Stories of inspiration

From Vision to Victory: PSFI Celebrates Community Progress at the 2025 Cagayan de Oro Culmination Day

November 18, 2025

Cagayan de Oro City, November 6, 2025 — Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), celebrated the achievements of scholars, enterprises, and community partners in Northern Mindanao through the 2025 Culmination Day held at Dynasty Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

The event gathered local government representatives, educators, and partner organizations to honor milestones under PSFI’s flagship programs — the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL), Shell LiveWIRE, Biyahero, and Response to Communities Under Emergencies (RESCUE) — as well as other initiatives supporting education, safety, and sustainable livelihoods.

Empowering Scholars Through Technical-Vocational Education

A key highlight of the celebration was the achievement of 24 SKIL scholars who completed their Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II training through PSFI’s Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) Program. Delivered in partnership with the City College of Cagayan de Oro, the City Government, and the PESO Office, the program equips youth with industry-ready skills and pathways to employment.

Within just four months of graduation, 15 scholars have already secured jobs or continued their studies, demonstrating how access to quality technical-vocational education can rapidly translate into real opportunities for Filipino families.

SKIL scholars also received startup toolkits to help them practice and monetize their newly acquired skills, opening pathways for extra income and small-scale side ventures.

Strengthening Local Enterprises Through Innovation

Through the Shell LiveWIRE Program, PSFI supported five community enterprises in Macabalan and neighboring areas: Amiga’s Housemate, DA’YARN, MJ’s Foodies Homemade Bread and Pastry, Macabalan Golden Rays OFW Association, and the Macabalan Fisherfolk Association and Cooperative.

These enterprises received capacity-building sessions, mentorship, and livelihood grants, enabling them to expand their operations and anchor local economic growth. Their stories stood out as examples of how grassroots innovation can strengthen community resilience and prosperity.

Building Safer, More Resilient Communities

PSFI also reinforced community safety through its Biyahero and RESCUE Programs. More than 120 participants were trained in road safety, fire safety, and basic first aid. In partnership with barangays and local schools, PSFI will be installing 14 road signs in key areas of Macabalan to create safer routes for students, pedestrians, and commuters.

Volunteers and fisherfolk also received safety equipment, first aid kits, and solar lights to support emergency preparedness and promote safer, more sustainable livelihoods.

A Shared Commitment to Community Development

The Culmination Day recognized the collective contributions of schools, local government offices, national agencies, and civic organizations that have helped advance PSFI’s programs. These partnerships continue to fuel projects such as Brigada Eskwela, coastal cleanups, tree planting, and other environmental conservation initiatives.

Moving Forward Together

The 2025 Cagayan de Oro Culmination Day reaffirmed a simple truth. Progress becomes more meaningful when it is shared. From nurturing scholars to strengthening enterprises, and from promoting safety to caring for the environment, PSFI and its partners remain united in their commitment to empowering communities and transforming lives across Northern Mindanao.

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.