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.

After years of working abroad to provide for her family, Joan dela Cerna returned home with a renewed determination to build a future closer to her children. Through the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) supported by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), she is pursuing her dream of becoming a caregiver while balancing her roles as a mother, student, and breadwinner. Her story is a reminder that when people are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute, they can create meaningful change for themselves, their families, and their communities.

RESCUE in Action: Building Fire-Ready and Resilient Communities in Macabalan

Under its RESCUE (Response to Communities Under Emergencies) program, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation, conducted a two-day fire safety and emergency response training in Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City. In partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the local government unit, the initiative equipped community volunteers and residents with essential fire prevention and response skills, helping strengthen local preparedness and build more resilient communities.

Opening Doors to Opportunity: MGCCFI and PSFI Scholars Earn TESDA Customer Service Certification

Twenty-six scholars under the Manila Golf and Country Club Foundation, Inc. (MGCCFI) Technical Vocational Scholarship Program, implemented in partnership with Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), successfully earned their TESDA Customer Services NC II certification. Through months of online training, skills development, and perseverance, the scholars gained industry-recognized competencies that will help open doors to employment opportunities and a brighter future.

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: How Rowena Miranda is Inspiring the Next Generation of Indigenous Learners

From scholar to teacher, Rowena Miranda’s journey has come full circle. An Aeta educator from Marcos Village, Pampanga, she now dedicates her life to helping indigenous children take their first steps in education and believe in their own potential. Through her story, we are reminded that communities become stronger and more vibrant when every person is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute.

Shell–PhilDev Partnership Celebrated at PhilDev Gala: Advancing a Legacy of Filipino Excellence

Shell Companies in the Philippines and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) joined industry, academe, and innovation leaders at the 2026 PhilDev Annual Gala Fundraiser, celebrating the legacy of Filipino technology pioneer Dado Banatao. The event recognized Shell Pilipinas Corporation as a Corporate Honoree for its long-standing partnership with PhilDev and support for more than 200 scholars through the Shell–PhilDev Scholarship Program. The evening also highlighted the achievements of Shell–PhilDev alumni recognized among the Young Innovators of the Year, underscoring the impact of investing in education, innovation, and the next generation of Filipino changemakers.

REACH Brings Essential Healthcare Services Closer to Libjo Communities

Hundreds of residents in Barangay Libjo, Batangas City gained access to essential healthcare services through the REliable Access to Community Healthcare (REACH) initiative of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Shell Import Facility Tabangao (SHIFT). Through free medical consultations, dental services, medicines, and diagnostic support, the mission helped address immediate health needs while promoting preventive care and healthier communities. Supported by government agencies, healthcare institutions, and volunteers, the initiative highlights the power of partnerships in bringing quality healthcare closer to Filipino families.