Late in the evening of January 6, 2026, at around 10:00 PM, a fire broke out in Block 3, Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City. The incident damaged four houses and disrupted the lives of several families in the community. While the cause of the fire has not been publicly disclosed, affected residents were left facing the immediate challenge of recovery and rebuilding.
Ten days later, on January 16, 2026, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation, conducted a relief operation to support the affected households. Through the Foundation’s Response to Community Under Emergency (RESCUE) Program, 12 families comprising 43 individuals received food packs containing rice, canned goods, milk, coffee, biscuits, and drinking water to help meet their immediate needs.
The distribution was led by Mr. Rommel Guevarra, North Mindanao Import Facility (NMIF) Terminal Operations Manager, together with Ms. Pia Magpali, Terminal Operations Supervisor. The activity was carried out in close coordination with Kagawad Lavern Sia and local volunteers, ensuring that assistance was delivered efficiently and reached the families who needed it most.
“Lubos po kaming nalungkot sa nangyaring sunog dito sa inyong lugar. Narito po ang Shell upang magbigay ng kaunting tulong. Sana po ay makatulong ito sa inyo,” shared Mr. Guevarra, expressing sympathy and solidarity with the affected families.
For the beneficiaries, the assistance provided more than immediate relief. It offered reassurance during a difficult time. Families expressed their gratitude for the timely support and emphasized how such efforts help communities begin moving forward after sudden disruptions.
Implemented under the RESCUE Program, PSFI’s emergency response initiative, the activity reflects Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s continued commitment to being a responsible and caring neighbor to its fenceline communities. By working closely with local leaders and responding quickly in times of crisis, the program highlights the value of partnership and compassion in helping communities recover.
As families in Puntod begin to rebuild what was lost, the collective response of institutions and community leaders serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, communities can move forward together.
