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

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) celebrated the graduation of 25 SKIL scholars alongside 410 students from the City College of Cagayan de Oro. The event highlighted stories of resilience, including that of Carl Ivan Tanso, and honored outstanding trainees like Morphy Adajar. PSFI remains committed to empowering Filipino youth through education and skills development.

PSFI Holds GLang Session on SOGIESC to Promote Inclusive Workplaces at LCF CSR Expo

As part of the 2025 League of Corporate Foundations CSR Expo, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. hosted GLang: Understanding SOGIESC a Step Toward Inclusive Workplaces—a powerful learning session that brought together advocates, experts, and development practitioners to deepen conversations on gender inclusion in the workplace. The event aligned with the Expo’s theme of “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity,” reinforcing PSFI’s commitment to building safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all.

Pathways to Progress: SKIL Scholars Seize Career Opportunities in CDO

Held at Robinsons Cagayan de Oro, the Kalayaan Job Fair offered over 2,800 job opportunities from 39 companies, helping bridge PSFI’s SKIL scholars from training to employment. With 70 applicants hired on the spot, the event marked a meaningful celebration of Independence Day through youth empowerment and livelihood access.

PSFI Gathers Scholars for Transformative LEAD Workshop

PSFI, in partnership with Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, gathered 79 scholars for the LEAD Workshop—an interactive training that built leadership, collaboration, and purpose among future professionals in nursing, allied health, and STEM. The workshop featured dynamic sessions, cross-disciplinary learning, and inspiring messages from academic partners, all reinforcing PSFI’s commitment to empowering youth through education and servant leadership.

Hope Flows in Sitio Burog: Avegail’s Story

For years, Avegail Salta’s family endured hours of waiting and long walks just to fetch water from a single deep well. Now, hope flows freely in Sitio Burog as clean water brings healthier days and a renewed sense of empowerment to the community.

Clean Beginnings: Deep Well Inauguration Brings Hope and Health to Sitio Burog

A deep well water system has brought clean, safe water to 127 Ayta Mag-antsi households in Sitio Burog, Tarlac, marking a major milestone for the Roots to Shoots (RTS) program. This collaborative project strengthens health, hygiene, and nutrition in the community and signals the beginning of expanded WASH efforts in the region.