Stories of inspiration

Honoring Dreams and Dedication: STEP and STLC Scholars Graduate in Batangas

Batangas City, August 7, 2025 – Pride and joy filled the halls of Batangas State University as 63 young scholars marched across the stage, a moment that marked years of sacrifice, resilience, and hope. Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation and the Shell Import Facility Tabangao, celebrated the graduation of students from the Science and Technology Education Program (STEP) and the Shell Tabangao Ladies’ Circle (STLC) Scholarship Program.

Building the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

Under STEP, 50 college scholars from Batangas State University and Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas completed their academic journey. The program focuses on empowering young people from TALIM barangays in Batangas City to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By easing financial burdens and offering mentorship, STEP helps nurture future scientists, engineers, and innovators who will contribute to national development.

Opening Door to Senior High School Scholars

The ceremony also honored 13 senior high school graduates from the STLC Scholarship Program. Implemented by PSFI with the support of Shell Pilipinas Corporation and the Shell Import Facility Tabangao, the initiative provides STEM-track students from TALIM barangays (Tabangao, Ambulong, Libjo, Malitam, San Isidro) with the support they need to pursue higher education. More than financial assistance, the program encourages scholars to dream bigger and build stronger futures for themselves and their communities.

Beyond Academics: Shaping Character and Confidence

Both STEP and STLC scholars took part in leadership and personal development workshops designed to strengthen their character, values, and resilience.

  • Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development (LEAD) Workshop – Held for 44 STEP scholars from Batangas State University and Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas in June 2024, with the rest joining in June 2025 alongside Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) scholars. This psycho-social seminar-workshop promotes good conduct, positive outlook, and deeper self-discovery through life experiences and relationships.
  • SYNC Workshop – A one-day session for STLC scholars in 2025, built on the foundations of LEAD. SYNC, which stands for Self, Your Network, and Commitment, guided participants in deepening self-awareness, cultivating meaningful connections, and aligning values with commitments that create lasting impact. Scholar Lance Mendoza reflected: “I’ve learned that to achieve our goals, we must embrace growth and always choose to thrive.”

     

From Campus to Career: Mentorship with Shell

To prepare STEP scholars for life after graduation, PSFI partnered with Shell Shared Business Operations HR and PSFI HR Director Jeremae De Guzman for the STEP Mentoring Session 4.0: From Campus to Career on April 26, 2025, at Batangas State University.

The session featured plenary talks on career insights, job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and stress management. Scholars also joined mock job interview simulations and five focus group discussion stations, receiving tailored advice from HR professionals.

STEP scholar Regiena Mae Caballes shared how the mentoring shaped her mindset: “Do not undervalue and do not overpromise” and “To know yourself more is to sell yourself more” were valuable lessons that made me feel more confident and less stressed about entering the workforce.”

Stories of Growth and Transformation

For Maricar M. Carmona of Tabangao Ambulong Bulihan, the STLC scholarship was life-changing.
 “When I entered this program, I didn’t just gain a scholarship, I gained belief in myself. Shell helped me realize that education should not stop at simply attending classes. It should be connected to a dream, to a goal we want to achieve. You gave us more than financial help. You gave us care, time, and unconditional support.”

Evan Kline Mores, a STEP scholar from Barangay Malitam, shared how the program shaped him beyond academics.
 “Ang pagiging STEP scholar ay hindi lang tungkol sa financial support. Ito po ay naging journey ng personal at emotional growth. If we fall 10 times, we stand up 11 times. Huwag susuko.” He also encouraged younger scholars to embrace challenges, build friendships, and always choose kindness.

A Celebration of Families, Communities, and Commitment to the Youth

The graduation was more than a recognition of academic success. It was a tribute to families who stood by their children, to mentors who guided them, and to communities that believed in them. For many scholars, it was a historic milestone, as some are the first in their families to earn a diploma or pursue higher education in STEM.

PSFI, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, and the Shell Import Facility Tabangao reaffirmed their mission to create pathways for education and opportunity. These graduates now carry with them the tools to shape industries, uplift communities, and inspire others to follow. For over four decades, PSFI has invested in education as a cornerstone of nation-building—proving that with the right support, dreams turn into futures, and futures transform entire communities.

Related stories:

Roots to Shoots Empowers 37 Mothers and Caregivers Through Home Gardening Training in Sacobia

The Roots to Shoots (RTS) program trained 37 mothers, caregivers, and pregnant women in Sacobia in practical home gardening to support nutrition and food security. Through hands-on sessions and starter kits, participants learned how to grow their own vegetables using organic and climate-responsive techniques. The initiative empowers families to improve their diets while building resilience at the household level.

Chasing Zero: How PSFI and Partners are Turning the Tide Against Malaria

As the Philippines moves closer to eliminating malaria, a focused push in Palawan is driving the country’s final mile toward zero cases. Through the Global Fund Movement Against Malaria program, implemented by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) with national and local partners, significant gains have been achieved, including a 78% drop in indigenous cases in 2025 and zero reported deaths.

With 74 out of 82 provinces now malaria free, efforts are concentrated on reaching remote and underserved communities through targeted testing, treatment, and prevention strategies. Backed by strong partnerships and community driven approaches, the country is on track to achieve zero malaria in Palawan by 2026 and nationwide elimination by 2030.

BiyaHERO: PSFI Strengthens Road Safety Awareness Among Young Learners in Cagayan de Oro

PSFI, together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation and the Roads and Traffic Administration, strengthened road safety awareness among young learners in Cagayan de Oro through its BiyaHERO program. Through hands-on simulations and real-world learning tools, 64 students and teachers gained practical skills to navigate roads safely, reinforcing the importance of early education in building safer communities.

Strengthening Foundations Through Partnership: PSFI at the STEM Kapihan Panel

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) joined industry and education leaders at the STEM Kapihan Panel to address urgent challenges in the Philippine education system. Highlighting the need to strengthen foundational learning, Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones Jr. emphasized the role of industry as a co-educator in shaping more relevant and effective learning experiences. Read the full story to learn how partnerships can help strengthen both learners and teachers.