. Laurena, Executive Director of BCFI, delivered on her behalf by Mr. Martin Joel Barrameda II, Project Officer. He emphasized the scholars’ perseverance throughout their training.
“We have seen the effort, the sacrifices and the hard work it took to get here. Many of you were not just full-time students. You were also working, taking care of your families, juggling responsibilities, and still found the drive to finish strong.”
He reminded graduates of the values at the core of the program: “No matter how far you get, always remember to serve with heart and compassion.”
The ceremony also honored PSFI’s commitment to community development through education. In his message, PSFI Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones Jr. underscored the graduates’ readiness to step into their new roles.
“You came here in this program as learners. Today, aalis kayo bilang caregivers. Ready to heal, to serve and to lead with a heart.”
He also expressed gratitude to BCFI and Solaire for making the program possible.
“Because of you, doors have opened, lives have changed. And now, these caregivers are ready to go out into the world and make a difference with compassion and excellence.”
Also expressing support was Mr. Darshan Lionel, Director of Operations of Solaire Resort North Vertis.
“We wish you continuing success. We hope that our support in you will go a long way in improving your lives and the lives of your loved ones. Congratulations and mabuhay kayong lahat.”
The ceremony featured recognition of exemplary graduates through Merit Awards and heartfelt testimonials under the Journey of Transformation segment.
Stories of Courage and Second Chances
The first to share her story was Ms. Maria Dizza Pedrasita, a mother of twins who battled postpartum depression and searched for renewed purpose.
“May kakaibang lungkot at takot. Parang unti unti kong nakakalimutan kung sino ako bago maging nanay.”
She found hope when she saw the caregiving scholarship posted by her barangay captain.
“Lord, ito na yung sagot Mo.”
After completing her training and passing her NC II, she was hired by the Ateneo Jesuit Health and Wellness Center within hours.
“Hindi lang ninyo binago ang buhay ko. Binigyan ninyo ako ng panibagong simula.”
The second testimony was shared by Ms. Marianne Genecila, a sidewalk vendor for 20 years who had endured harsh working conditions and financial instability before discovering the caregiving scholarship in Barangay Tambo.
“Parang may boses na bumulong sa akin, baka ito na ang sign ni Lord.”
With perfect attendance throughout her training, she passed her NC II and received two job offers.
“Ngayon, isa na akong caregiver. May dignidad at respeto. Ang laki ng pinagbago ng buhay ko.”
She ended her message with gratitude.
“Kayo ang ginamit ni Lord para matulungan kaming may pangarap pero walang kakayahan noon para abutin ito.”
These stories captured the spirit of transformation and the power of opportunity to reshape lives.
A Shared Mission to Strengthen the Healthcare Workforce
The Technical Vocational Caregiving Scholarship Program (TVCSP) is part of a five-year partnership between BCFI and PSFI from 2024 to 2029. The collaboration supports scholars in caregiving, Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health, and STEM.
To date, 513 scholars are actively supported, composed of 313 Medical Scholarship Program scholars and 200 Technical Vocational Caregiving scholars, with a projected 763 graduates expected over the five-year period.
These initiatives help meet the rising demand for healthcare workers in the Philippines and abroad while uplifting families through sustainable livelihood and meaningful professional advancement.
Career Talks and Employment Opportunities
The afternoon session included Career Talks from respected partners:
- Ms. Nicole Paterno, Founder and CEO of Nansy The Care You Want
- Mr. Karlos Benjamin Dela Cruz, Operations Head of the Public Employment Services Office District 1
They discussed caregiving roles in local and international settings, employment requirements, and government support systems that help connect graduates with stable work.
This segment highlighted the shared mission of PSFI and BCFI to empower scholars beyond their education. Support extends not only through scholarships but also through networks, industry linkages, and guidance that help scholars transition to meaningful employment.
The day concluded with a Career Linkages Fair, where hiring partners opened booths for inquiries, applications, and on-the-spot interviews. Graduates took concrete first steps toward employment, reflecting the program’s vision of converting education into opportunity.
Recognizing Partners Who Guided the Scholars
The ceremony gathered representatives from partner training institutions and local government units who supported the scholars’ journey:
- Ms. Cherry Mae Quinsay, President, CAP Training and Assessment Center Inc.
- Mr. Ramon Flores, External Affairs Director, Asia Pacific Caregiver and Healthcare Training Center
- Mr. Christopher Senin, Head of Academe, Asia Pacific Caregiver and Healthcare Training Center
- Hon. France Ruzelle “Chinggay” Bilaos, Chairwoman, Barangay Bagong Pagasa, Quezon City
- Hon. Catherine Aguilar, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City
Representatives from Solaire Resorts Hotel, including Hexel Tulod, Head of Regulatory Affairs, and Mr. Darshan Lionel, Director of Operations, were also present.
Their presence reflected a shared commitment among communities, institutions, and local leaders to support the scholars’ growth and pathways toward employment.
A Journey That Continues Beyond Graduation
As the celebration concluded, the room was filled with a quiet sense of triumph. MetamorphoCare 2025 served as a reminder that transformation begins with courage to try again, believe again, and rise again.
These 99 graduates walked in as learners and walked out carrying something far greater than certificates. They carried stories of sacrifice, resilience, hope, and renewed purpose.
Through the support of BCFI, PSFI, partner schools, barangays, and their families, the graduates now step forward not only as caregivers but as bearers of compassion, dignity, and new beginnings. When opportunity meets determination, lives are changed, families are uplifted, and communities are transformed.
