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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Roots to Shoots SACOBIA: Growing Food, Growing Futures in Bamban

With support from Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) is helping communities in Bamban, Tarlac grow more than vegetables through the Roots to Shoots SACOBIA Program by cultivating food security, healthier lifestyles, and hands-on learning through school gardens.

PSFI and SPC Support Brigada Eskwela Through Bayanihan Bulilit in Pasacao

Through the Bayanihan Bulilit initiative, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), and volunteers from the Shell Pasacao Terminal joined community partners to prepare Child Development Centers in Pasacao, Camarines Sur for the new school year. The collective effort provided learning materials, improved classroom facilities, and created better learning environments for 243 young learners.

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: When Representation Opens Doors and Saves Lives

This Pride Month, PSFI celebrates Basha Cancillar, a community leader whose journey from a young volunteer to an HIV advocate is helping create safer, more inclusive spaces for people affected by and living with HIV. Through PROTECTS UPSCALE and partnerships with community organizations, Basha champions representation, dignity, and access to healthcare, proving that when people are seen, heard, and empowered, lives can be transformed.

More Than a Reunion: Celebrating Four Decades of the SKIL Legacy

More than four decades after receiving the opportunity to build their futures through the SKIL Program, alumni from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao came together to celebrate a legacy of transformation, achievement, and service. Their stories stand as a testament to the enduring power of education, skills development, and the belief that true success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by how we help others succeed.

Project PASA Strengthens Sustainability and Community Impact Through MOA Signing

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), Shell Business Operations Manila, and Shell Pilipinas Corporation formalized their partnership for Project PASA (Passing Along Sustainably used Assets), an initiative that gives used furniture, mobile devices, and equipment a second life. Through the partnership, pre-loved assets are redirected to underserved communities, advancing sustainability, circularity, and social impact by ensuring valuable resources continue creating opportunities where they are needed most.

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: How Joan dela Cerna is Building a Future Rooted in Care

After years of working abroad to provide for her family, Joan dela Cerna returned home with a renewed determination to build a future closer to her children. Through the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) supported by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), she is pursuing her dream of becoming a caregiver while balancing her roles as a mother, student, and breadwinner. Her story is a reminder that when people are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute, they can create meaningful change for themselves, their families, and their communities.