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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From Home Kitchen to City Hall: Maricris Senados’ Journey of Grit and Growth

From a home kitchen to a food stall at Tagbilaran City Hall, Maricris Senados’ journey reflects quiet determination and shared progress. Once a full-time housewife running a small sari-sari store and selling homemade snacks online, Maricris took a chance when an opportunity arose. Through PSFI’s Shell LiveWIRE program, with the support of Shell Pilipinas Corporation, she received assistance that allowed her to save on costs, reinvest in her business, and steadily grow her livelihood. At the same time, her son earned a technical scholarship under SKIL, enabling them to train and graduate together. Today, as her food stall often sells out by early afternoon, Maricris continues to build toward her dream of a permanent cooking space—showing how timely support, partnership, and perseverance can turn small beginnings into sustainable livelihoods.

PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation Celebrate 2025 Tagbilaran Culmination Day, Honoring Community Enterprises and Local Partnerships

PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation celebrated the 2025 Tagbilaran Culmination Day, marking key milestones of the Tagbilaran Social Development Program and the impact of strong local partnerships.

The event highlighted the completion of the 2025 Shell LiveWIRE Program by three community enterprises and recognized broader community initiatives, including school support, coastal cleanups, and disaster relief efforts. The gathering underscored a shared commitment to sustaining community progress in Tagbilaran.

In Memory of Cesar A. Buenaventura

Cesar A. Buenaventura shaped not only institutions, but the character and purpose of the people who worked with him. As the founding chairman of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., he was a principled leader who combined firmness with empathy, demanded excellence, and remained unwavering in doing what was right. In this personal reflection, PSFI Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones Jr. shares memories of CAB’s quiet but lasting influence, and the values that continue to guide the Foundation’s service to others.

BCFI and PSFI Celebrate 99 Caregiver Graduates, Opening Pathways to Employment and Transformation

BCFI and PSFI recently celebrated the graduation of 99 caregiver scholars under the MetamorphoCare 2025 program, held at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City. The ceremony highlighted powerful stories of second chances, from working mothers and sidewalk vendors to determined breadwinners who turned challenges into opportunities through education and skills training.

Through the Technical Vocational Caregiving Scholarship Program, part of a five–year partnership between BCFI and PSFI, scholars are equipped with NC II certification, career readiness, and direct access to employment opportunities through career talks and a linkages fair with hiring partners. Beyond certificates, the graduates carry renewed dignity, hope, and purpose as they step into their roles as caregivers, ready to uplift their families and serve communities with compassion.

Anchored by Love: The Story of Bong Fernan Tumanda

For years, former seafarer Bong Fernan Tumanda crossed oceans to provide for his family, spending more time at sea than at home. When the pandemic hit and his wife was pregnant, he chose to come home for good and start over through PSFI’s SKIL program in Electrical Installation and Maintenance. Today, Bong works close to his family, helps grow their small business, and treasures simple moments with his children, proving that with courage, faith, and the right support, a father’s love can chart a new course home.