Stories of inspiration

Pagbabago ng Agos ng Buhay ni Christian: How the SKIL Program Shaped His Future

At 31 years old, Christian, a fisherman from Malitam, Batangas City, is charting a new course for his family’s future. A devoted father of two, an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old, he is currently undergoing training in Automotive Servicing through the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) program.

Christian’s journey has not been easy. At just 12 years old, he was forced to leave school when his parents could no longer afford to support his education. Since then, he has relied on fishing to provide for his family, often renting a boat just to make a modest catch. Weather conditions also make this livelihood unpredictable, with many days spent at sea yielding little to no income.

Together with his wife, Christian is also trying to build a small sari-sari store as an extra source of income during days when the sea does not provide.

Everything changed when he heard about the SKIL scholarship in his barangay, an initiative of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) with support from Shell Pilipinas Corporation and Shell Import Facility Tabangao. The program offers free TESDA-accredited training to fishermen and other community members, giving them the chance to learn new skills and open new doors.

Christian didn’t hesitate.
“Kahit ano, susubukan ko dahil para po ito sa mga anak ko,” he shared.

For Christian, fishing has always been a gamble. Some days are fruitful, others not. This training, he says, is his way of upskilling and finding more stable and sustainable means to support his family.

“Ang mga pangarap na hindi natupad ng magulang ko, ako na ang magsusulong,” he added.

Although he had to stop schooling early, Christian was able to complete high school through alternative means. This qualified him for the SKIL program and opened the door to new opportunities.

Excitedly, Christian shared that once he completes the SKIL program and passes the NC I exam, he dreams of pursuing Automotive Servicing NC II to further improve his skills. And it’s not just a dream. Christian backs it up with consistent action. Based on monitoring reports, he is one of the most dedicated scholars in the program. He has never missed a session, is always among the first to arrive, and consistently performs well in training.

His eagerness to continue learning is a testament to the impact of programs like SKIL. These initiatives do not only provide opportunities but also ignite drive and motivation in scholars.

He extends his heartfelt thanks to PSFI, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, and Shell Import Facility Tabangao for giving him the opportunity to dream again and to drive his family toward a brighter future.

Read more about the SKIL program in Batangas:

Tuloy ang Pagsulong: SKIL Scholars ng Batangas

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43 Years of Transforming Lives: Honoring Bravery in the Fight Against Malaria

In 1999, Palawan faced one of its deadliest threats: malaria. What began as the Kilusan Ligtas Malaria (KLM) program soon grew into the Movement Against Malaria (MAM)—a nationwide fight led by communities, health workers, and partners who embodied the spirit of maiseg, or bravery.

Today, with 60 provinces declared malaria-free, we celebrate not only the milestones but also the courage, compassion, and collaboration that continue to save lives.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: The PSFI Poster That Changed Mario’s Life

In 1983, Mario Dimaano was a young student from Batangas struggling to pay for school while working as a jeepney conductor. One day, he spotted a Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) poster about the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) Scholarship—an opportunity that changed his life.

Through SKIL, Mario studied at TESDA’s Basic Machine Shop program, gaining skills and hope for a brighter future. Despite challenges, he persevered with tibay—a Batangueño word for strength and resilience—and eventually built a stable life abroad for his family.

Today, his story reflects PSFI’s 43-year mission to empower communities, nurture resilience, and create opportunities for generations to come.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Advancing Health for All

For 43 years, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) has lived its mission of safeguarding life. Rooted in the Chavacano word Vida, we continue to protect health, nurture resilience, and uplift communities nationwide.

Through programs like PBSR, PROTECTS, and PROTECTS UPSCALE, PSFI has expanded HIV services across the country—advancing human rights in Zamboanga, opening the first community HIV center in Palawan, and strengthening local responses in Batangas.

More than a program, PSFI’s HIV response is a lifeline that safeguards life, health, and hope.

Lighting the Way Forward: PSFI, PhilDev, and Shell Empower Future Leaders Through 5-Day Leadership Camp

From August 4 to 8, 2025, Shell, PhilDev, and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) hosted a five-day leadership camp in Manila for Shell-PhilDev scholars. The program blended mentoring, skills-building, and sessions on AI, diversity, and energy transition, preparing scholars to lead with purpose.

With guidance from Shell leaders and PhilDev mentors, scholars left the camp with knowledge, courage, and a stronger community—ready to shape a more sustainable future for the Philippines.

Empowering Filipino Start-Ups: Shell LiveWire 2025 Showcases Innovation and Partnership

Shell LiveWire 2025 gathered Filipino entrepreneurs, industry experts, and partners for a full-day Progress Review Session at The Finance Center in Taguig City. The event featured learning sessions on AI, B2B product design, and procurement opportunities, alongside showcases from five innovative start-ups: Pili AdheSeal, Agridom, Greentech Ecobooster PH, Nascent Technologies, and Verra Bella Enterprises.

The gathering highlighted Shell and PSFI’s commitment to strengthen local enterprises through mentorship, capacity building, and market linkages. It also celebrated Filipino resilience and ingenuity, with Roma recognized among Shell’s global Top Ten Innovators 2025.

The program continues with the Final Pitch Day on September 2 at the Echelon Philippines Conference, where the next wave of Filipino innovators will take the stage.

Honoring Dreams and Dedication: STEP and STLC Scholars Graduate in Batangas

Sixty-three scholars under PSFI’s STEP and STLC programs marched proudly at Batangas State University, marking a milestone of resilience, growth, and achievement. Supported by Shell Pilipinas Corporation and the Shell Import Facility Tabangao, these graduates not only gained access to education but also leadership training, mentorship, and life skills that prepare them for the future. Their stories reflect how PSFI’s four-decade commitment to education continues to transform lives, uplift communities, and build the nation’s next generation of leaders.