Sunday, August 10, 2008 Shell Foundation produces first grads By Grace L. Plata
SIXTY-four scholars from various parts of Mindanao celebrated their graduation in a plush ceremony sponsored by Pilipinas Shell at the Royal Mandaya Hotel Thursday.
The graduates of the first batch of scholars of the "Gas Mo, Bukas Ko" program of Shell in Mindanao were given the chance to take up basic skills courses such as automotive, computer programming or livelihood programs such as cosmetology and cellphone repair.
Shell Pilipinas Foundation Edgar Veron Crus said the scholars are those who work with Shell, usually forecourt attendants better known to the public as gasoline boys or girls.
"Kailangan nating tulungang bumuti ang buhay nung mga kasama natin sa negosyo (We need to help those who are with us in the industry)," Veron Cruz said.
Shell Pilipinas Chair Edgar Chua echoed this sentiment saying Shell should take care of its own.
"Yung mga may kakayahan ay dapat mabigyan ng oportunidad sa edukasyon or kasanayan (Those who are capable should be given opportunities in education and skills training)," Chua said.
He added that the performance of the 64 graduates in their chosen fields will pave the way for more such programs to be initiated by Shell in the Philippines.
