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

After years of working abroad to provide for her family, Joan dela Cerna returned home with a renewed determination to build a future closer to her children. Through the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) supported by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), she is pursuing her dream of becoming a caregiver while balancing her roles as a mother, student, and breadwinner. Her story is a reminder that when people are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute, they can create meaningful change for themselves, their families, and their communities.

RESCUE in Action: Building Fire-Ready and Resilient Communities in Macabalan

Under its RESCUE (Response to Communities Under Emergencies) program, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation, conducted a two-day fire safety and emergency response training in Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City. In partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the local government unit, the initiative equipped community volunteers and residents with essential fire prevention and response skills, helping strengthen local preparedness and build more resilient communities.

Opening Doors to Opportunity: MGCCFI and PSFI Scholars Earn TESDA Customer Service Certification

Twenty-six scholars under the Manila Golf and Country Club Foundation, Inc. (MGCCFI) Technical Vocational Scholarship Program, implemented in partnership with Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), successfully earned their TESDA Customer Services NC II certification. Through months of online training, skills development, and perseverance, the scholars gained industry-recognized competencies that will help open doors to employment opportunities and a brighter future.

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: How Rowena Miranda is Inspiring the Next Generation of Indigenous Learners

From scholar to teacher, Rowena Miranda’s journey has come full circle. An Aeta educator from Marcos Village, Pampanga, she now dedicates her life to helping indigenous children take their first steps in education and believe in their own potential. Through her story, we are reminded that communities become stronger and more vibrant when every person is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute.

Shell–PhilDev Partnership Celebrated at PhilDev Gala: Advancing a Legacy of Filipino Excellence

Shell Companies in the Philippines and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) joined industry, academe, and innovation leaders at the 2026 PhilDev Annual Gala Fundraiser, celebrating the legacy of Filipino technology pioneer Dado Banatao. The event recognized Shell Pilipinas Corporation as a Corporate Honoree for its long-standing partnership with PhilDev and support for more than 200 scholars through the Shell–PhilDev Scholarship Program. The evening also highlighted the achievements of Shell–PhilDev alumni recognized among the Young Innovators of the Year, underscoring the impact of investing in education, innovation, and the next generation of Filipino changemakers.

REACH Brings Essential Healthcare Services Closer to Libjo Communities

Hundreds of residents in Barangay Libjo, Batangas City gained access to essential healthcare services through the REliable Access to Community Healthcare (REACH) initiative of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Shell Import Facility Tabangao (SHIFT). Through free medical consultations, dental services, medicines, and diagnostic support, the mission helped address immediate health needs while promoting preventive care and healthier communities. Supported by government agencies, healthcare institutions, and volunteers, the initiative highlights the power of partnerships in bringing quality healthcare closer to Filipino families.