Stories of inspiration

Sitio Calapi Marks Milestone with Completion of 12-Day Nutrition Sessions under Roots to Shoots’ PDH Program

July 21, 2025

On June 7, 2025, twelve days of learning, dedication, and community effort came to a meaningful close as the Positive Deviance/Hearth (PDH) Cycle 2 Hub 4 program successfully concluded its nutrition sessions in Sitio Calapi, Brgy Calumpang, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing child malnutrition through localized and sustainable practices.

The activity is part of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.’s (PSFI) Roots to Shoots (RTS) program, implemented by World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (WVDF) under its Mother and Child Care (MCC) program. It also aligns with PSFI’s broader community development goals, which include strong support for health and nutrition interventions through its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Community-Led Monitoring and Celebration

Caregivers, children, community health workers, and local volunteers came together for the culminating activity. The day began with a nutritional status check, where children were reweighed, their height and weight recorded, and their Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measured using standard nutrition assessment tools. These indicators are crucial for monitoring progress in children’s nutritional health.

After the assessment, children were served meals from the PD Hearth menu, prepared by caregivers using affordable and locally sourced ingredients. This reinforced the program’s goal of encouraging families to adopt sustainable and culturally appropriate feeding practices at home.

Celebrating Small Wins with Big Meaning

To recognize the children’s participation and progress, ribbons were awarded to those who completed the program, maintained perfect attendance, or showed notable weight gain. All participating children received simple gifts as tokens of encouragement and appreciation.

The event concluded with a communal meal that brought together families and local stakeholders. More than a celebration, it served as a moment of unity and shared purpose, strengthening bonds and highlighting the impact of collective action in addressing malnutrition.

Why This Matters

The PDH initiative under the Roots to Shoots project demonstrates a powerful, community-based model for improving child nutrition. By identifying and replicating positive feeding practices already present within the community, the program empowers families to create lasting change using accessible and sustainable methods.

The successful completion of PDH Cycle 2 Hub 4 in Sitio Calapi, Bamban, Tarlac reflects the continued commitment of PSFI and WVDF to improve child health outcomes through education, empowerment, and strong community partnerships.

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.