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PSFI’s Roots to Shoots Wins Most Outstanding CSR Collaboration Project at 2025 LCF CSR Guild Awards; IFBS Program Named Finalist in Enterprise Development

July 8, 2025

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)

By aligning with national policies and fostering local ownership, IFBS continues to help rural communities build long-term economic resilience.

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.

Through the Bayanihan Bulilit initiative, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), and volunteers from the Shell Pasacao Terminal joined community partners to prepare Child Development Centers in Pasacao, Camarines Sur for the new school year. The collective effort provided learning materials, improved classroom facilities, and created better learning environments for 243 young learners.

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: When Representation Opens Doors and Saves Lives

This Pride Month, PSFI celebrates Basha Cancillar, a community leader whose journey from a young volunteer to an HIV advocate is helping create safer, more inclusive spaces for people affected by and living with HIV. Through PROTECTS UPSCALE and partnerships with community organizations, Basha champions representation, dignity, and access to healthcare, proving that when people are seen, heard, and empowered, lives can be transformed.

More Than a Reunion: Celebrating Four Decades of the SKIL Legacy

More than four decades after receiving the opportunity to build their futures through the SKIL Program, alumni from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao came together to celebrate a legacy of transformation, achievement, and service. Their stories stand as a testament to the enduring power of education, skills development, and the belief that true success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by how we help others succeed.

Project PASA Strengthens Sustainability and Community Impact Through MOA Signing

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), Shell Business Operations Manila, and Shell Pilipinas Corporation formalized their partnership for Project PASA (Passing Along Sustainably used Assets), an initiative that gives used furniture, mobile devices, and equipment a second life. Through the partnership, pre-loved assets are redirected to underserved communities, advancing sustainability, circularity, and social impact by ensuring valuable resources continue creating opportunities where they are needed most.

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: How Joan dela Cerna is Building a Future Rooted in Care

After years of working abroad to provide for her family, Joan dela Cerna returned home with a renewed determination to build a future closer to her children. Through the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) supported by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), she is pursuing her dream of becoming a caregiver while balancing her roles as a mother, student, and breadwinner. Her story is a reminder that when people are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute, they can create meaningful change for themselves, their families, and their communities.

RESCUE in Action: Building Fire-Ready and Resilient Communities in Macabalan

Under its RESCUE (Response to Communities Under Emergencies) program, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation, conducted a two-day fire safety and emergency response training in Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City. In partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the local government unit, the initiative equipped community volunteers and residents with essential fire prevention and response skills, helping strengthen local preparedness and build more resilient communities.