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.
