Stories of inspiration

PSFI Among the Philippine Delegation at AIDS 2024 Conference in Germany

#PSFINews– PSFI Among the Philippine Delegation at AIDS 2024 Conference in Germany
 
Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) PROTECTS-UPSCALE participated in AIDS 2024 at the 25th International AIDS Conference held in Munich, Germany. The PSFI team, representing the Philippines, was led by Dr. Loyd Norella, Dr. Stella Flores, and Jeri Abenoja, along with Atty. Mack Hale Bunagan of IDEALS.
PSFI Technical Integration Officer for Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) and TB-HIV, and principal author Jeri Abenoja, R.N. presented their abstract titled ‘Innovative Approaches in HIV Outreach for the Transgender Population: A Case Study of the GLAM Project at Amos Tara Community Center.’
 
Mr. Jason Roque, Health Education and Promotion Officer IV of the Department of Health (Philippines) – Health Promotion Bureau, also delivered a presentation on the integration of the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) messaging in health promotion interventions in the Philippines. Participants in the forum consist of individuals and organizations, convening to spread accurate information about U=U.
 
U=U is a public health campaign educating that people living with HIV who are on treatment and have an undetectable viral load, have ZERO risk of transmitting HIV to sexual partners. It aims to combat stigma, promote HIV treatment and prevention, and enhance the quality of care and support for those living with HIV.
 
AIDS 2024 aligns with PSFI’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS-related issues. PROTECTS-UPSCALE is PSFI’s health and safety initiative, funded by the Global Fund, dedicated to addressing HIV/AIDS and contributing to the National HIV response in the Philippines.

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Planting Seeds for Food Security: 26 Grade 12 Learners Achieve 100% in Agricultural Crop Production NC II

Twenty-six Grade 12 learners from Sulpicio A. Roco Memorial High School achieved a 100% passing rate in the Agricultural Crop Production NC II assessment after completing 320 hours of classroom instruction and farm immersion at PSFI’s Shell Training Farm in Bombon through DepEd’s JDVP. Certified as Competent in core crop production and essential workplace and safety skills, the fourth batch of graduates is now better positioned for employment, entrepreneurship, or further studies in agriculture, supporting stronger youth participation in food security and sustainable farming.

Cultivating Future-Ready Problem Solvers: PSFI Celebrates the Impact of the Shell NXplorers Program (2019–2025)

From 2019 to 2025, the Shell NXplorers Program, implemented by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., equipped 2,716 students and 421 teachers across 101 schools with the skills to tackle complex real-world challenges. Through systems thinking, scenario planning, and sustainability-driven problem solving, young Filipinos strengthened their confidence, creativity, and collaboration. With 97 student-led projects generated through the Bright Ideas Challenge, NXplorers leaves behind a generation ready to shape solutions for food, water, and energy challenges.

A Promise Fulfilled: Arlene Yago’s Journey as a 2025 SKIL Scholar

At 28, Arlene Yago chose to return to school, carrying with her the words her father once told her: “Mag-aral ka para sa akin.” A young mother from Pasacao, Camarines Sur, Arlene became a 2025 scholar of the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) program in Electronics NC II, stepping into a field she never imagined for herself.

Shortly after her training began, she lost her father. Instead of stopping, she pressed on, honoring his dream through perseverance and hard work. Today, Arlene’s journey is more than a certification earned. It is a promise fulfilled and a future steadily being built for her family.

Shell LiveWire 2025: Growing Enterprises, Powering Possibilities

From 2020 to 2025, Shell LiveWire supported 157 Community Enterprises and 26 Tech Startups nationwide. In 2025 alone, the program reached 47 community enterprises, provided startup capital to 42 enterprises, and awarded equity-free grants to five tech startups across 10 sites nationwide.

Through structured training, mentorship, and partnerships with LGUs, national agencies, and innovation hubs, Shell LiveWire helps Filipino entrepreneurs strengthen livelihoods, create jobs, and develop solutions that enable communities to thrive.

Building Better Pathways, One Ecobrick at a Time

In Batangas City, discarded plastic was transformed into safer walkways for children through an Ecobrick Laying Activity led by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Business Operations and Shell Import Facility Tabangao. With 5,000 ecobricks turned over and 57 volunteers working side by side, school pathways at Tabangao Ambulong Elementary School and San Isidro Day Care Center were strengthened—creating cleaner, safer spaces for learning and play.

The initiative forms part of PSFI’s Community Activity Support (CAS) program, which has reached over 30,000 individuals nationwide since 2023 through education, health, and environmental efforts. Read how sustainability and partnership are building better pathways for communities.

Nourishing Young Lives: Thaison Volunteers Bring Care and Nutrition to RTS Light in Mabalacat City

On January 27, 2026, the Family Care Center in Marcos Village, Mabalacat City, became a space of shared care and learning through the Roots to Shoots (RTS) Light Program. Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), with the support of Thaison Builders and Developer, Inc. (TBDI), Clark Development Corporation, Barangay Nutrition and Health Workers, FCC teachers, and parent volunteers, conducted a nutrition-focused feeding activity for 25 pre-school children.

Building on hands-on volunteerism, TBDI staff helped prepare and serve nutrient-rich meals, then led a storytelling session that reinforced positive values and healthy habits. The activity also strengthened parental awareness through short, interactive nutrition education led by health workers, reflecting RTS Light’s goal of nourishing children while deepening community participation and ownership.