Tagbilaran City, Bohol — November 17, 2025. Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), gathered community members, local government partners, and program beneficiaries for the 2025 Culmination Day, a celebration of milestones and the collective progress achieved through the Tagbilaran Social Development Program. The event, held at the Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium, highlighted the impact of the Shell LiveWIRE Program and PSFI’s various community support initiatives.
Showcasing Community Enterprises and Local Innovation
One of the key highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of three community enterprises that successfully completed the 2025 Shell LiveWIRE Program: the Cogon Women’s Association, the Tagbilaran City Garments Manufacturers Association, and J&J Desserts. These enterprises underwent extensive capacity-building sessions in entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management and received livelihood grants in the form of equipment to expand their operations.
- Cogon Women’s Association received equipment support such as a grinding machine and LPG set to increase their peanut butter production.
- Tagbilaran City Garments Manufacturers Association received sublimation equipment, fabric, and ink to scale their shirt manufacturing business.
- J&J Desserts was provided with a refrigerator, mixers, blender units, a sealer, and food containers to grow their graham bar enterprise.
PSFI emphasized that these businesses reflect the resilience, creativity, and determination of local entrepreneurs who continue to uplift their communities through enterprise development.
Community Support Beyond Livelihood
Aside from supporting MSMEs, PSFI also presented its broader community initiatives in Tagbilaran. These included:
- Assistance to schools under Brigada Eskwela, such as the provision of a grass cutter and wheelbarrows to Eastern Cogon Elementary School and cement and painting materials to Cogon National High School.
- Participation in coastal cleanup activities led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
- Distribution of 96 relief packs to families and students affected by a fire incident in Barangay Cogon on March 22, 2025.
These efforts, PSFI noted, represent “small steps that create ripples of change” when communities and partners work together.
Recognizing Partners Who Power Community Progress
A key portion of the event was the awarding of Plaques of Recognition to PSFI’s partners whose leadership and collaboration made the year’s achievements possible. Honorees included:
- City Government of Tagbilaran
- Tagbilaran City Livelihood and Community Development Unit
- Sangguniang Barangay ng Cogon
- Shell Pilipinas Corporation
Local leaders including City Administrator Alvin Luis Acuzar, SP Chairpersons Hon. Gian Carlo Besas and Hon. Gemma Inting, and Rep. Councilor Ondoy Borja also delivered messages of support, reinforcing their commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development.
A Celebration of Partnership and the Promise of More Impact
Closing the event, SPC Terminal Manager Engr. Rey Labajo expressed gratitude to partners and beneficiaries, emphasizing that while the year’s formal program concludes, the shared mission of advancing communities continues.
The gathering ended with raffles, performances, and a fellowship meal, symbolizing unity and the continued journey toward transformative development in Tagbilaran.
