Bacolod City, Negros Occidental – The Bacolod City Social Development Program, in partnership with Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC) and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), successfully held its Culmination Activity on October 21, 2025, at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City. The event celebrated the achievements of scholars, entrepreneurs, and partner institutions whose collective efforts continue to empower communities and build a future-ready Bacolod.
Empowering Scholars through SKIL
One of the day’s highlights was the recognition of ten Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) scholars who completed the Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II course under Atoniya Skills Education, Inc. Through PSFI’s partnership with Atoniya, the scholars underwent holistic development activities such as the LEAD Workshop, Safety Leadership Training, and In-Center Training, which equipped them with both technical skills and the values needed to pursue meaningful employment.
Six scholars have successfully passed their NC II assessment, while four remaining scholars are expected to follow soon, marking a projected 100% completion rate. Scholars were also recognized for their outstanding performance, including Garry Estanislao, named Outstanding Scholar of 2025.
Each graduate received Certificates of Completion from Atoniya Skills Education, Inc. and FDR First Safety System Training Services Corporation, followed by the distribution of start-up toolkits to help them begin their professional journeys.
“May you carry forward the values you learned as you step into new opportunities,” said Ms. Maria Elvy Dominicata, PSFI Senior Program Officer for Visayas and Mindanao. “We are proud of all of you. Congratulations and maraming salamat!”
Championing Local Enterprises through Shell LiveWIRE
The program also recognized three community enterprises under the Shell LiveWIRE Program—Bebe’s Daily, Jolyn’s Food Cart, and Tyboi’s Food Hub. These enterprises completed a series of business training and pitching sessions designed to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and ensure sustainable growth. Each received a livelihood grant from PSFI and SPC as part of Shell LiveWIRE’s mission to support small and micro enterprises across the country.
“With your passion and determination, we are certain that even greater opportunities lie ahead,” added Ms. Dominicata during the awarding.
Building Safer, More Resilient Communities
Beyond livelihood and skills development, PSFI and SPC continue to invest in community preparedness through the Response to Communities Under Emergencies (RESCUE) Program and other community support activities. This year, 55 volunteers completed fire safety training under RESCUE, strengthening emergency response capabilities across Bacolod’s partner communities.
Prior to the culmination event, PSFI and Barangay 1, SPC Bacolod Terminal’s host community, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the management and use of an Auxiliary Fire-Fighting Service Facility established along the terminal perimeter.
The facility is equipped with essential firefighting tools to enhance local safety and resilience—reflecting Shell’s commitment to being a responsible and caring neighbor in the areas where it operates.
During the culmination, SPC Bacolod Terminal Manager Virgil Elis Mariano highlighted the impact of these partnerships:
“Together with Pilipinas Shell Foundation, we have seen dreams nurtured and potential realized through meaningful programs such as SKIL, Shell LiveWIRE, and RESCUE,” said Mariano. “These initiatives are not just about training or assistance. They are about building capabilities and investing in people as part of our commitment to be good neighbors to the communities where we operate.”
Recognizing Partnerships and Collaboration
The event also paid tribute to institutions and local stakeholders whose collaboration made these milestones possible. Plaques of Recognition were awarded to the Bacolod City Government, Barangay 1 and Barangay 2, Bacolod City Fire Station, Coast Guard Station Northern Negros Occidental, Philippine Ports Authority–PMO Negros Occidental/Bacolod/Banaco, and Shell Pilipinas Corporation–Bacolod Terminal.
Meanwhile, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Atoniya Skills Education, Inc., Andres Bonifacio Elementary Schools 1 and 2, and Andres Bonifacio Senior High School, recognizing their continued support to PSFI’s educational and community programs.
In her closing message, PSFI Program Director Ms. Raiza Cusi expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners, scholars, and entrepreneurs who continue to power progress in Bacolod.
“This culmination reminds us that while the program closes today, our commitment to empower communities continues,” she shared.
The celebration concluded with dinner and fellowship, marking not just the end of a program but the continuation of a shared mission between PSFI, SPC, and the people of Bacolod—to build stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities for generations to come.
About the Programs
Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL)
PSFI’s SKIL Program provides technical-vocational training to out-of-school youth and unemployed adults, equipping them with nationally certified skills such as Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II. Beyond technical competencies, the program nurtures values formation and work readiness to prepare participants for gainful employment.
Shell LiveWIRE (SLW)
Shell LiveWIRE is Shell’s flagship enterprise development program that empowers local entrepreneurs through business training, mentorship, and access to livelihood grants. It supports small and micro enterprises in achieving sustainable growth and contributes to strengthening local economies across the Philippines.
Response to Communities Under Emergencies (RESCUE)
PSFI’s RESCUE Program enhances community preparedness and response capabilities through safety and fire response training, provision of emergency equipment, and partnerships with local responders. It aims to build safer, more resilient communities that can withstand emergencies and disasters.
