Stories of inspiration

43 Years of Transforming Lives: PSFI Stands with Communities in Crisis

For 43 years, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) has been more than a partner in progress. It has been a steady hand in times of crisis. This August, we honor the Natibker spirit of the communities we serve. In Ilocano, Natibker means strong, unyielding, and steadfast in the face of challenges. It is the spirit that fuels resilience and recovery, and the partnerships that make them possible.

In July 2025, Typhoon Emong tore through La Union, leaving over 71,000 families reeling. Floodwaters swallowed homes, power lines collapsed, and more than PHP 1 billion in agriculture and infrastructure was lost. For many, the nights were long, dark, and uncertain.

PSFI, together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation, and local barangay leaders, acted without hesitation. From July 25 to August 1, we reached 202 displaced families in Barangays Poro, San Agustin, Canaoay, and Catbangen, bringing more than just supplies, but hope.

We provided:

  • Supplementary meals for over 1,000 evacuees in three shelters
  • Gallons of safe drinking water in containers
  • Basic hygiene kits to protect health in overcrowded spaces

Our teams braved flooded roads and long queues to secure provisions. In the shelters, we listened to urgent needs such as sleeping mats and high calcium milk for elderly evacuees and blankets for families sleeping on bare floors, and responded the same day.

During that time, Shell Poro Terminal opened its remaining power supply to the community, allowing families to charge their phones, reach loved ones from afar, and stay informed with vital emergency updates.

On July 31,  230 cleaning packs and 230 gallons of mineral water were distributed to evacuation sites and the Shell Poro Terminal. Even Shell staff and security guards impacted by the storm received rice and water to support their recovery.

This is the heart of PSFI’s mission: no community left behind. We work shoulder to shoulder with local leaders and volunteers, turning compassion into action, and action into lasting hope.

As we celebrate 43 years, we carry forward the same commitment that has guided us since day one, to stand with the Filipino people in every challenge, every rebuilding, and every triumph. This is what it means to be Natibker.

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Empowering First Responders: PSFI’s RESCUE Program Trains 73 Batangas Volunteers in Life-Saving Skills

To strengthen community resilience in times of crisis, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. trained 73 volunteers from TALIM communities in Batangas through its Response to Community Under Emergency (RESCUE) Program. The Basic Life Support and First Aid Training equipped participants with practical life-saving skills such as bandaging, splinting, and rescue transfer methods. Since 2001, the RESCUE Program has empowered over 9,600 individuals in Batangas to serve as local first responders, reinforcing PSFI’s mission of sama-samang pagtulong, sabay-sabay na pagsulong toward safer, more prepared communities.

Bacolod Social Development Program Marks Milestone in Skills, Enterprise, and Community Empowerment

The Bacolod City Social Development Program, in partnership with Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC) and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), celebrated its 2025 Culmination Day, honoring the achievements of SKIL scholars, Shell LiveWIRE entrepreneurs, and local partners who continue to drive community empowerment. The event highlighted shared milestones in skills development, enterprise growth, and fire safety training—reinforcing Shell and PSFI’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities across Bacolod.

Full Circle of Empowerment: From Shell Employee to Community Creator

From cashier to creator, Mary Jane “MJ” Cueto built Artita.DIY from a simple love for personalized keepsakes into a community-minded printing business. Guided by lessons from her years with Shell and training from PSFI’s Shell LiveWIRE, MJ now turns creativity into livelihood while sharing skills with others. Her story shows how empowerment grows when learning is passed on and opportunities are created close to home.

Calapan Community Celebrates Growth and Resilience with PSFI’s Culmination Day

With the support of Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) marked its 2025 Culmination Day in Calapan City, celebrating local enterprises, advocates, and partners driving community empowerment. The event showcased inspiring stories of entrepreneurship through Shell LiveWIRE, road and community safety through BiyaHero and RESCUE, and sustainability through mangrove planting and coastal cleanup activities.

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Building Roots, Not Just Roads: PSFI and TBDI Forge Partnership for Aeta Community in Sacobia

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With TBDI’s ₱3-million support, PSFI is building not just infrastructure but lasting roots of resilience through feeding programs, solar home kits, agricultural training, and community-based food hubs.

Jomel’s Journey to Heal and Serve through the Medical Scholarship Program

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