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

Through the collaboration of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), the City Government of Iloilo, PESO Iloilo City, and TIIC, this initiative equips young Filipinos with the tools they need to succeed in the technical field. More than just a handover, the event was a celebration of support, belief, and community—a testament to how public-private partnerships can help shape the country’s future workforce.

Each toolkit, complete with essential instruments for practical training, reinforces PSFI’s commitment to nurturing skilled professionals and creating inclusive opportunities for Filipino youth.

Pagtanim ng Pag-Asa: How Joel’s Community Found Hope in Food and Livelihood

For 44 years, Joel Sanchez has called Sitio Burog home. As the president of their Indigenous agriculture cooperative, he has seen the daily challenges of accessing food and livelihood. With support from Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and Bloomberry Foundation Inc., Joel and his community built a thriving garden and received training in sustainable farming and animal husbandry. Through the Roots to Shoots program, they found not just nourishment but renewed hope for a better future.

Healing Hands, Stronger Together: REACHing San Isidro with Compassionate Care

Through the REACH initiative, PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation continue to provide free medical consultations and medicines to underserved barangays in Batangas. In San Isidro, dedicated doctors like Dr. Ronn and Dra. Ash go beyond clinical care, offering hope and healing with every visit. Now on its first anniversary, REACH remains a lifeline for communities — one patient, one story, one heartbeat at a time.

Sitio Calapi Marks Milestone with Completion of 12-Day Nutrition Sessions under Roots to Shoots’ PDH Program

The Roots to Shoots project concluded its 12-day PDH nutrition sessions in Sitio Calapi, Bamban, Tarlac. The activity empowered families with sustainable feeding practices and celebrated progress in child health. Led by PSFI and World Vision, it highlighted the impact of community-driven solutions in fighting malnutrition.

Painting Her Dreams: Lorraine’s Journey with KalyEskwela

At just 18, Lorraine is already shaping a future filled with hope. Through ChildHope Philippines’ KalyeEskwela program, implemented in partnership with PSFI’s Basic Literacy and Numeracy (BLAN) Learning Sessions, and supported by dedicated ShellACTS volunteers, she found more than just a place to learn. Whether she’s sketching her dream of becoming a civil engineer or making new friends during team activities, Lorraine is learning to believe in herself—thanks to the people who continue to believe in her.

Learning with Love: How ShellACTS Volunteers Help Children Believe in Themselves

ShellACTS volunteers are helping underserved children rediscover the joy of learning through PSFI’s Basic Literacy and Numeracy (BLAN) sessions. In partnership with ChildHope Philippines, these small group activities offer reading, counting, and play-based lessons guided by volunteers who give their time and heart.

Since 2024, hundreds of children and over 200 volunteers have come together to create safe, joyful spaces where learning begins with connection. Rooted in ShellACTS’ call to Serve More, BLAN proves that a little love can go a long way.