Stories of inspiration

PSFI Honored as a ‘Champion of Change’ by DOST-TAPI for its STEM Education Initiatives

February 2, 2024

PSFI Honored as a 'Champion of Change' by DOST-TAPI for its STEM Education Initiatives

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), known for its dedication to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, has been recognized as a ‘Champion of Change’ by the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) during the 37th Anniversary of DOST-TAPI, held at The Heritage Hotel on January 30, 2024.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., DOST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun, and DOST-TAPI Director Marion Ivy Decena presented the prestigious award to PSFI, along with the 12 esteemed ‘Champions of Change’ chosen from their extensive network of partners nationwide. PSFI’s Program Manager for Education, Kath Valentin-Ringor, and Senior Program Officer for Education and Innovation, Crisille Villaluna, received the plaque for PSFI’s commitment to elevating the quality of STEM education and contribution to enterprise development through innovative initiatives such as Shell NXplorers and Shell LiveWIRE.

These programs have empowered young minds and contributed to cultivating a culture of scientific excellence in the Philippines. Since 2020, Shell LiveWIRE Philippines has supported almost 200 entrepreneurs creating more than 700 local jobs within the sectors of energy, environment and circular economy, and local prosperity. Meanwhile, Shell NXplorers has reached over 2,000 students and trained 300+ teachers nationwide since the program started in 2019 to cultivate STEM Habits of the Mind to address relevant community challenges on food, water, and energy.

As the social arm of Shell Companies in the Philippines, the Foundation has been a crucial instrument in partnering with DOST-TAPI to further youth capacity building, nurture bright ideas, support tech startups, and make technology accessible to underserved communities. Through DOST-TAPI’s mentoring programs including the promotion of Intellectual Property Rights, Shell NXplorers participants can be equipped with skills and mindset necessary to drive innovative idea generation. Moreover, the Institutes’ programs for inventors and startup founders present opportunities for Shell LiveWIRE cohorts to enhance their product and business development. The collaboration between PSFI and DOST-TAPI seeks to instill a passion for science among Filipino youth and entrepreneurs.

Shell LiveWIRE, the flagship enterprise development program of Shell, supports entrepreneurs and helps new business leaders grow. Similarly, NXplorers, Shell’s Global STEM Program, introduces young individuals to the complex and creative thinking needed for making meaningful change.

DOST-TAPI celebrated its 37th Anniversary with the theme: “Defying Boundaries, Celebrating Victories, and Sharing the Glory In Making History!,” which resonates with the achievements of PSFI and its fellow ‘Champions of Change’. We at PSFI extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners. Our collective efforts made this first milestone of 2024 possible. Just as the theme says, let us continue to push the boundaries of possibility and make more societal impacts on moving the Filipinos forward in the pages of history.

#PilipinasShellFoundation #FilipinoForward

To strengthen community resilience in times of crisis, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. trained 73 volunteers from TALIM communities in Batangas through its Response to Community Under Emergency (RESCUE) Program. The Basic Life Support and First Aid Training equipped participants with practical life-saving skills such as bandaging, splinting, and rescue transfer methods. Since 2001, the RESCUE Program has empowered over 9,600 individuals in Batangas to serve as local first responders, reinforcing PSFI’s mission of sama-samang pagtulong, sabay-sabay na pagsulong toward safer, more prepared communities.

Bacolod Social Development Program Marks Milestone in Skills, Enterprise, and Community Empowerment

The Bacolod City Social Development Program, in partnership with Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC) and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), celebrated its 2025 Culmination Day, honoring the achievements of SKIL scholars, Shell LiveWIRE entrepreneurs, and local partners who continue to drive community empowerment. The event highlighted shared milestones in skills development, enterprise growth, and fire safety training—reinforcing Shell and PSFI’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities across Bacolod.

Full Circle of Empowerment: From Shell Employee to Community Creator

From cashier to creator, Mary Jane “MJ” Cueto built Artita.DIY from a simple love for personalized keepsakes into a community-minded printing business. Guided by lessons from her years with Shell and training from PSFI’s Shell LiveWIRE, MJ now turns creativity into livelihood while sharing skills with others. Her story shows how empowerment grows when learning is passed on and opportunities are created close to home.

Calapan Community Celebrates Growth and Resilience with PSFI’s Culmination Day

With the support of Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) marked its 2025 Culmination Day in Calapan City, celebrating local enterprises, advocates, and partners driving community empowerment. The event showcased inspiring stories of entrepreneurship through Shell LiveWIRE, road and community safety through BiyaHero and RESCUE, and sustainability through mangrove planting and coastal cleanup activities.

From livelihood grants to volunteer-led initiatives, the celebration embodied PSFI’s mission of sama-samang pagtulong, sabay-sabay na pagsulong—a reminder that progress takes root when communities, partners, and advocates move forward together.

Building Roots, Not Just Roads: PSFI and TBDI Forge Partnership for Aeta Community in Sacobia

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Thaison Builder and Developer Inc. (TBDI) have partnered to uplift Aeta communities in Sacobia through the Roots to Shoots Light: Community Nutrition and Resilience Project. The initiative strengthens nutrition, food security, clean water and energy access, and sustainable livelihoods in Bamban, Tarlac, and Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

With TBDI’s ₱3-million support, PSFI is building not just infrastructure but lasting roots of resilience through feeding programs, solar home kits, agricultural training, and community-based food hubs.

Jomel’s Journey to Heal and Serve through the Medical Scholarship Program

A first-generation college graduate from Davao City, Jomel Marteja’s dream of becoming a doctor began with curiosity and grew into a calling to heal. Now a Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) scholar at Davao Medical School Foundation, he is determined to bring healthcare closer to his community and inspire others to pursue their own dreams with hope and perseverance.