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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

hrough the Roots to Shoots Program in Sacobia, Editha Salazar transformed a small livelihood assistance package into a growing sari-sari store that now helps support her family, her children’s education, and her child’s ongoing therapy, proving how opportunity and determination can create lasting change.

Shell LiveWIRE Empowers Cagayan de Oro Fisherfolk Through Sustainable Payao Deployment in Macajalar Bay

Shell LiveWIRE, through Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Shell Pilipinas Corporation
, strengthens sustainable livelihoods in Cagayan de Oro City through the successful deployment of three payaos in Macajalar Bay, empowering local fisherfolk with safer and more sustainable fishing opportunities through community collaboration, capacity building, and responsible fisheries management.

Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0 Helps Mothers Build Sustainable Livelihoods

Through the Roots to Shoots (RTS) Pasacao 2.0 Program and with the support of Metrobank Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) officially opened the SONATA stitching and sewing production facility in Pasacao, Camarines Sur. The initiative aims to empower mothers and families by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, technical skills training, and long-term enterprise development support for the community.

Roots to Shoots Empowers 37 Mothers and Caregivers Through Home Gardening Training in Sacobia

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.