A Celebration of Shared Success
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro — In an evening filled with gratitude and hope, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), with the support of Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), celebrated its 2025 Culmination Day in Calapan. The event honored the achievements of local community enterprises, road safety advocates, and partners who continue to advance empowerment and sustainable progress in Oriental Mindoro.
The celebration was more than just a closing of a year-long journey. It was a reaffirmation of PSFI’s enduring commitment to be a good neighbor, empowering communities through livelihood, safety, and environmental programs.
Turning Endings into Beginnings
“Culmination usually marks the end of every endeavor,” shared PSFI Program Director Raiza Cusi as she addressed the crowd of partners, scholars, and community champions. “But I want us to see this as a beginning, the start of something new.”
Raiza expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community partners, volunteers, and Shell Pilipinas Corporation for their continued support in bringing PSFI’s mission closer to those who need it most. She reflected on the essence of the event, emphasizing that every ending in service is an invitation to continue.
“Earlier this morning, I came across a beautiful Filipino word: Talaghay,” she added. “It means community resilience, the unyielding spirit to rise, rebuild, and move forward together. And that, I believe, is what this culmination truly represents. It’s not just a look back on what we’ve done but a reminder that together, we can keep creating new beginnings.”
Her words resonated deeply, reminding everyone that PSFI’s mission does not end with the closing of programs. Instead, it grows stronger with every shared milestone and every resilient Filipino spirit that continues to shine.
Empowering Local Enterprises
The evening shone a spotlight on two outstanding community enterprises, Artita DIY and SALIKA, both graduates of the Shell LiveWIRE program. Through training, mentoring, and financial support, these enterprises are now equipped to expand their ventures and strengthen local livelihoods.
Artita DIY received a ₱51,500 grant, while SALIKA was awarded ₱100,000 to grow its community-based enterprise. These grants symbolize PSFI’s belief in entrepreneurship as a catalyst for self-reliance and empowerment.
For Mary Jane Cueto of Artita DIY, the opportunity came unexpectedly. “It was a good accident,” she shared with a smile. Initially, she volunteered to help PSFI’s program officer identify beneficiaries for the livelihood grant, never imagining she would become one herself.
“I was already happy with the training,” she said. “I didn’t even know there would be a grant.” What began as an act of kindness turned into a life-changing experience that reignited her entrepreneurial spirit and deepened her commitment to community development.
Through PSFI and Shell’s guidance, she gained new skills and confidence to expand her business rooted in creativity and purpose. “This experience inspired me to dream bigger and grow what we’ve started,” she said. “Let’s make things possible.”
Her journey is proof that empowerment often begins with a simple act of helping, and that PSFI’s programs continue to plant seeds of opportunity in ways that create lasting impact.
Championing Safety and Sustainability
PSFI also recognized the Parents Association of Arturo Arce Ignacio Integrated School and the Sangguniang Barangay ng Lazareto First Responders for completing the BiyaHero and RESCUE programs, initiatives designed to strengthen road and community safety. Both groups received tools and equipment to help them promote road awareness, fire preparedness, and emergency response in their areas.
The event also highlighted PSFI’s environmental initiatives in Calapan, which included:
- Support for Brigada Eskwela
- Mangrove planting of 500 seedlings
- Participation in the International Coastal Cleanup, where 80 volunteers collected 80 kilograms of trash
These efforts reflect PSFI’s vision of sama-samang pagtulong, sabay-sabay na pagsulong—that progress flourishes when people and the planet thrive together.
Barangay Captain Alma Jamilla of Barangay Lazareto expressed her gratitude for PSFI’s continued presence in their community. “Ang Shell ay hindi na bago sa akin,” she said warmly. “Bata pa lang ako, simula nung ako’y SK pa lang, kaakibat ko na ang Shell, lalo na ang Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.”
For Captain Alma, PSFI has always been more than just a partner. It has been a kapitbahay that cares.
Her words echoed the community’s shared sentiment that true corporate social responsibility is not just about giving assistance, but about showing up, listening, and growing with the people.
Honoring Partnership and Progress
During the awarding ceremony, PSFI recognized several key partners, including the City Environment and Natural Resources Department, Bureau of Fire Protection, Calapan City Cooperative Development Office, Sangguniang Barangay ng Lazareto, Calapan City Government, and the Calapan Shell Terminal. These organizations have been vital in advancing resilience, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth.
Mr. Leandro Garcia, Shell Calapan Terminal Manager, shared his personal story of transformation through Shell’s programs. “I was a Shell scholar from high school until college, and that opportunity shaped the person I am today,” he said.
From scholar to terminal manager, Mr. Garcia’s journey stands as a testament to Shell’s long-term investment in Filipino talent. “Ever since I became a Terminal Manager, I’ve carried the same value that PSFI and Shell instilled in me years ago, to always be a friend of the community,” he added. “What we do here isn’t just corporate responsibility. It’s personal. Because when you’ve been helped by Shell, you carry that mission in your heart to pass it forward.”
Lighting the Way Forward
As the evening drew to a close, PSFI reaffirmed its commitment to continue working hand in hand with communities, partners, and Shell companies toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
Guests shared a hearty dinner and fellowship, united by one message: while programs may culminate, the spirit of bayanihan and partnership continues to live on.
Through initiatives like Shell LiveWIRE, BiyaHero, and RESCUE, PSFI continues to light the way, empowering communities not only to survive but to thrive.
