Stories of inspiration

PSFI and MBFI Launched ‘Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0’ to Scale Up Local Health and Nutrition in Camarines Sur

February 5, 2024

PSFI and MBFI Launched 'Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0' to Scale Up Local Health and Nutrition in Camarines Sur

On January 17, 2024, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) officially sealed their commitment with the Municipality of Pasacao to launch the ‘Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0’ program.

Local partners graced the event with the participation of Pasacao Local Government Unit officials and personnel led by Mayor Jorge Bengua and Vice Mayor Maryol Tayco. Also in attendance were Pilipinas Shell Foundation’s Director for Programs, Sherwin Yap, and Senior Program Manager on Nutrition and Food Security, Maria Pamela Castro; Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s (SPC) Pasacao Terminal Operations Supervisor, Rone Mark Narciso; MBFI’s President Aniceto Sobrepeña, Executive Vice President Philip Dy, and Grants and Partnerships Unit Head Marievic Mariano; Manila Water Foundation’s (MWF) Program Manager – Integrated WASH, Blessille Par; and World Vision Development Foundation’s (WVDF) Corporate Engagement Officer, Rafael Quimel. The multi-sectoral effort responds to the critical issue of malnutrition affecting children under the age of 5, particularly during their first 1,000 days (about 2.5 years).

PSFI Director for Programs Sherwin Yap emphasized the crucial importance of the first 1,000 days in a child’s development, which impact extends to the nation’s prosperity. This prompted PSFI to collaborate with experts to create a strong program that gave birth to Roots to Shoots.

Aligned with a shared vision, the partnership will adopt a holistic, community-based approach, integrating food security and livelihood (FSL), mother and child care (MCC) and nutrition, and water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). These components aim to improve food security and water and sanitation access, promote good hygiene practices, and elevate the nutrition status of caregivers and their children.

MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña highlighted that in the Foundation’s 45th Anniversary this year, ‘Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0’ is one of its flagship programs in Grants and the significance of the partnership as MBFI’s grants programming transitions to integrated, holistic, and multi-sectoral approach. He also added that with the program’s impact and successful results from previous implementations of ‘Roots to Shoots’, it only proves that the endeavor is worth the investment for a scalable program.

Barangay Sta. Rosa del Sur, grappling with a high prevalence of severe stunting and underweight children, becomes the focus of ‘Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0.’ Building on the success of its pilot implementation, the expansion program aims to create conditions for the next generation to thrive and contribute positively to society. PSFI, in collaboration with WVDF and the MWF, will lead the implementation, while MBFI will provide support and funding.

The previous ‘Roots to Shoots’ implementation from 2019 to 2022 in Pasacao, Camarines Sur resulted in reduced incidences of stunting by 10.57%, wasting by 5.39%, and the number of underweight children by 6.91%. The new partnership aspires not only to address immediate health and nutrition challenges but to lay the foundation for a healthier and more resilient future for the community of Pasacao.

#PadagosRTSPasacao2.0 #PilipinasShellFoundation #FilipinoForward

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.