Batangas City, Philippines — Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation and the City Government of Batangas, formally marked the ceremonial turnover of the Wildlife Learning Hub and Gift Café at the EBD Eco-Park and Wildlife Rescue Center, reinforcing a shared commitment to environmental conservation, education, and community empowerment.
The milestone event gathered representatives from the public and private sectors in celebration of a collaborative initiative that aims to promote wildlife awareness, sustainable tourism, and local livelihood opportunities. Present during the ceremony were Batangas City Mayor Hon. Mario Vittorio “Marvey” A. Mariño, 5th District of Batangas Congresswoman Hon. Beverley Rose A. Dimacuha, City ENRO Mr. Oliver Gonzales, leaders from Shell Pilipinas Corporation, PSFI Board Member and Vice President for Corporate Relations Serge Bernal Jr., SHIFT Facilities Manager Dino Macaraig, and PSFI executives led by Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones Jr.
In his welcome remarks, Quiniones emphasized that the project represents more than just the construction of a facility. He highlighted that the Wildlife Learning Hub and Gift Café stands as a symbol of collective action toward environmental stewardship, public education, and community development.
The ceremony featured a symbolic ribbon-cutting and blessing of the facility, officially opening the space to the community and marking the beginning of its role as a center for learning, conservation advocacy, and sustainable enterprise.
In his message, City ENRO Mr. Oliver Gonzales underscored the importance of balancing urban development with environmental protection. He emphasized that strong partnerships among local government, the private sector, and civil society are vital in building resilient and sustainable communities.
A key highlight of the program was the ceremonial turnover led by Serge Bernal Jr., who emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating meaningful and lasting impact. He shared that initiatives such as the Wildlife Learning Hub and Gift Café demonstrate how partnerships can transform shared goals into tangible community spaces that benefit both people and the environment.
The unveiling of the building marker and ceremonial signing of the Deed of Donation formally symbolized the transfer of the facility to the City Government of Batangas. The marker recognizes the Wildlife Learning Hub and Gift Café as a dedicated space for wildlife rescue awareness, environmental education, sustainable practices, and the promotion of eco-friendly and locally made Batangas products.
In his response message, Mayor Mariño expressed gratitude to PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation for their continued partnership with the city government. He reaffirmed Batangas City’s commitment to responsibly stewarding the facility and ensuring that it continues to serve as a meaningful space for education, conservation, and community engagement.
Closing the program, SHIFT Facilities Manager Dino Macaraig highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration and shared responsibility in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the initiative.
The Wildlife Learning Hub and Gift Café is envisioned as a vibrant community space where conservation, education, and livelihood intersect. Beyond raising awareness on wildlife protection and environmental responsibility, the facility also aims to support local artisans and community-based enterprises through the promotion of sustainable and locally crafted products.
Through this initiative, PSFI and its partners reaffirm their shared vision of building environmentally responsible and empowered communities, demonstrating that when sectors work together, meaningful and lasting progress becomes possible.
