Stories of inspiration

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Advancing Health for All

For 43 years, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) has been committed to transforming lives. “Vida,” meaning Life in Chavacano, captures our promise to protect, nurture, and uplift communities through holistic and inclusive programs that reach across the country.

From health and education to the environment and livelihoods, PSFI has helped communities grow stronger by safeguarding lives, opening doors to opportunities, and creating pathways toward lasting progress. As we mark this milestone, we honor not only the stories of change but also the collective journey we share with the people we serve.

Our HIV Response: A Lifeline of Hope

This commitment to life and health took root in 2009 with the Philippine Business Sector Response to HIV/AIDS (PBSR), a pioneering initiative that mobilized the private sector to confront the epidemic with compassion and urgency. From its earliest days, PBSR embraced a holistic approach—delivering treatment and preventive commodities while also providing essential services that empower individuals and communities to live healthy, dignified lives.

Because of PBSR’s strong performance, PSFI was entrusted in 2021 by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to serve as the Principal Recipient of the national HIV/AIDS response. This gave rise to PROTECTS, and after its successful run, PSFI was again awarded PROTECTS UPSCALE—a renewed three-year mandate that expands and strengthens the program’s impact nationwide. Set to continue until 2026, this initiative underscores PSFI’s effectiveness and unwavering commitment.

PSFI’s HIV response is more than a program. It is a lifeline that reaches across regions, communities, and workplaces through inclusive, timely, and holistic interventions.

  • Zamboanga – Advancing human rights through legal literacy initiatives and case management under the CARE Program.

  • Palawan – Supporting outreach and establishing the first community center offering HIV services outside a hospital setting.

  • Batangas – Strengthening local responses through ugnayans, active participation in the Local AIDS Council, policy development, budget allocations, and partnerships with groups like Wagayway to reach key populations.

Beyond core services, PSFI fosters inclusive workplace policies, expands knowledge through HIV 101, and creates new pathways to care in cities, schools, and companies. From service delivery and human rights to community leadership, our work goes beyond health—it safeguards life.

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As of 2025, more than 2,000 individuals have been reached, with measurable gains in nutrition recovery, farmer training, enterprise development, and the construction of a community-managed water system.

Now in its second year, Roots to Shoots continues to demonstrate that healthier children thrive when households are economically stable and communities are supported by strong, sustainable systems.

Turning Milestones into Momentum: Celebrating Progress in Pasacao

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Never Missing a Day: How Christopher Turned Opportunity into Skills

Christopher Alcantara, a father from La Union, took a leap of faith when he applied as a SKIL scholar in Automotive Servicing NC I. From driving a tricycle and doing farm work, he committed himself fully to learning new skills that could lead to stable employment. Through hands-on training, leadership development, and on-the-job experience, Christopher’s journey shows how dedication to learning can open doors to a more secure future for families.

A Legacy in Motion: Honoring Dado Banatao Through the Futures He Helped Build

Forty days after the passing of Dado Banatao, his legacy continues through the lives shaped by the Shell–PhilDev Scholarship Program. Implemented by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. in partnership with PhilDev, the program has supported 215 Filipino STEM scholars since 2013, building pathways from education to leadership and service.