Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) was recognized at the 2025 League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) CSR Guild Awards for two of its flagship programs. Roots to Shoots was awarded Most Outstanding CSR Project in Collaboration, while the Integrated Farming Bio-System (IFBS) Training Program was honored as a finalist in Outstanding CSR Project in Enterprise Development. These distinctions reflect PSFI’s ongoing commitment to delivering inclusive, community-driven solutions that create long-term, sustainable impact across health, livelihood, and development sectors.
Roots to Shoots: Collaboration That Creates Ripples of Change
After being submitted for the third time, Roots to Shoots finally received the highest honor in the collaboration category. This recognition affirms the program’s deep and measurable impact through strong partnerships and meaningful community engagement.
In her acceptance speech, Pam Castro, Program Manager of Roots to Shoots, highlighted what the award truly represents:
“This award is not just our achievement. It reflects the collective effort of our partners, the communities we work with, and our shared agenda to bring about continuous sustainable change.”
She extended her gratitude to PSFI’s partners, including Metrobank Foundation (funding partner), Manila Water Foundation (delivery partner), Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc., Clark Development Corporation, World Vision Development Foundation, National Commission on Indigenous People, and the local government units of Camarines Sur, Pampanga, and Tarlac.
Launched in 2021, Roots to Shoots addresses malnutrition and poverty through a convergence approach that integrates Maternal and Child Health, Food Security and Livelihood, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Its interventions target the crucial first 1,000 days of a child’s life while strengthening household resilience through livelihood and nutrition support.
RTS 2024 Milestones:
- 35 children achieved normal weight or gained at least 900 grams
- 197 caregivers completed Go Baby Go parenting sessions
- 86 pregnant mothers received First 1,000 Days seminars and Buntis Kits
- 222 caregivers completed home gardening training
- 95 home gardens established, producing over 3,443 kilograms of vegetables
- 286 farmers trained under IFBS and received farm inputs
- Two static water tanks installed in Bamban
- Construction of one deep well facility commenced in Sitio Burog, San Vicente
- Formation of a WASH group to sustain sanitation infrastructure
Castro emphasized that Roots to Shoots is more than a program. It is a model of inclusive, community-led action.
“This also demonstrates inclusiveness in nutrition, as it ensures equitable access and culturally sensitive approaches to solving malnutrition.” She concluded with PSFI’s rallying call: “Sama-samang pagtulong, sabay-sabay na pagsulong.”
IFBS: Empowering Farmers and Growing Enterprises
Recognized as a finalist for Outstanding CSR Project in Enterprise Development, PSFI’s Integrated Farming Bio-System (IFBS) Training Program equips smallholder farmers with practical, systems-based skills in sustainable agriculture.
Conducted at the Shell Training Farm in Bombon, Camarines Sur, the program promotes agro-entrepreneurship, soil and waste management, crop and animal production, and inclusive leadership. It also places emphasis on empowering women and Indigenous Peoples to lead agri-enterprises in their communities.
IFBS 2024 Highlights:
- 1,432 farmers trained in climate-smart, sustainable agriculture
- ₱4.73 million in additional income generated by farmer groups
- 48.27 hectares of land revitalized
- Creation of community enterprises such as LAWPA (a women-led swine group), S-TIPFA (an Indigenous vegetable farm), and PHVCPA (integrated crop-livestock model)
A Testament to Convergence and Community Leadership
PSFI’s recognition at the 2025 LCF CSR Guild Awards is more than a celebration of program success. It is a reflection of what is possible when the government, private sector, and communities work together for inclusive and sustainable development. From improving child nutrition to scaling agri-enterprises, PSFI continues to create ripples of change by turning shared values into collective action.
