Stories of inspiration

PSFI Brings Free Healthcare Services to Batangas City Through REACH Initiative

On May 31, 2025, a quiet Saturday morning in Brgy. Libjo, Batangas City transformed into a powerful display of malasakit as 278 residents received free medical and dental care, including fasting blood sugar testing and pharmaceutical services. The community medical mission was spearheaded by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), in collaboration with Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC) and Shell Import Facility Tabangao (SHIFT).

Held at Libjo Elementary School from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the event was part of PSFI’s Reliable Access to Community Healthcare (REACH) initiative—a multi-sectoral partnership that brings vital health services directly to underserved communities. What began as a simple effort to bridge gaps in healthcare access has become a growing movement of compassion and collaboration.

Beyond Brgy. Libjo, the REACH initiative continues to serve neighboring barangays, including Tabangao Ambulong, Tabangao Aplaya, San Isidro, and Malitam—providing free medical consultations, dental services, and essential medicines through licensed physicians and partner institutions.

The success of the mission was made possible through strong partnerships with the City Government of Batangas, Batangas Provincial Health Office, Batangas City Health Office, the Philippine Air Force, the Department of Education – Division of Batangas City, and the Brgy. Libjo Local Government Unit.

“Sa bawat medical mission natin, hindi lang sa bilang ng pasyente masusukat ang tagumpay nito, lalong higit ay sa iba’t ibang kwento ng pasasalamat at bayanihan mula sa ating mga beneficiaries at volunteers.”

— Pete Javier, Program Officer and REACH Initiative Lead, PSFI

Fueling this mission was a dedicated network of volunteers: employees from SPC and SHIFT through Shell ACTS (A Community That Serves); scholars from PSFI’s Science and Technology Education Program (STEP); medical teams from MedCity Diagnostic and Medical Center; students and faculty from Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas; and healthcare professionals from the Fernando Air Base Hospital and the Philippine Red Cross Batangas Chapter. The Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP) also provided sexual and reproductive health consultations, while Libjo’s Barangay Health Workers played a critical role in community mobilization.

This day in Brgy. Libjo was more than just a medical mission—it was a celebration of three years of REACH. From humble beginnings, the program has evolved into a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when compassion meets collective action. As PSFI marks this milestone, it also looks ahead. A follow-up mission is already scheduled for September 2025, reaffirming PSFI’s enduring commitment to its promise: that access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege—but a right for every Filipino.

Related stories:

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Nurturing Young Minds to Transform Communities

Through Shell’s global program NXplorers, PSFI is planting seeds of change by equipping young Filipinos with tools in problem-solving, systems thinking, and collaboration. From tackling food security in farming towns to creating sustainable energy solutions in schools, NXplorers empowers students and teachers to turn knowledge into lasting community impact—proving that dunong, once shared, continues to grow and transform lives.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Honoring Bravery in the Fight Against Malaria

In 1999, Palawan faced one of its deadliest threats: malaria. What began as the Kilusan Ligtas Malaria (KLM) program soon grew into the Movement Against Malaria (MAM)—a nationwide fight led by communities, health workers, and partners who embodied the spirit of maiseg, or bravery.

Today, with 60 provinces declared malaria-free, we celebrate not only the milestones but also the courage, compassion, and collaboration that continue to save lives.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: The PSFI Poster That Changed Mario’s Life

In 1983, Mario Dimaano was a young student from Batangas struggling to pay for school while working as a jeepney conductor. One day, he spotted a Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) poster about the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) Scholarship—an opportunity that changed his life.

Through SKIL, Mario studied at TESDA’s Basic Machine Shop program, gaining skills and hope for a brighter future. Despite challenges, he persevered with tibay—a Batangueño word for strength and resilience—and eventually built a stable life abroad for his family.

Today, his story reflects PSFI’s 43-year mission to empower communities, nurture resilience, and create opportunities for generations to come.

43 Years of Transforming Lives: Advancing Health for All

For 43 years, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) has lived its mission of safeguarding life. Rooted in the Chavacano word Vida, we continue to protect health, nurture resilience, and uplift communities nationwide.

Through programs like PBSR, PROTECTS, and PROTECTS UPSCALE, PSFI has expanded HIV services across the country—advancing human rights in Zamboanga, opening the first community HIV center in Palawan, and strengthening local responses in Batangas.

More than a program, PSFI’s HIV response is a lifeline that safeguards life, health, and hope.

Lighting the Way Forward: PSFI, PhilDev, and Shell Empower Future Leaders Through 5-Day Leadership Camp

From August 4 to 8, 2025, Shell, PhilDev, and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) hosted a five-day leadership camp in Manila for Shell-PhilDev scholars. The program blended mentoring, skills-building, and sessions on AI, diversity, and energy transition, preparing scholars to lead with purpose.

With guidance from Shell leaders and PhilDev mentors, scholars left the camp with knowledge, courage, and a stronger community—ready to shape a more sustainable future for the Philippines.