Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (Pilipinas Shell), through its social arm Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc (PSFI), held a virtual summer youth Coaching and Mentoring Platform (CAMP) for its 78 scholars from the nine partner-schools.
“Programs such as the e-CAMP supplement youth learning through motivational modules on leadership and life skills to help these young minds come forward with new and innovative solutions and help reshape the economy moving forward,” said PSFI Program Director and CAMP Manager TJ Laurel.
“As the economy recovers from the pandemic, we hope to build back better through innovative solutions that address current and future real-life problems, especially on the sustainable use of resources such as energy, water and food,” added Pilipinas Shell Country Social Performance and Social Investment Manager Sankie Simbulan.
The e-CAMP was done in partnership with Philippine S&T Development Foundation-Manila Inc. (PhilDev) as well as the following schools: Batangas State University, De La Salle University-Manila, University of the Philippines (Diliman and Los Baños campuses), University of Santo Tomas, Mapúa University Manila, University of San Carlos Cebu, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and Mindanao State University.
Since 2013, Pilipinas Shell and PhilDev have been supporting bright, underprivileged youth pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) courses by helping fund their tuition and having them undergo regular intensive upskilling programs.
Simbulan said Pilipinas Shell helps the youth develop STEM habits of mind such as systems thinking and scenario planning as well as character-building and leadership skills to prepare them to become the country’s next-generation leaders in fields like engineering and energy.
The STEM approach to education motivates young people to explore and experience subject lessons with a focus on practice and innovation, equipping them to respond to real-world challenges.
Simbulan said there is a demand for STEM graduates in the fields of environmental engineering, data science, biotechnology, computer network architecture, and energy systems engineering.
Pilipinas Shell Managers and PhilDev Alumni based locally and abroad handled the online mentoring sessions.
Paulo Barredo, Shell Integrated Gas, Projects and New Energies Planning and Performance Manager, spoke on “Delegating Responsibilities,” sharing that the concept goes beyond sharing tasks and distributing workload.
“The idea is to give someone the opportunity to grow and develop by empowering them to use their skills, strengths and experiences while providing guidance as they work on additional activities or stretch assignments,” Barredo said.
PhilDev scholar Leo Marcelo Villalba, who is currently based in London, inspired the participants by sharing how his experience in leading a team in an energy company elevated his professional growth. He is currently taking up a joint Master’s Degree in Sustainable Transportation and Electrical Power Systems under the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Program at the University of Nottingham.
Pilipinas Shell Human Resources Advisor Brent Ordillano shared insights on how “Preparing for the World of Work” can be daunting for students and young adults who are landing their first real job.
“To be successful, one must take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way; establish a portfolio, gain real experience, learn how things are done properly, and then execute every task given,” Ordillano said.