SHELL and the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev) recently conducted the third Shell-PhilDev Leadership Camp at the Shell Training Center in Pililla, Rizal.
In 2013 Shell established a scholarship program with PhilDev, a nonprofit organization that aims to create long-term economic growth in the Philippines through education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
As one of Shell’s innovative methods in espousing sustainable development in the country, the program has given Filipino youth an opportunity to pursue studies in science and engineering, providing them with the capacity to innovate and create technologies that can compete in the global markets and spur economic growth for the country.
Unlike other scholarships, the Shell-PhilDev partnership does not only focus on education, but on personal development, as well. The annual leadership camp serves as an avenue for the scholars to know themselves more, learn things outside the classroom and get together in camaraderie.
The scholars from Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao spanning batches 2014 to 2016 were welcomed with motivational words by PhilDev Executive Vice Chairman Jones Castro. He also expressed gratitude to Shell as PhilDev’s partner in promoting growth, and love of self, family, community and country.
“We admire Shell for its future energy visions, its drive in developing new energy sources and its resolve in addressing the energy challenge. For over a century of successful operations in the country, Shell has shown that it is not just growing its business to gain profits, but plays an active role in empowering its millions of beneficiaries and communities all over the country to become productive and sustainable,” Castro said.
Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. Executive Director Edgar Veron Cruz, meanwhile, gave an informative presentation about the organization, its programs and their respective beneficiaries. “At this stage, it’s important that you’re focused on your studies, not because of the scholarship alone, but because it’s all about your future,” he urged the participants.
The Shell scholars underwent the Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development workshop, which consists of three days of intensive and learning-packed sessions that seek to prepare them in dealing with challenges as they continue their journey to realize their dreams.