Category: Uncategorized

From Prison Walls to Purpose: The Redemption Story Behind Meek Laskati

Von Ryan Benedicto, founder of Meek Laskati Spice Vinegar, shares how he rebuilt his life after incarceration. Raised in Iloilo and once led astray by addiction, Von found renewal through faith, humility, and a determination to start again. Through perseverance, community support, and his participation in Shell LiveWire, he transformed a small, homegrown idea into a purpose-driven livelihood, proving that second chances can lead to meaningful and sustainable new beginnings.

IIonggo Spirit of Progress Shines as PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation Celebrate 2025 Program Achievements

The Ilonggo spirit of progress was celebrated as Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and Shell Pilipinas Corporation marked the culmination of their 2025 programs in Iloilo City. Held on November 12 at Go Hotels Iloilo, the Culmination Day brought together scholars, entrepreneurs, partners, and local leaders to honor shared achievements in skills training, enterprise development, community preparedness, and environmental action.

From recognizing SKIL scholars completing technical training to supporting local enterprises through the Shell LiveWIRE Program, the event highlighted how collaborative efforts continue to open opportunities and strengthen communities across Western Visayas.

Carrying Love Forward: Rosie Sumile’s Journey to Caregiving

Rosie Sumile, 56, completes her caregiving journey as a scholar of PSFI’s Technical-Vocational Caregiving Scholarship Program, implemented with the support of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. Her story is rooted in a bond that shaped her calling. When Tita Flor Bautista fell ill, Rosie cared for her despite having no formal background in caregiving. That experience, and the support of Tita Flor’s children, inspired Rosie to return to school and finish what she started. She graduates not only with new skills, but with a renewed purpose to serve. Carrying love forward, Rosie honors the woman who believed in her, one patient at a time.

Strengthening Families from the Start. Go Baby Go Graduates 266 Caregivers Across Tarlac and Pampanga

More than 260 caregivers graduated from the Go Baby Go! (GBG) Parenting Programme on December 6, 2025 at the CDC Multi-Purpose Hall in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The graduation is part of the Phase II Aeta Family Care Center: Roots to Shoots program supported by Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc, and implemented by Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc with partners World Vision Development Foundation, Manila Water Foundation, and Clark Development Corporation.

From Home Kitchen to City Hall: Maricris Senados’ Journey of Grit and Growth

From a home kitchen to a food stall at Tagbilaran City Hall, Maricris Senados’ journey reflects quiet determination and shared progress. Once a full-time housewife running a small sari-sari store and selling homemade snacks online, Maricris took a chance when an opportunity arose. Through PSFI’s Shell LiveWIRE program, with the support of Shell Pilipinas Corporation, she received assistance that allowed her to save on costs, reinvest in her business, and steadily grow her livelihood. At the same time, her son earned a technical scholarship under SKIL, enabling them to train and graduate together. Today, as her food stall often sells out by early afternoon, Maricris continues to build toward her dream of a permanent cooking space—showing how timely support, partnership, and perseverance can turn small beginnings into sustainable livelihoods.

PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation Celebrate 2025 Tagbilaran Culmination Day, Honoring Community Enterprises and Local Partnerships

PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation celebrated the 2025 Tagbilaran Culmination Day, marking key milestones of the Tagbilaran Social Development Program and the impact of strong local partnerships.

The event highlighted the completion of the 2025 Shell LiveWIRE Program by three community enterprises and recognized broader community initiatives, including school support, coastal cleanups, and disaster relief efforts. The gathering underscored a shared commitment to sustaining community progress in Tagbilaran.

In Memory of Cesar A. Buenaventura

Cesar A. Buenaventura shaped not only institutions, but the character and purpose of the people who worked with him. As the founding chairman of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., he was a principled leader who combined firmness with empathy, demanded excellence, and remained unwavering in doing what was right. In this personal reflection, PSFI Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones Jr. shares memories of CAB’s quiet but lasting influence, and the values that continue to guide the Foundation’s service to others.

BCFI and PSFI Celebrate 99 Caregiver Graduates, Opening Pathways to Employment and Transformation

BCFI and PSFI recently celebrated the graduation of 99 caregiver scholars under the MetamorphoCare 2025 program, held at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City. The ceremony highlighted powerful stories of second chances, from working mothers and sidewalk vendors to determined breadwinners who turned challenges into opportunities through education and skills training.

Through the Technical Vocational Caregiving Scholarship Program, part of a five–year partnership between BCFI and PSFI, scholars are equipped with NC II certification, career readiness, and direct access to employment opportunities through career talks and a linkages fair with hiring partners. Beyond certificates, the graduates carry renewed dignity, hope, and purpose as they step into their roles as caregivers, ready to uplift their families and serve communities with compassion.

Anchored by Love: The Story of Bong Fernan Tumanda

For years, former seafarer Bong Fernan Tumanda crossed oceans to provide for his family, spending more time at sea than at home. When the pandemic hit and his wife was pregnant, he chose to come home for good and start over through PSFI’s SKIL program in Electrical Installation and Maintenance. Today, Bong works close to his family, helps grow their small business, and treasures simple moments with his children, proving that with courage, faith, and the right support, a father’s love can chart a new course home.