Stories of inspiration

Growing Green Together: PSFI and Partners Nurture Hope at La Mesa Ecopark

On July 5, 2025, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), through its employee volunteerism program Shell ACTS (A Community That Serves), joined fellow League of Corporate Foundation (LCF) members in a meaningful Tree Nurturing Activity at La Mesa Ecopark. The initiative marked a collective stride for CSR Week 2025 and reaffirmed each organization’s commitment to the Net Zero initiative and environmental stewardship.

The activity brought together representatives from Alcantara Foundation, ICTSI Foundation, Unilab Foundation, Manila Water Foundation, Megawide Foundation, Zuellig Family Foundation, Telus, and PSFI—including several Executive Directors—reflecting a shared vision across sectors: to sustain and protect one of Metro Manila’s last remaining green lungs.

Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to plant Cupang trees (Parkia javanica), a native species known for its resilience and ecological value. In addition to tree planting, the volunteers also participated in seed bagging, ensuring a continued pipeline of young plants for future reforestation efforts.

Before the hands-on work began, participants received a grounding orientation on the ecological significance of La Mesa Ecopark. Spanning 33 hectares, the park is a vital urban forest that supports biodiversity and protects the La Mesa Watershed, Metro Manila’s primary water source. As one of the few green sanctuaries in the capital, La Mesa’s preservation has become ever more urgent in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change.

The tree nurturing activity stands as one of many actions aligned with PSFI’s sustainability goals and its role in Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s Just Transition strategy, which promotes inclusive, people-centered solutions for a low-carbon future. PSFI continues to advocate for environmental responsibility, working hand-in-hand with community partners, local governments, and fellow organizations to sustain ecosystems and strengthen climate action.

As the sun filtered through the canopy and volunteers left their footprints in the soil, the message was clear: change begins when we come together—with roots deep in purpose and branches reaching toward a greener tomorrow.

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43 Years of Transforming Lives: PSFI Stands with Communities in Crisis

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) has stood with communities in times of need for 43 years. In July 2025, when Typhoon Emong devastated La Union and displaced thousands, PSFI, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, and local leaders moved quickly to deliver life-saving aid. From July 25 to August 1, 2025, they reached 202 families in four barangays with hot meals, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, and urgent supplies for the elderly and vulnerable. Even the Shell Poro Terminal opened its remaining power supply so residents could charge devices and stay connected. This swift, coordinated response reflects the Natibker spirit—strong, unyielding, and steadfast—that continues to guide PSFI’s mission to leave no community behind.

Nourishing Communities, Strengthening Networks: Nutrition Month with a Cross-Program Collaboration

PSFI marked the second year of its Roots to Shoots initiative with a vibrant Nutrition Month celebration on July 29, 2025, at the Clark Training Center in Pampanga. The event gathered communities, partners, and local government units for a day of learning, contests, and shared meals, all under the theme “Masustansiyang Pagkain para sa Pamilyang Pinoy, Ating Ihain.”

Highlights included a cooking competition, nutri-costume parade, and quiz bee, alongside sessions on nutrition as a fundamental right. The celebration also showcased the program’s integrated approach, combining WASH, Mother and Child Care, and Food Security and Livelihood to address food and nutrition insecurity.

With strong participation from families, teachers, and community leaders, the day reflected the shared commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Ezra Lyn Valenzuela’s Journey with PSFI SKIL

Ezra Lyn Valenzuela, a young mother from Cagayan de Oro, joined PSFI’s SKIL Program in 2024 to build a better life for her daughter.

With Housekeeping NCII training and support from Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s North Mindanao Import Facility, she found work in Greece and now provides for her family.

Ezra’s journey reflects 43 years of PSFI empowering Filipinos through skills, hope, and opportunity.

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

In Leyte, farmers and fisherfolk are stepping up as community leaders through the AgrElevate Program by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), supported by BPI Foundation. The program equips local groups with capital, training, and leadership skills to build sustainable businesses rooted in their communities.

Through financial literacy sessions, enterprise development workshops, and leadership training, beneficiaries are now implementing business plans tailored to their local resources and needs. Six community-designed livelihood projects have received capital support, ranging from oyster culture to rice harvest processing.

AgrElevate is fostering a new generation of community-based entrepreneurs—empowered, equipped, and ready to lead local development.

Pagbabago ng Agos ng Buhay ni Christian: How the SKIL Program Shaped His Future

Christian, a 31-year-old fisherman from Malitam, Batangas, is now training in Automotive Servicing through the SKIL program of PSFI. With the support of Shell Pilipinas Corporation and Shell Import Facility Tabangao, he is gaining new skills to build a more secure future for his family. His story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the unwavering hope of a father determined to turn his life around.

Tools for Tomorrow: SKIL Scholars Receive EIM Toolkits in Iloilo City

On July 15, 2025, ten SKIL scholars in Iloilo City took a significant step toward a brighter future as they received their Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) toolkits through a ceremonial turnover at the Technical Institute of Iloilo City – Molo Campus.

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.