Stories of inspiration

Investing in Healthcare Providers, Strengthening the Nation: 513 Scholars Moving Forward Through MSP

March 26, 2026

In many parts of the Philippines, access to quality healthcare is still shaped by geography and income. For thousands of families, becoming a doctor, nurse, or caregiver is not just difficult. It is often out of reach.

The Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc., is changing that reality. By investing in future healthcare professionals, MSP is not only opening doors for scholars. It is helping build a stronger, more inclusive health system for the country.

Today, 513 scholars across the Philippines are pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, allied health, and caregiving. Each one carries both a personal dream and a shared responsibility to serve.

From Opportunity to Outcomes

Now on its third year, MSP has moved beyond providing access. It is delivering results.

In 2025 alone, the program supported 513 active scholars across 16 sites nationwide, translating investment into real, measurable impact:

99 scholars from the Technical-Vocational Caregiving (TVC) track successfully graduated
99% of caregiving scholars passed the TESDA certification assessment
20 out of 20 nursing graduates achieved a 100% passing rate in the November 2025 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE)
One scholar from West Visayas State University placed 5th in the 2025 PNLE

These milestones reflect more than academic success. They signal readiness. MSP scholars are entering the workforce equipped with the competence, discipline, and confidence needed in real-world healthcare settings.

Building a Strong Healthcare Pipeline

MSP strengthens the country’s healthcare workforce through two strategic tracks:

STEM and Health Courses (SHC)
Supporting future doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals across leading institutions such as the University of the Philippines Manila, Saint Louis University, Batangas State University, West Visayas State University, and Davao Medical School Foundation, among others.

Technical-Vocational Caregiving (TVC)
Equipping scholars with TESDA-accredited caregiving skills to meet both local and global demand for healthcare workers.

Beyond financial support, MSP invests in the whole person. Through mentoring, board review assistance, and the LEAD workshops, scholars develop not only technical expertise but also empathy, resilience, and leadership.

They graduate not just as professionals, but as individuals ready to serve communities with purpose.

From Foundation to Momentum

If 2024 focused on building the foundation of the program, 2025 marked a clear transition to impact. Graduates, board passers, and topnotchers now stand as proof that the model works.

Building on these results, MSP continues to grow. In 2026, the program is set to expand its reach by supporting more scholars in private Higher Education Institutions while strengthening partnerships with State Universities and Colleges.

This signals a shift from implementation to long-term sustainability.

Education That Multiplies Impact

At its core, MSP is about more than scholarships. It is about expanding opportunity and strengthening systems.

Each scholar supported represents a family uplifted.
Each graduate represents a community better served.
Each healthcare professional added to the workforce brings the country one step closer to accessible, quality healthcare for all.

Because when education is made accessible, it does not only change individual lives. It builds the foundation for a healthier, more resilient nation.

Once a PSFI scholar, Louise Victoria Zaide has come full circle as a Program Excellence Officer who helps preserve the lessons, stories, and knowledge behind the Foundation’s work. Through her quiet but meaningful contributions, she reminds us that lasting change is built not only in communities, but also through the people and systems that help every opportunity grow into greater impact.

The Opportunity That Changed Everything: How Cheilo Padilla Found Her Calling in Helping Others Thrive

From rebuilding her life as a single mother to helping scholars, entrepreneurs, and communities in Palawan pursue better futures, Cheilo Padilla’s journey reflects the transformative power of opportunity. As PSFI celebrates 44 years of service, her story reminds us that meaningful change touches not only the people we serve, but also those who dedicate themselves to making it possible.

EJ’s Calling to Serve: A Life Dedicated to Community Empowerment

Driven by a passion for working with communities, EJ San Jose finds purpose in helping families strengthen their livelihoods, improve food security, and recognize new possibilities for their future. Through every home visit, training session, and conversation, he builds the trust that turns opportunities into meaningful and lasting change. As PSFI celebrates its 44th anniversary, EJ’s story reflects how its mission continues to move forward through people who choose to listen, serve, and empower others.

Where Bayanihan Lives: Maezel Cardel and a Community That Chose Hope

As PSFI celebrates its 44th anniversary, Maezel Cardel’s journey reflects the spirit of “Driven by Purpose. Powered by People.” From earning the affectionate nickname “Mae-Shell” to inspiring communities to take ownership of change, her story shows how trust, collaboration, and bayanihan can transform a shared purpose into lasting impact.

Growing Food, Growing Futures: Roots to Shoots Pasacao 2.0 Helps Caregivers Build Healthier, More Resilient Families

Through the Roots to Shoots Pasacao 2.0 Program, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., with the support of Metrobank Foundation, Inc., is empowering child caregivers in Pasacao with practical skills in home gardening and financial management, helping families improve nutrition, strengthen livelihoods, and build more resilient communities.

Mula sa Maliit na Tindahan Patungo sa Mas Matatag na Kinabukasan: Ang Kwento ni Alma Cajan

Sa pamamagitan ng Roots to Shoots (RTS) Pasacao 2.0 Program, na ipinatutupad ng Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. sa suporta ng Metrobank Foundation, Inc., unti-unting nababago ang buhay ni Alma Cajan. Mula sa masustansyang pagkain para sa kanyang anak hanggang sa pagpapalago ng kanilang sari-sari store, ipinapakita ng kanyang kuwento kung paano ang kaalaman at oportunidad ay maaaring magbukas ng daan tungo sa mas matatag na kinabukasan.