University of Philippines Manila

UPM, Bloomberry, Pilipinas Shell Formalize Alliance to Advance Medical Education Through New Scholarship Program 

Text by Brian Floyd Andrewmer B. Albitos
Photo by Joseph A. Bautista

From left: Dr. Charlotte M. Chiong, Dean of UP College of Medicine; Dr. Generoso T. Abes, President of UP Medical Alumni Foundation Inc.; Dr. Enrique T. Ona, Chairman of UP Medical Alumni Foundation Inc.; Dr. Johanna Patricia A. Cañal, UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance; Ms. Filipina C. Laurena, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. Executive Director; Mr. Sherwin Yap, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. Program Director; and Ms. Kathleen V. Ringor, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. Program Manager. 

In a collaborative effort toward advancing medical education and supporting future healthcare leaders, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), University of the Philippines Manila (UPM), and UP Medical Alumni Foundation, Inc. (UPMAFI) came together for the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) launching the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) on June 18, 2024 at the Henry Sy Sr. Medical Sciences Building, UP College of Medicine (UPCM). 

BFCI, the corporate social responsibility arm of Solaire Resorts and Casino, together with its implementing partner PSFI, the social arm of Shell Pilipinas Corporation, promises to offer comprehensive support through the nationwide MSP. This initiative aims to assist academically outstanding but economically disadvantaged students pursuing studies in medicine, allied health, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as technical-vocational courses, particularly caregiving. 

Ms. Filipina Laurena, BFCI Executive Director, expressed her gratitude to the program partners and emphasized their shared commitment toward high-quality education and community development. “We are really very happy na we have come [into] this project, and I’m hoping na talaga by 5 years, pag naging successful, tuloy-tuloy [ang scholarship program],” she stated.

“Many aspiring scholars have been forced to put their dreams on hold or abandon their pursuit of higher education due to financial constraints. Recognizing these challenges gives MSP even greater significance,” PSFI Program Director Mr. Sherwin Yap said, acknowledging the struggles many students face amidst these unprecedented times and reaffirming the foundation’s dedication to supporting education and healthcare initiatives. 

(From left): Ms. Filipina Laurena, Executive Director of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc.; and Mr. Sherwin Yap, Program Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., express their gratitude to the program partners. 

“This partnership signifies not just collaboration but a union of shared values, aspirations, and a commitment to bringing excellent education,” he said. 

In expressing her gratitude, UPM Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Johanna Patricia A. Cañal shed light on the significance of collaborative agreement which seeks to nurture medical experts. “We are very, very happy that this is happening, that the recognition that these scholarships, these grants, may spell the difference between a student stopping school and being able to finish their 4- or 5-year course. So, it’s by no means a small thing,” she said. 

UPCM Dean Charlotte M. Chiong strongly reiterated the university’s dedication to empowering students as future nation builders. “I am really happy that we have been able to ingrain on them the values, the ethos, of honor, of excellence, and of service, especially to the underserved,” she said.

Dr. Enrique T. Ona, Chairman of UPMAFI, concluded the event by acknowledging the collective accomplishments of the signatories in advancing medical education. “Scholarships like this bestowed by the BFCI and PFSI serve as a vital lifeline in addressing the impending shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and nurses in the coming decades as we progress to a sustained universal healthcare journey,” he asserted. 

UPM is among the 15 partner state schools, colleges, and universities of BFCI and PSFI nationwide. These partner universities were chosen following a standard selection process, including the institution’s performance in licensure examinations, courses offered, school accreditation, and existing partnerships. “Amongst the ones on the top of the list na dapat makuha namin right from the start was also UP Manila,” said Ms. Kathleen V. Ringor, Program Manager of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., in a separate interview. 

Present also during the event were Dr. Liza Antoinette Gonzales, UPMAFI Scholarship Head; Odessa N. Joson, UPM Director for Office of Student Affairs; Elena Venturina, UP Manila Scholarship Coordinator; Joe-Marck A. Bauzon, PSFI Program Manager; Martin Joel II D. Barrameda and Ma. Angelica Aquino, BFCI Project Officers; and Jo-Asia Gabrielle Laurena, BFCI Administrative Assistant.