Stories of inspiration

PSFI Brings Solar Power to Batak Community in Palawan

Over 50 households of the Batak community in Sitio Tagnaya, Barangay Concepcion, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan received stand-alone solar units from Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI)’s SINAG Program. This initiative was in partnership with the Local Barangay Council of Concepcion, and the City Health Office of Puerto Princesa in response to the community’s expressed need for solar power during consultations.

Sitio Tagnaya is an isolated area. Reaching it from the National Highway requires nearly two hours of walking, crossing six rivers, and climbing steep slopes. As such, these households have remained off the grid for many years, and their lack of access to reliable electricity has hampered their community’s well-being. The Batak community faces significant challenges: children struggle to study after dark and parents cannot continue their weaving handicraft production. Power is essential for the education of the children and the livelihood of the parents.

Concepcion Barangay Captain Job Francisco expressed the community’s gratitude. He talked about the Batak community’s nighttime challenges and emphasized the invaluable support from PSFI and Shell in addressing these needs sustainably. Mary Jane Gupo, a representative of the Batak community, conveyed her appreciation on behalf of their Chieftain for the continued support from PSFI and Barangay Captain Francisco. According to her, these solar units would greatly improve their daily lives.

The distribution of stand-alone solar units last May was made possible through the kindness of the public who donated during PSFI’s SINAG crowdfunding campaign last year, and the generous support of Shell employees.

Concepcion Barangay Captain Job Francisco expressed the community’s gratitude. He talked about the Batak community’s nighttime challenges and emphasized the invaluable support from PSFI and Shell in addressing these needs sustainably. Mary Jane Gupo, a representative of the Batak community, conveyed her appreciation on behalf of their Chieftain for the continued support from PSFI and Barangay Captain Francisco. According to her, these solar units would greatly improve their daily lives.

The distribution of stand-alone solar units last May was made possible through the kindness of the public who donated during PSFI’s SINAG crowdfunding campaign last year, and the generous support of Shell employees.

In addition to providing solar units, the PSFI team conducted Malaria blood smearing for residents and distributed mosquito nets to protect against mosquito bites at night, with assistance from the City Health Office.

#PSFI #FilipinoForward

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.