One of the main stakeholders of PSFI programs are Shell fence line communities such as those surrounding the area of the Shell Import Facility Tabangao (SHIFT). Here, one will find the barangays of Tabangao, Ambulong, LIbjo, San Isidro, and Malitam (TALIM). These Batangas communities are home to various PSFI programs.
PSFI TALIM constantly identifies the needs of Batangas communities and addresses them with appropriate programs and projects. In November alone, PSFI TALIM implemented 6 projects that addressed needs related to livelihood, health and safety, as well as energy. Find more information on the projects and how they helped the community address challenges they face on a day to day basis below:
Awarding of Start-Up Support Fund to LiveWIRE Beneficiaries
Under Shell LiveWIRE, several beneficiaries were supported with activities similar to those of the Acceleration Program. Selected enterprises and individuals were given guidance through trainings and workshops, presentations, and access to mentorship opportunities. Afterwards, they were awarded with start-up support in the form of a financial loan, payable within one year.
On November 9, 2021, 3 cooperatives received Php 200,000 start-up support funds while another 8 individuals received Php 20,000 each. The said amount is payable within 1 year to be managed and collected by BAFEMPCO. The chosen cooperatives and individuals were awarded by BAFEMPCO in OCVAS Grounds, Bolbok Batangas City, with partners and beneficiaries in attendance at the ceremony.
Joblink Local Manpower Pooling
In Barangay Ambulong, PSFI initiated the pooling of local manpower by collating a list of skilled workers in the area. This initiative aims to respond to the current need for various contractors within the barangay. The activity took place from November 11 to 19 where PSFI was able to accommodate 86 workers from Ambulong, Batangas, with the goal of creating an accessible central database to connect skilled workers with potential job opportunities.
The manpower pooling in Ambulong is only the program pilot, with other barangays soon to be contacted for information.
SINAG: Ceremonial Switch ON, Training for Integrated Solar and Emergency Lighting System, and Malampaya Turnover
In addition to the SINAG implementation and turnover of 16 solar powered street lights in Barangay San Isidro earlier this year, a further installation and turnover was also done in Barangay Ambulong making it a total of 48 street lights over a 3.15km stretch. Each post was strategically placed in areas where road accidents are potentially prevalent, therefore providing the community with safer, well lit roads.
Prior to the turnover ceremony, 21 members of the barangay attended a 2–day training session on proper repair and maintenance of the Integrated Solar and Emergency Lighting System. They were also provided with complete kits to help them attend to each lamp post should the need arise.
The goal of this activity is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to be able to address potential issues the street lights may encounter. Through their new capabilities, trained participants can now spearhead the maintenance of each solar street light unit, ensuring that it provides lighting to the community in the long term.
This program along with the BiyaHero program were both turned over to Malampaya, signifying the formal completion of the programs funded by Shell Philippines Exploration (SPEX).
BiyaHero Turnover Ceremony
BiyaHero is a PSFI road safety campaign that aims to increase Filipino drivers’ knowledge and skills in defensive driving, and commuters’ and pedestrians’ awareness in proper road conduct and behavior.
As part of the BiyaHero for Community program, PSFI turned over various road safety equipment and materials that will help road safety mentors to be more effective in traffic management and community
disaster response. Some of these materials actually included road safety signs which were affixed to the 48 solar powered street lights established by the SINAG program.
PSFI took charge in handling the overall management of the activity to ensure proper information and guidance was shared, during the equipment handover on November 24 at the Tabangao- Ambulong Basketball Court.
Handover of Medicine and Vitamins
Over the years of engagement with TALIM communities, PSFI has always implemented medical missions to help maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of citizens. This year was no different, PSFI continued to support members of the community by providing an assortment of medicines and vitamins.
Through a survey conducted by Barangay Health Workers in the communities, donations of vitamins and medicines were made based on the monthly consumption, as well as specific medical needs of each community. On November 18, distribution of supplies commenced, with each barangay receiving equal amounts of multivitamin drops, syrups, tablets, as well as a supply of ascorbic acid and B-complex.
Welding Equipment Donated to TESDA Batangas
To help support skills training in Batangas and strengthen the partnership between PSFI and TESDA Batangas, The Foundation donated equipment to the facility to support various skills training, specifically on welding and automotive repair and maintenance.
PSFI donated 10 multi-function welding machines, 3 Bosch grinders, and 2 vehicles. The materials were then delivered at the turnover ceremony on November 22, which was attended by PSFI TALIM team, Gov. Hermilando Mandas, Deputy Director General Lina Sarmiento, RTC Administrator Dorie Gutierrez and Provincial Director Gerry Mercado. This activity was one of the highlights during the 2021 Regional Skills Competition opening Ceremony hosted by TESDA CALABARZON. Empowering the community is at the core of this gesture. This donation comes with the sincere hope of producing effective workers that are trained and well equipped for their respective courses.
While the above highlights a month’s worth of activities, various efforts and programs are continuously implemented throughout the year for TALIM. November truly was a productive month in helping move the Filipino forward, and with the continued help of our partners and stakeholders, PSFI only intends to progress further in the months to come.