Stories of inspiration

John Carlo’s First Mission: A Scholar’s Way of Giving Back

John Carlo Alvarez, a fourth-year Instrumentation and Control Technology student and a proud scholar under the Science and Technology Education Program (STEP), recently found a meaningful way to give back by volunteering at the REACH medical mission held on May 31 in Barangay Libjo, Batangas.

The mission provided free medical and dental consultations, fasting blood sugar (FBS) testing, and essential medicines to 278 residents. Now in its third year, the REACH initiative continues to bring accessible healthcare to communities through collaboration among volunteers, local government units, healthcare workers, and partner organizations.

For John Carlo, volunteering was more than just lending a hand. It was a heartfelt return to the community that shaped him.

Having grown up in Libjo, he understands how vital access to healthcare is for families like his. As a STEP scholar supported by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), he receives a monthly allowance and regular mentoring to help him grow both academically and personally. Taking part in the medical mission became his way of giving thanks for the support he continues to receive and honoring the people who have guided his journey.

REACH, short for Reliable Access to Community Healthcare, is a PSFI initiative supported by Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC). It brings essential medical services closer to communities in Batangas City, particularly those within the Shell Import Facility Tabangao (SHIFT) host and fenceline areas, through the power of volunteerism and partnerships.

As a first-time volunteer, John Carlo assisted in setting up the venue, carrying tables, chairs, and medical kits, and distributing meal packs to fellow volunteers.

“Taga-rito rin po ako kaya gusto kong makatulong sa aking hometown,” he shared.

Despite the early morning call time and the physically demanding tasks, John Carlo felt nothing but fulfillment. He saw how his small efforts contributed to something greater, bringing care and hope to those around him. The experience sparked a deeper desire to continue serving.

“Definitely, I’ll volunteer again,” he said with a smile.

For John Carlo, this is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of service. He realized that when you give from the heart, you don’t just make a difference—you also grow in ways you never imagined.

Click to see how compassion and collaboration brought healthcare closer to home through the REACH medical and dental mission!

Related stories:

Growing Health, Growing Hope: Roots to Shoots Deepens Impact in Aeta Communities

Since 2023, the Roots to Shoots Program has strengthened Aeta communities in Bamban, Tarlac and Mabalacat City, Pampanga through integrated support in child nutrition, food security, livelihood development, and water access.

As of 2025, more than 2,000 individuals have been reached, with measurable gains in nutrition recovery, farmer training, enterprise development, and the construction of a community-managed water system.

Now in its second year, Roots to Shoots continues to demonstrate that healthier children thrive when households are economically stable and communities are supported by strong, sustainable systems.

Turning Milestones into Momentum: Celebrating Progress in Pasacao

Communities in Pasacao, Camarines Sur came together to celebrate a year of shared progress under the Pasacao Social Development Program. From skills training and enterprise support to road safety and emergency preparedness, Culmination Day 2025 highlighted how partnerships translated into real opportunities, safer environments, and stronger local communities.

Never Missing a Day: How Christopher Turned Opportunity into Skills

Christopher Alcantara, a father from La Union, took a leap of faith when he applied as a SKIL scholar in Automotive Servicing NC I. From driving a tricycle and doing farm work, he committed himself fully to learning new skills that could lead to stable employment. Through hands-on training, leadership development, and on-the-job experience, Christopher’s journey shows how dedication to learning can open doors to a more secure future for families.

A Legacy in Motion: Honoring Dado Banatao Through the Futures He Helped Build

Forty days after the passing of Dado Banatao, his legacy continues through the lives shaped by the Shell–PhilDev Scholarship Program. Implemented by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. in partnership with PhilDev, the program has supported 215 Filipino STEM scholars since 2013, building pathways from education to leadership and service.