Shell creates capacity-building programs for its scholars

MANILA, Philippines - Shell, together with its partners and Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), opens new doors to its forecourt staff and haulier dependents through the “Gas Mo Buhay Ko (GMBK)” and Driver Reward and Incentive (Drive) scholarship programs that have helped close to a thousand scholars since its inception in 2005.

Sixty-five scholars supported by 16 Shell retailers and three hauliers from the National Capital Region and Cavite recently completed and passed their training in the Automotive Mechanic, Electronics, Basic Computer, and Basic Bookkeeping courses. The scholars were part of the fifth batch of Shell’s “Gas Mo, Bukas Ko” (Your Gas, My Future) and Drive program. This batch of graduates was composed of 51 GMBK scholars from the National Capital Region, 11 from Cavite, and three Drive scholars.

The GMBK is Shell’s grassroots educational program that aims to improve the lives of underprivileged youth by offering them capacity-building programs that enhance their skills and employability, and improve their lives in the process.

Drive is a technical/vocational or livelihood scholarship program for qualified dependents of Class A drivers of contracted hauliers of Shell Supply and Distribution (S&D) Philippines. It is Shell’s own way of thanking its deserving PARDS (Propesyonal at Responsableng Driver ng Shell) for their excellent road safety and customer service performance.

“This program aims to give our drivers’ relatives an opportunity to enhance their capabilities, which will surely help them achieve a better future,” said S&D’s Christian Bendicion. “To the graduates, Shell congratulates and wishes you continued success and may the Drive program carry you through your endeavours and give you sustainable livelihood. Thank your driver sponsors for your support.” 

The GMBK and Drive scholarship programs are being implemented by Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), together with partner schools all over the country. Don Bosco Technical Institute and STI Cubao were the partner schools for this 5th batch of graduates.

“Out of the 743 scholars that PSFI has helped graduate since its inception in 2005, 36 percent have already been promoted in the stations where they are working,” said PSFI program development manager Jay Javier.

He added that from the pilot program and the current batch of scholars undergoing training, there are already 950 scholars who have benefitted from these programs. The current batch of graduates is among the 7,500 skilled scholars of PSFI since its inception in 1982.

The GMBK scholarship program was the brainchild of Shell retailers Desi Tomacruz and Ping Sotto who fielded three scholars in the pilot program in 2005. Since then, it has grown and has gone a long way in creating opportunities and alleviating the lives of Shell Retail’s forecourt crew. 

Recognizing the importance of the support of Shell retailers to the program, Shell Retail Philippines general manager Oying Yam expressed his gratitude to all dealers for supporting their respective crews, and lauded the scholars for their dedication to their work and finishing their studies.

“It is our way of giving back to those who help us grow our business. This graduation is just a beginning. We hope you see this as an opportunity to advance your careers, and that this is a step in realizing your dreams. I encourage you to pay it forward by extending a helping hand to other people who need your help.”

PSFI executive director Edgar Veron Cruz lauded the scholars for being able to keep up with their studies while working at the same time. “It’s not an easy task that you were able to balance your studies and work at the Shell station. You’re lucky that you have jobs and at the same time are given opportunities to make yourselves better by honing your skills and knowledge. What’s important is your performance in every endeavor and for you to keep your passion burning in everything you do.”

Speaking on behalf of his fellow retailers, Association of Pilipinas Shell Dealers, Inc. (APSDI) president Oyan Villanueva said, “Today, you were given a chance to advance yourselves. Seize this opportunity to become productive individuals and use what you learn to bring yourselves to a higher standard, manifesting the right attitude towards your work and your fellowmen. Be the best that you can be.”

In response, outstanding GMBK scholar Sheira Duenas delivered her inspirational message to her fellow graduates. “Being in a journey as a GMBK scholar, we get a better understanding of the meaning of the program, and we are proud to be part of it. This is an opportunity to become better people and shape a better future for ourselves and our families,” she said. “As we go on with our journey, let us all make our experience and knowledge be put to good use, and eventually lead us all to the realization of our goals.”