Iloilo City | November 12, 2025
The Ilonggo spirit of progress took center stage as Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC) gathered scholars, entrepreneurs, community partners, and local leaders for the 2025 Culmination Day at Go Hotels Iloilo.
The event celebrated a year of strengthened community development efforts, highlighting milestones across education, enterprise development, emergency response, and environmental stewardship in Iloilo and nearby areas.
SPC Terminal Operations Administrator Angelo Diago opened the program by underscoring the shared commitment of PSFI and SPC to community transformation. This was followed by a message of support from Iloilo City PESO Manager Gabriel Felix Umadhay, who recognized PSFI’s role in advancing skills training, livelihood generation, and sustained community engagement in Western Visayas.
Honoring SKIL Scholars and Their Achievements
One of the highlights of the day was the recognition of scholars under the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) Program. Program Officer Sherly Mae T. Sarabia presented the progress of scholars from Iloilo and Bacolod who completed the Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II course through the Technical Institute of Iloilo City.
Out of ten scholars, four have already passed the NC II Assessment. This milestone reflects both the scholars’ determination and the comprehensive support provided by PSFI through leadership development, life skills formation, and safety training.
Scholars received Certificates of Completion from the Technical Institute of Iloilo City and FDR First Safety System Training Services Corporation. Outstanding Scholar Awards were conferred on Dave Ron Falsis, Angelo Hosenilla, and Vincent Julius Lobaton. To further support their transition to employment, PSFI also awarded start-up toolkits to help graduates begin their technical and industrial careers.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs through Shell LiveWIRE
PSFI also recognized the progress of community enterprises supported through the Shell LiveWIRE Program. Senior Program Officer Maria Elvy Dominicata shared how participating micro, small, and medium enterprises benefited from mentoring sessions, pitching activities, and business planning workshops aimed at strengthening sustainability and growth.
Three Iloilo-based enterprises received livelihood grants during the ceremony:
Iloilo Capiz Shell Flowers and Antiques
Meek Food Products Condiments Manufacturer
Producto de Iloilo
These grants are intended to support innovation, improve operational capacity, and help local enterprises build long-term economic resilience.
Advancing Community Preparedness and Environmental Action
The Culmination Day also highlighted community engagement initiatives implemented throughout the year. These included cleanup drives in Barangay Obrero, a mangrove planting activity with Binhi sang Paglaum, and barangay cleanup efforts in Mansaya.
These activities reflect PSFI’s continued commitment to environmental care, disaster preparedness, and collaborative community development.
Recognizing Partners Who Make Progress Possible
PSFI and SPC honored key partners through Plaques of Recognition and Certificates of Appreciation. Awardees included Iloilo City Mayor Raiza Treñas, partner barangays from Iloilo City, the Bureau of Fire Protection Iloilo City, Philippine Coast Guard District Western Visayas, the Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo City Police Station 8, PESO Iloilo, the Technical Institute of Iloilo City, and SPC’s Bacolod Terminal.
Bo. Obrero National High School and Binhi sang Paglaum also received Certificates of Appreciation for their active participation and collaboration in community initiatives.
Messages of Gratitude and Inspiration
The celebration was further enriched by reflections from beneficiaries and partners. SKIL scholar Vincent Julius Lobaton and Shell LiveWIRE representative Janice Jaravilla shared how the programs opened doors to new opportunities and renewed confidence. PESO Manager Gabriel Felix Umadhay spoke on behalf of partner institutions, reaffirming continued support for PSFI’s mission.
Shell LiveWIRE alumnus Raniel Tabasin delivered the inspirational message, encouraging scholars and entrepreneurs to remain resilient and to continue uplifting their communities.
Moving Forward Together
PSFI Program Director Raiza V. Cusi closed the ceremony by recognizing the collective efforts of partners, beneficiaries, and PSFI teams. While the Culmination Day marked the close of the 2025 program cycle, she emphasized that PSFI’s commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development continues, building on the progress achieved and moving forward together with communities.
