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

December 15, 2025

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.

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.