Stories of inspiration

Mapping Hope: Geotagging Fish Aggregating Areas for Fisherfolk in Cagayan de Oro

On August 15, 2025, the fisherfolk communities of Barangays Puntod and Macabalan in Cagayan de Oro joined forces with key government agencies and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) in a geotagging activity that identified suitable sites for the installation of payaos or fish aggregating devices.

The activity was built on months of dialogue and collaboration. It began with a pakighinabi (community dialogue), where fisherfolk voiced a wide range of concerns—including the alarming decline in fish catch. To respond, PSFI and partners convened a series of focused consultation meetings that zeroed in on solutions specific to payaos. These sessions drew on policy expertise, technical insights, and digital mapping to carefully chart the next steps.

Representatives from the Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Maritime Police, Agricultural Productivity Operations Office, Harbor Pilot, Northern Mindanao Import Facility (NMIF), and PSFI came together to support the initiative.

The geotagging activity then confirmed safe and strategic sites for payaos, ensuring they were located away from navigational routes to avoid risks to maritime traffic and to secure operational efficiency.

By enhancing fish aggregation, the payaos are expected to increase fish stocks, enabling fisherfolk to catch more, sell more, and ultimately earn more. Beyond income, the devices also represent a sustainable approach to fishing that safeguards marine resources for future generations.

“This is more than just about placing markers in the sea,” shared one community representative during the activity. “It is about reclaiming hope for our families and our livelihood.”

This project exemplifies how collaboration fuels success, showcasing the power and impact of strong partnerships. With PSFI, Shell companies in the Philippines (SciP), local fisherfolk, and government agencies working hand-in-hand, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to community resilience, safety, and sustainable fishing practices.

Through digital mapping, policy dialogue, and on-the-ground collaboration, the fisherfolk of Puntod and Macabalan are not just being given tools—they are being given renewed confidence that their way of life can thrive in harmony with both nature and modern maritime demands.

Related stories:

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Nurturing Young Minds to Transform Communities

Through Shell’s global program NXplorers, PSFI is planting seeds of change by equipping young Filipinos with tools in problem-solving, systems thinking, and collaboration. From tackling food security in farming towns to creating sustainable energy solutions in schools, NXplorers empowers students and teachers to turn knowledge into lasting community impact—proving that dunong, once shared, continues to grow and transform lives.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Honoring Bravery in the Fight Against Malaria

In 1999, Palawan faced one of its deadliest threats: malaria. What began as the Kilusan Ligtas Malaria (KLM) program soon grew into the Movement Against Malaria (MAM)—a nationwide fight led by communities, health workers, and partners who embodied the spirit of maiseg, or bravery.

Today, with 60 provinces declared malaria-free, we celebrate not only the milestones but also the courage, compassion, and collaboration that continue to save lives.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: The PSFI Poster That Changed Mario’s Life

In 1983, Mario Dimaano was a young student from Batangas struggling to pay for school while working as a jeepney conductor. One day, he spotted a Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) poster about the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) Scholarship—an opportunity that changed his life.

Through SKIL, Mario studied at TESDA’s Basic Machine Shop program, gaining skills and hope for a brighter future. Despite challenges, he persevered with tibay—a Batangueño word for strength and resilience—and eventually built a stable life abroad for his family.

Today, his story reflects PSFI’s 43-year mission to empower communities, nurture resilience, and create opportunities for generations to come.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Advancing Health for All

For 43 years, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) has lived its mission of safeguarding life. Rooted in the Chavacano word Vida, we continue to protect health, nurture resilience, and uplift communities nationwide.

Through programs like PBSR, PROTECTS, and PROTECTS UPSCALE, PSFI has expanded HIV services across the country—advancing human rights in Zamboanga, opening the first community HIV center in Palawan, and strengthening local responses in Batangas.

More than a program, PSFI’s HIV response is a lifeline that safeguards life, health, and hope.

Lighting the Way Forward: PSFI, PhilDev, and Shell Empower Future Leaders Through 5-Day Leadership Camp

From August 4 to 8, 2025, Shell, PhilDev, and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) hosted a five-day leadership camp in Manila for Shell-PhilDev scholars. The program blended mentoring, skills-building, and sessions on AI, diversity, and energy transition, preparing scholars to lead with purpose.

With guidance from Shell leaders and PhilDev mentors, scholars left the camp with knowledge, courage, and a stronger community—ready to shape a more sustainable future for the Philippines.

Empowering Filipino Start-Ups: Shell LiveWire 2025 Showcases Innovation and Partnership

Shell LiveWire 2025 gathered Filipino entrepreneurs, industry experts, and partners for a full-day Progress Review Session at The Finance Center in Taguig City. The event featured learning sessions on AI, B2B product design, and procurement opportunities, alongside showcases from five innovative start-ups: Pili AdheSeal, Agridom, Greentech Ecobooster PH, Nascent Technologies, and Verra Bella Enterprises.

The gathering highlighted Shell and PSFI’s commitment to strengthen local enterprises through mentorship, capacity building, and market linkages. It also celebrated Filipino resilience and ingenuity, with Roma recognized among Shell’s global Top Ten Innovators 2025.

The program continues with the Final Pitch Day on September 2 at the Echelon Philippines Conference, where the next wave of Filipino innovators will take the stage.