Stories of inspiration

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

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.

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.