Stories of inspiration

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

August 6, 2025

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.

Once a PSFI scholar, Louise Victoria Zaide has come full circle as a Program Excellence Officer who helps preserve the lessons, stories, and knowledge behind the Foundation’s work. Through her quiet but meaningful contributions, she reminds us that lasting change is built not only in communities, but also through the people and systems that help every opportunity grow into greater impact.

The Opportunity That Changed Everything: How Cheilo Padilla Found Her Calling in Helping Others Thrive

From rebuilding her life as a single mother to helping scholars, entrepreneurs, and communities in Palawan pursue better futures, Cheilo Padilla’s journey reflects the transformative power of opportunity. As PSFI celebrates 44 years of service, her story reminds us that meaningful change touches not only the people we serve, but also those who dedicate themselves to making it possible.

EJ’s Calling to Serve: A Life Dedicated to Community Empowerment

Driven by a passion for working with communities, EJ San Jose finds purpose in helping families strengthen their livelihoods, improve food security, and recognize new possibilities for their future. Through every home visit, training session, and conversation, he builds the trust that turns opportunities into meaningful and lasting change. As PSFI celebrates its 44th anniversary, EJ’s story reflects how its mission continues to move forward through people who choose to listen, serve, and empower others.

Where Bayanihan Lives: Maezel Cardel and a Community That Chose Hope

As PSFI celebrates its 44th anniversary, Maezel Cardel’s journey reflects the spirit of “Driven by Purpose. Powered by People.” From earning the affectionate nickname “Mae-Shell” to inspiring communities to take ownership of change, her story shows how trust, collaboration, and bayanihan can transform a shared purpose into lasting impact.

Growing Food, Growing Futures: Roots to Shoots Pasacao 2.0 Helps Caregivers Build Healthier, More Resilient Families

Through the Roots to Shoots Pasacao 2.0 Program, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., with the support of Metrobank Foundation, Inc., is empowering child caregivers in Pasacao with practical skills in home gardening and financial management, helping families improve nutrition, strengthen livelihoods, and build more resilient communities.

Mula sa Maliit na Tindahan Patungo sa Mas Matatag na Kinabukasan: Ang Kwento ni Alma Cajan

Sa pamamagitan ng Roots to Shoots (RTS) Pasacao 2.0 Program, na ipinatutupad ng Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. sa suporta ng Metrobank Foundation, Inc., unti-unting nababago ang buhay ni Alma Cajan. Mula sa masustansyang pagkain para sa kanyang anak hanggang sa pagpapalago ng kanilang sari-sari store, ipinapakita ng kanyang kuwento kung paano ang kaalaman at oportunidad ay maaaring magbukas ng daan tungo sa mas matatag na kinabukasan.