Stories of inspiration

PSFI Gathers Scholars for Transformative LEAD Workshop

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, recently held the LEAD Workshop, a leadership and personal development training for its scholars. The event brought together 79 students from five partner schools under three of PSFI’s flagship programs: the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP), Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL), and Science and Technology Education Program (STEP).

LEAD, which stands for Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development, was designed as a collaborative effort between PSFI’s Education and Downstream programs. With support from Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, the workshop aimed to nurture the leadership potential of scholars across nursing, allied health, and STEM fields. It also fostered cross-disciplinary learning and strengthened the scholars’ commitment to service, collaboration, and ethical leadership.

Held in a dynamic and supportive environment, the workshop featured interactive sessions on servant leadership, team building, values-based decision-making, and self-discovery. The activities encouraged scholars to reflect on their personal journeys, embrace their role as future changemakers, and build lasting connections with peers from different disciplines.

Adding to the momentum were the scholarship heads and representatives from PSFI’s academic partner institutions who joined the workshop. Their presence reinforced the importance of collaborative education and mentorship. A special message from Dr. Florentino Afable, Chancellor of LPU St. Cabrini, inspired participants to pursue their paths with compassion and courage. He also shared his enthusiasm for potential medical missions led by MSP scholars, a vision closely aligned with PSFI’s goal of community-focused development.

PSFI Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones, Jr. also joined the scholars virtually to formally close the event and reinforce PSFI’s continued support for youth leadership and growth.

The LEAD Workshop was more than a training. It was a celebration of youth leadership, collaboration, and shared purpose. It reflected PSFI’s ongoing commitment to building the next generation of leaders and professionals who are not only competent but also compassionate and community-driven.

Through the continued support of partners like Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, PSFI remains steadfast in its mission to create meaningful opportunities for Filipino youth and empower them to lead with purpose.

Related stories:

A Dream Finally Flows: Safe Water Reaches Sitio Kaging

A long-held dream has become a reality for families in Sitio Kaging, Bamban, Tarlac, as a new community water system brings safe and reliable water to 36 families, benefiting more than 120 individuals. The milestone was achieved through the Roots to Shoots Light Program and the collective efforts of the community and its partners.

A Mother Begins Again: Jocelyn Returns to School at 50

At 50, solo mother of six Jocelyn Enfermo returned to school through the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) and completed her caregiving training. With new skills and renewed hope, she is ready to begin again and build a more secure future for her children.

The Bridge to What’s Possible: Mich’s Journey of Believing in People

Five years into her journey with PSFI, Michelle Jeanne “Mich” Calica has learned that meaningful development begins with believing in people. As Program Coordinator for Roots to Shoots/Nutrition, she helps connect communities to opportunities that strengthen nutrition, livelihoods, and resilience, while recognizing that the potential to create lasting change ultimately belongs to the people themselves.

Bloomberry Cultural Foundation and Pilipinas Shell Foundation celebrate 100 caregiver graduates, with 99 earning NC II certification

One hundred caregiver scholars celebrated a major milestone as 99 earned their Caregiving NC II certification through the Medical Scholarship Program–Technical Vocational Course. Supported by BCFI and implemented by PSFI, the program equips aspiring caregivers with technical skills, professional readiness, and values grounded in compassion, integrity, and service.