Building on its commitment to community safety and sustainable livelihoods, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation, turned over protective and rescue equipment to fisherfolk communities from Barangays Puntod and Macabalan during Pakighinabi 2026 on March 19, 2026.
Implemented under the Shell LiveWIRE Philippines program, the initiative aims to strengthen the safety, preparedness, and resilience of local fisherfolk, particularly during fishing operations and the monitoring and maintenance of payaos, or fish aggregating devices, that help sustain coastal livelihoods.
The equipment distributed included five life vests, five life rings, twenty-five whistles, five flashlights, and one megaphone. These tools are expected to improve emergency response, strengthen communication at sea, and help reduce risks faced by fisherfolk during their daily activities.
Five organized fisherfolk groups benefited from the turnover:
- Puntod Integrated Skilled Fisherfolk Association (PISFA)
- Barra Riverside Fisherfolk Association (BRFA)
- Macabalan Fisherfolk Disaster and Rescue Association (MAFIDIRA)
- Macabalan Federation Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MFMPC)
- Macajalar Bay Fisherfolks Association (MABAFA)
In addition, eight solar lights were distributed to members of PISFA, MAFIDIRA, and BRFA to improve visibility and safety during nighttime fishing, coastal monitoring, and community activities.
The turnover activity was led by Ms. Karissa Cruz and Mr. Manny Castaneda of Shell Pilipinas Corporation, together with Ms. Maria Elvy Dominicata of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. Barangay officials also joined the activity to show their support for the fisherfolk communities.
Representing the beneficiary organizations, Saldy Sayson, Chairman of MFMPC, expressed his gratitude for the support provided to their communities:
“Nalipay gyud mi sa tabang sa Shell para sa among mga mangingisda — ilabi na ang payao hapit na gyud ma-deploy karong Abril 16 puhon. Di na damgo ang tanan.”
(“We are truly grateful for Shell’s support to our fisherfolk, especially with the payao set to be deployed this coming April 16. What once seemed like a dream is now becoming a reality.”)
Through initiatives that promote safety, preparedness, and livelihood sustainability, PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation continue to support coastal communities in becoming safer, more resilient, and better equipped for long-term development.
The initiative reflects Shell’s broader commitment to empowering communities and ensuring that progress goes hand in hand with safety, resilience, and inclusive growth.
