Stories of inspiration

Pagsusumikap ng Isang Ama

June 16, 2024

Mahigit tatlong dekada nang naglilingkod si Rene sa Shell. Mula sa mahirap na pamumuhay sa Surigao, nangarap at nakipagsapalaran siya sa Marikina, at doon na rin nagkaroon ng pamilya. Nagsimula siyang magtrabaho sa Twinhearts Shell sa Quezon City bilang isang gasoline boy noong 1994.

Bilang haligi ng tahanan na nagmula sa kahirapan, hindi niya sinasayang ang bawat oportunidad na ipinagkakaloob sa kanya. Noong 2006, nabigyan siya ng pagkakataong maging scholar ng Gas Mo Bukas Ko (GMBK) Program ng Pilipinas Shell Foundation sa Automotive Mechanic course. Lumaki ang kanyang kumpyansa sa sarili noong matapos niya ito.

Ngunit tulad ng ibang breadwinner ng pamilya, may mga pagkakataong kailangang isakripisyo ni Rene ang kanyang personal na pangarap upang masuportahan ang lumalaking pamilya. Hindi man niya naipagpatuloy ang kagustuhang maging mekaniko dahil sa pangambang malipat ng estasyon, nanatili siyang positibo sa kanyang araw-araw na trabaho.

Nagagamit pa rin naman niya ang lumagong kaalaman sa Automotive Mechanics.

Bumibilib ang kanilang customer sa tama niyang mga payo kaya’t patuloy silang bumabalik. Dahil sa maraming oportunidad at training, siya ay napagkatiwalaan bilang lead supervisor.

Sa paglipas ng panahon, nakita niya ang bunga ng kanyang sakripisyo. Ngayon, naipatapos na niya ang pag-aaral ng dalawa sa kanyang anak, ang isa ay nasa pangalawang taon na ng kolehiyo. Dati di’y nangungupahan laming sila, ngunit ngayo’y nakapagpundar na rin siya ng kanilang sariling tahanan at dalawang motor.

Sa kanyang 30 taong pagseserbisyo ay nakabuo siya ng matibay na pagsasamahan sa mga katrabaho. Malaking pasasalamat niya sa kanilang Shell Dealer na sina Marko Medardo M. Laqui at Rowena C. Laqui sa kanilang husay at magandang pakikitungo sa kanilang mga empleyado. “Naging pamilya ko na rin sila,” aniya.

Payo ni Rene:

“Sa mga anak na nabibigyan ng pagkakataon, wag nilang sayangin ang oportunidad na ibinibigay ng mga magulang. Mahalin ang kanilang mga magulang para sa kanilang kapakanan.”

Kasabay ng sipag at tiyaga, mahalaga ang mga oportunidad na tutulong paunlarin ang pamumuhay ng mga nagsusumikap na Pilipino. Sa pamamagitan ng partnership ng PSFI at Shell sa mga programang tulad ng Gas Mo, Bukas Ko at Unlad sa Pasada, libreng nakakapagsanay ang mga masisipag na station staff at public drivers bilang mga iskolar sa kanilang napiling TVET course.

Mula noon hanggang ngayon, kasama ang mga dedikado at masisipag na ama, patuloy ang PSFI na susuporta sa pagtupad ng mga pangarap.

#FilipinoForward #PilipinasShellFoundation

The Roots to Shoots (RTS) program trained 37 mothers, caregivers, and pregnant women in Sacobia in practical home gardening to support nutrition and food security. Through hands-on sessions and starter kits, participants learned how to grow their own vegetables using organic and climate-responsive techniques. The initiative empowers families to improve their diets while building resilience at the household level.

Chasing Zero: How PSFI and Partners are Turning the Tide Against Malaria

As the Philippines moves closer to eliminating malaria, a focused push in Palawan is driving the country’s final mile toward zero cases. Through the Global Fund Movement Against Malaria program, implemented by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) with national and local partners, significant gains have been achieved, including a 78% drop in indigenous cases in 2025 and zero reported deaths.

With 74 out of 82 provinces now malaria free, efforts are concentrated on reaching remote and underserved communities through targeted testing, treatment, and prevention strategies. Backed by strong partnerships and community driven approaches, the country is on track to achieve zero malaria in Palawan by 2026 and nationwide elimination by 2030.

BiyaHERO: PSFI Strengthens Road Safety Awareness Among Young Learners in Cagayan de Oro

PSFI, together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation and the Roads and Traffic Administration, strengthened road safety awareness among young learners in Cagayan de Oro through its BiyaHERO program. Through hands-on simulations and real-world learning tools, 64 students and teachers gained practical skills to navigate roads safely, reinforcing the importance of early education in building safer communities.

Strengthening Foundations Through Partnership: PSFI at the STEM Kapihan Panel

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) joined industry and education leaders at the STEM Kapihan Panel to address urgent challenges in the Philippine education system. Highlighting the need to strengthen foundational learning, Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones Jr. emphasized the role of industry as a co-educator in shaping more relevant and effective learning experiences. Read the full story to learn how partnerships can help strengthen both learners and teachers.

Rooted in Partnership: PSFI, SPC, and Coast Guard Northern Mindanao Drive Tree-Planting Effort in Cagayan de Oro

PSFI, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, and the Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao came together in Cagayan de Oro to plant 450 narra seedlings, demonstrating how strong partnerships can drive meaningful environmental action. Through collective effort, the initiative supports reforestation, climate resilience, and a shared commitment to a greener future.

Roots to Shoots: Building Stronger Foundations for Nutrition, Livelihood, and Resilience in Pasacao

Through the Roots to Shoots Program, PSFI and Metrobank Foundation are strengthening nutrition, food security, and livelihoods in Pasacao, Camarines Sur. By equipping caregivers with practical skills and supporting community-led initiatives, families are building healthier and more resilient futures together.