By Jysel Ashley Ayop
XU College of Computer Studies seniors, Jysel Ashley Ayop (BSIS-4) and Fruee Jane Jaquilmac (BSIT-4), participate in the annual leadership camp for PhilDev Science Engineering scholars at the Shell Business Operations Manila and Eugenio Lopez Center, Antipolo City from 3-7 August 2025.
With the theme, “Shaping Young Minds Today, Powering Tomorrow”, Day 1 of the leadership camp kicked off with a series of talks first opening about Unlocking the Power of AI: Trends for Tomorrow’s Innovators. This was followed by an input of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to equip the scholars with skills on what it means to belong in an organization and build rapport among constituents.
Afterwards, an empower hour mentorship session was held where scholars consulted Shell Business Operations employees about career development and their experience in the workplace.
Fruee Jane Jaquilmac shares her insights from her mentors on staying curious and not being afraid to fail: “Mistakes are part of learning, and it’s okay to fail sometimes, as long as we keep trying and don’t give up,” states Jaquilmac. A talk about mental health and stress management was then conducted followed by a company tour.
On Day 2, PhilDev scholars spent the day with Shell sourcers, recruiters, and employees from Shell’s different offices. A talk about generating and distributing energy supply began as the opener for the day. Next, a career talk on job preparedness, as well as tips and tricks, was held. The day wrapped up with a resumé upskilling session and mock interviews in the afternoon.
Day 3 started off with another series of career talks with Shell Business Operations Manila Human Resources and Retail Territorial offices. In the afternoon, PhilDev scholars participated in the Shell Energy Challenge game where players simulated global energy trades, sales, and exchange.
“The Shell Energy Challenge was a tough case to crack,” expresses Jysel Ashley Ayop. “I needed to embody what it meant to lead and follow peers under time pressure, but that didn't stop me from completing the game with grit and determination,” remarks Ayop.
Lastly, Day 4 consisted of coffee chats, networking, and mentorship sessions with PhilDev scholars alumni and Shell Philippines employees. The program wrapped up with closing remarks from the PhilDev Foundation Executive Director, Frederick Blancas, followed by a fellowship night.
The day after camp proper, PhilDev scholars participated in a plant tour hosted by Analog Devices in General Trias, Cavite.
The Philippine Scholarship Summer Leadership Camp is an annual camp where PhilDev scholars hone their leadership, collaboration and knowledge. The event is a joint initiative between PhilDev and Shell Philippines.