Stories of inspiration

PSFI Recognizes Batch 5 Graduates of the Basic Entrepreneurship Program for Shell Scholars

February 9, 2026

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) recognized the graduates of Batch 5 of the Basic Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) during a hybrid Recognition Day Ceremony held on January 27, 2026, at the Energy Hub, Level 40 of The Finance Center in Bonifacio Global City, with scholars and partners also joining online via Zoom.

The ceremony marked an important milestone for 36 Shell scholars who successfully completed the program, reflecting PSFI’s continued commitment to equipping learners with practical skills that support livelihood development and long-term economic resilience.

Expanding Access to Education Through Shell Unlad sa Pasada

The Basic Entrepreneurship Program is offered under Shell Unlad sa Pasada (USP), an educational initiative of Shell Go+ Pro that aims to expand access to free, quality education for Shell Go+ Pro members and their dependents. Through USP, learners are supported in building skills that can open livelihood opportunities and contribute to sustained improvements in their quality of life.

PSFI implements Shell Unlad sa Pasada on behalf of Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC) Mobility, working with education and development partners to deliver courses aligned with real-world employment and enterprise needs.

Building Foundations for Small and Micro-Enterprise

As one of the courses under USP, the Basic Entrepreneurship Program is implemented by PSFI in partnership with St. Mutien College and the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF). Now on its fifth batch, the program is designed to equip scholars with foundational knowledge and skills needed to plan, organize, and establish small or micro-enterprises.

Throughout the course, scholars are introduced to core entrepreneurship concepts, guided in developing detailed business plans, and encouraged to explore how these plans can be translated into viable livelihood initiatives.

Recognizing Scholar Achievement

Batch 5 of the Basic Entrepreneurship Program is composed of 36 scholars, including 34 Shell Unlad sa Pasada scholars and two GMBK scholars. Participants completed the program through online sessions conducted from June to December 2026, fulfilling course requirements aligned with the program’s learning objectives.

The awarding of certificates during the Recognition Day highlighted not only the scholars’ dedication and perseverance, but also the collective effort of partners in delivering accessible, relevant, and outcomes-driven education.

Strengthening Pathways to Livelihood and Self-Reliance

The BEP Recognition Day underscored the value of cross-sector collaboration in supporting scholars’ journeys from education to enterprise readiness. Through Shell Unlad sa Pasada and its partner institutions, PSFI continues to advance programs that enable learners to build practical skills, explore entrepreneurial pathways, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

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.

Communities United for Progress at the 2025 La Union Culmination Day

Stakeholders from local government, communities, and partner institutions gathered in La Union for the 2025 Culmination Day of the La Union Social Development Program, marking a year of shared efforts led by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and Shell Pilipinas Corporation. The event celebrated milestones in disaster preparedness, road safety, skills training, enterprise development, and community support.

From Prison Walls to Purpose: The Redemption Story Behind Meek Laskati

Von Ryan Benedicto, founder of Meek Laskati Spice Vinegar, shares how he rebuilt his life after incarceration. Raised in Iloilo and once led astray by addiction, Von found renewal through faith, humility, and a determination to start again. Through perseverance, community support, and his participation in Shell LiveWire, he transformed a small, homegrown idea into a purpose-driven livelihood, proving that second chances can lead to meaningful and sustainable new beginnings.

IIonggo Spirit of Progress Shines as PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation Celebrate 2025 Program Achievements

The Ilonggo spirit of progress was celebrated as Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and Shell Pilipinas Corporation marked the culmination of their 2025 programs in Iloilo City. Held on November 12 at Go Hotels Iloilo, the Culmination Day brought together scholars, entrepreneurs, partners, and local leaders to honor shared achievements in skills training, enterprise development, community preparedness, and environmental action.

From recognizing SKIL scholars completing technical training to supporting local enterprises through the Shell LiveWIRE Program, the event highlighted how collaborative efforts continue to open opportunities and strengthen communities across Western Visayas.

Carrying Love Forward: Rosie Sumile’s Journey to Caregiving

Rosie Sumile, 56, completes her caregiving journey as a scholar of PSFI’s Technical-Vocational Caregiving Scholarship Program, implemented with the support of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. Her story is rooted in a bond that shaped her calling. When Tita Flor Bautista fell ill, Rosie cared for her despite having no formal background in caregiving. That experience, and the support of Tita Flor’s children, inspired Rosie to return to school and finish what she started. She graduates not only with new skills, but with a renewed purpose to serve. Carrying love forward, Rosie honors the woman who believed in her, one patient at a time.