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PSFI and MBFI Launched ‘Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0’ to Scale Up Local Health and Nutrition in Camarines Sur

February 5, 2024

PSFI and MBFI Launched 'Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0' to Scale Up Local Health and Nutrition in Camarines Sur

On January 17, 2024, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) officially sealed their commitment with the Municipality of Pasacao to launch the ‘Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0’ program.

Local partners graced the event with the participation of Pasacao Local Government Unit officials and personnel led by Mayor Jorge Bengua and Vice Mayor Maryol Tayco. Also in attendance were Pilipinas Shell Foundation’s Director for Programs, Sherwin Yap, and Senior Program Manager on Nutrition and Food Security, Maria Pamela Castro; Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s (SPC) Pasacao Terminal Operations Supervisor, Rone Mark Narciso; MBFI’s President Aniceto Sobrepeña, Executive Vice President Philip Dy, and Grants and Partnerships Unit Head Marievic Mariano; Manila Water Foundation’s (MWF) Program Manager – Integrated WASH, Blessille Par; and World Vision Development Foundation’s (WVDF) Corporate Engagement Officer, Rafael Quimel. The multi-sectoral effort responds to the critical issue of malnutrition affecting children under the age of 5, particularly during their first 1,000 days (about 2.5 years).

PSFI Director for Programs Sherwin Yap emphasized the crucial importance of the first 1,000 days in a child’s development, which impact extends to the nation’s prosperity. This prompted PSFI to collaborate with experts to create a strong program that gave birth to Roots to Shoots.

Aligned with a shared vision, the partnership will adopt a holistic, community-based approach, integrating food security and livelihood (FSL), mother and child care (MCC) and nutrition, and water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). These components aim to improve food security and water and sanitation access, promote good hygiene practices, and elevate the nutrition status of caregivers and their children.

MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña highlighted that in the Foundation’s 45th Anniversary this year, ‘Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0’ is one of its flagship programs in Grants and the significance of the partnership as MBFI’s grants programming transitions to integrated, holistic, and multi-sectoral approach. He also added that with the program’s impact and successful results from previous implementations of ‘Roots to Shoots’, it only proves that the endeavor is worth the investment for a scalable program.

Barangay Sta. Rosa del Sur, grappling with a high prevalence of severe stunting and underweight children, becomes the focus of ‘Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0.’ Building on the success of its pilot implementation, the expansion program aims to create conditions for the next generation to thrive and contribute positively to society. PSFI, in collaboration with WVDF and the MWF, will lead the implementation, while MBFI will provide support and funding.

The previous ‘Roots to Shoots’ implementation from 2019 to 2022 in Pasacao, Camarines Sur resulted in reduced incidences of stunting by 10.57%, wasting by 5.39%, and the number of underweight children by 6.91%. The new partnership aspires not only to address immediate health and nutrition challenges but to lay the foundation for a healthier and more resilient future for the community of Pasacao.

#PadagosRTSPasacao2.0 #PilipinasShellFoundation #FilipinoForward

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.

From livelihood grants to volunteer-led initiatives, the celebration embodied PSFI’s mission of sama-samang pagtulong, sabay-sabay na pagsulong—a reminder that progress takes root when communities, partners, and advocates move forward together.

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

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Thaison Builder and Developer Inc. (TBDI) have partnered to uplift Aeta communities in Sacobia through the Roots to Shoots Light: Community Nutrition and Resilience Project. The initiative strengthens nutrition, food security, clean water and energy access, and sustainable livelihoods in Bamban, Tarlac, and Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

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

A first-generation college graduate from Davao City, Jomel Marteja’s dream of becoming a doctor began with curiosity and grew into a calling to heal. Now a Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) scholar at Davao Medical School Foundation, he is determined to bring healthcare closer to his community and inspire others to pursue their own dreams with hope and perseverance.