Stories of inspiration

Cultivating Change: AgrElevate Equips Leyte’s Agricultural Communities with Capital and Leadership Skills

In Leyte, Leyte, farmers and fisherfolk are transforming ideas into impact through the BPI Foundation Farm to Table in Leyte, Leyte: “Agricultural Services to Elevate Farmers towards Sustainable Food Security and Livelihood” (AgrElevate) Program of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) supported by BPI Foundation (BPIF). Beneficiaries have successfully developed and complied with their business plans, marking a significant step toward sustainable enterprise development.

To support these efforts, BPI Foundation conducted financial literacy sessions for group members, while BanKo, a BPI subsidiary, extended capital support through loans to individuals interested in starting their own businesses. The program recently concluded a comprehensive Enterprise Development sessions including:

  • Sanayan sa Kakayahang Pangangalakal (SKP)
  • Enterprise Operations Manual (Policy Making)
  • Financial Literacy Training
  • Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development (LEAD) for Groups


These initiatives equipped participants with essential skills in business planning, financial management, and leadership—empowering them to thrive as community-based enterprises.

 

On July 21, a financial literacy session was held to provide practical knowledge on saving, budgeting, and making informed financial decisions. Facilitated by BPI Foundation, the session emphasized the importance of financial independence in building a secure and empowered future.

The following day July 22, six community groups received capital support for their proposed livelihood ventures:

  • Longline Oyster Culture Project
  • Ube (Purple Yam) Production Expansion Project
  • Rice Harvest Consolidation Project
  • Consolidation and Postharvest Processing of Palay Project
  • Oyster and Mussel in Bottles Project
  • Seafood Products Processing


Each project was designed by the groups themselves, reflecting the unique needs and opportunities within their communities. These ventures aim to boost productivity, generate income, and foster collaboration among local farmers and fisherfolk.

A ceremonial awarding and MOA signing marked this milestone, attended by key stakeholders including:

  • Melanie Magbuhos, Program Manager, BPI Foundation
  • Mae Minggoy, Program Coordinator, BPI Foundation
  • Raiza V. Cusi, Program Director, PSFI
  • Pam Castro, Senior Program Manager for Nutrition and Food Security, PSFI
  • Ynna Doblado, Program Manager for Downstream, PSFI
  • Florencio Aguilos Jr., Municipal Administrator, Leyte
  • Michael Cabillo, Representative, Municipal Agriculture Office


Their presence underscored the strong multi-sectoral collaboration driving community-led development.

Message from PSFI Program Director Raiza Cusi

“Ang inyong success ay ‘di lang maiaangat ang antas ng pamumuhay para sa inyong sarili, pamilya, at komunidad. Higit sa lahat, ito ay makakaambag sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan, lalo na sa ekonomiyang panglokal, para ngayon at para sa kinabukasan.”

To ensure long-term success, PSFI also facilitated a Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development for Groups sessions from July23-24, equipping beneficiaries with foundational skills in leadership, business management, and decision-making—critical tools for guiding their enterprises with clarity and confidence.

AgrElevate is more than a livelihood program—it is a platform for local changemakers to rise, lead, and uplift others. With the right tools, training, and trust, PSFI continues to invest in the resilience and progress of farming communities across the country.

Related stories:

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Nurturing Young Minds to Transform Communities

Through Shell’s global program NXplorers, PSFI is planting seeds of change by equipping young Filipinos with tools in problem-solving, systems thinking, and collaboration. From tackling food security in farming towns to creating sustainable energy solutions in schools, NXplorers empowers students and teachers to turn knowledge into lasting community impact—proving that dunong, once shared, continues to grow and transform lives.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Honoring Bravery in the Fight Against Malaria

In 1999, Palawan faced one of its deadliest threats: malaria. What began as the Kilusan Ligtas Malaria (KLM) program soon grew into the Movement Against Malaria (MAM)—a nationwide fight led by communities, health workers, and partners who embodied the spirit of maiseg, or bravery.

Today, with 60 provinces declared malaria-free, we celebrate not only the milestones but also the courage, compassion, and collaboration that continue to save lives.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: The PSFI Poster That Changed Mario’s Life

In 1983, Mario Dimaano was a young student from Batangas struggling to pay for school while working as a jeepney conductor. One day, he spotted a Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) poster about the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) Scholarship—an opportunity that changed his life.

Through SKIL, Mario studied at TESDA’s Basic Machine Shop program, gaining skills and hope for a brighter future. Despite challenges, he persevered with tibay—a Batangueño word for strength and resilience—and eventually built a stable life abroad for his family.

Today, his story reflects PSFI’s 43-year mission to empower communities, nurture resilience, and create opportunities for generations to come.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Advancing Health for All

For 43 years, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) has lived its mission of safeguarding life. Rooted in the Chavacano word Vida, we continue to protect health, nurture resilience, and uplift communities nationwide.

Through programs like PBSR, PROTECTS, and PROTECTS UPSCALE, PSFI has expanded HIV services across the country—advancing human rights in Zamboanga, opening the first community HIV center in Palawan, and strengthening local responses in Batangas.

More than a program, PSFI’s HIV response is a lifeline that safeguards life, health, and hope.

Lighting the Way Forward: PSFI, PhilDev, and Shell Empower Future Leaders Through 5-Day Leadership Camp

From August 4 to 8, 2025, Shell, PhilDev, and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) hosted a five-day leadership camp in Manila for Shell-PhilDev scholars. The program blended mentoring, skills-building, and sessions on AI, diversity, and energy transition, preparing scholars to lead with purpose.

With guidance from Shell leaders and PhilDev mentors, scholars left the camp with knowledge, courage, and a stronger community—ready to shape a more sustainable future for the Philippines.