Stories of inspiration

Stronger Together: PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation Celebrate Culmination Day Honoring Stories of Growth and Resilience in Palawan

November 11, 2025

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan — October 27, 2025

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), in partnership with Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), proudly celebrated the 2025 Culmination Day of the Palawan Social Development Program (SDP) at Asturias Hotel, Puerto Princesa City. The event brought together community beneficiaries, local government partners, and program implementers in a meaningful gathering that celebrated milestones, strengthened partnerships, and showcased shared progress toward sustainable and inclusive development in Palawan.

Empowering Enterprises and Communities

The celebration put a spotlight on the achievements of the Shell LiveWIRE – Community Enterprise Development Program (SLW-CEDP), Shell’s global enterprise development initiative that empowers local entrepreneurs through capacity building, mentorship, and access to markets. In Palawan, the program has helped strengthen community-based enterprises by encouraging innovation, sustainability, and local economic growth.

Three outstanding community enterprises were recognized and awarded in-kind grants for their creativity, resilience, and impact on local enterprise development: Candy’s Eco-Friendly Recycled Plastic Bottle, Bagong Silang Dressmakers Association, and AMLIG Initiatives.

Through the support of PSFI and SPC, these enterprises continue to prove that community-led innovation can create livelihood opportunities while promoting environmental stewardship. One of the beneficiaries, Imelda “Mell” Fernandez, owner of Maldita Fiery, shared how Shell LiveWIRE helped expand her enterprise:

“Sa ngayon, mas lumaki ang production namin at lumaki ang distribution namin. Lahat ‘yon dahil sa natutunan ko at natanggap kong support mula sa Shell LiveWIRE.”

Building Safer and More Resilient Communities

Another key highlight was the turnover of tools and equipment under the Response to Communities Under Emergencies (RESCUE) Program to the first responders of Barangay Bagong Silang. The program enhances local disaster preparedness and response capabilities through the provision of essential emergency tools, hands-on training, and coordination with key agencies such as the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the Peoples Unified Movement for Good Governance – Search and Rescue Forces (PUMGG-SARF), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Through these partnerships, the RESCUE Program continues to empower communities to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies, fostering a culture of safety, readiness, and collective resilience across Palawan.

Recognizing Partners in Development

PSFI also took the opportunity to recognize its partner organizations and local government offices that have been instrumental in implementing its programs in Palawan. Each was presented with a Plaque of Recognition for their steadfast support and active participation in advancing PSFI’s mission of nation-building through sustainable development.

The event was attended by local leaders, community representatives, and partner institutions, including the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), CDRRMO, PUMGG-SARF, BFP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the City Government of Puerto Princesa, represented by Hon. Patrick Hagedorn.

“We continue to build a city that thrives in balance with nature, powered by people, innovation, and purpose. Thank you once again for your continued trust and collaboration. Together, let us keep driving forward toward a greener, more resilient, and more sustainable Puerto Princesa,” said Hon. Patrick Hagedorn, City Councilor.

Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Growth

In her message, Ms. Ynna Doblado, PSFI Program Manager, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the dedication of partners and communities who have journeyed with PSFI through the years.

“We are proud to recognize everyone’s valuable contribution, maliit man o malaki. Our commitment to help and upskill our communities at mapalakas ang bawat individual, iyon po ang mas mahalaga sa amin.”

Also present were PSFI representatives Ms. Raiza Cusi, Ms. Carmen Mae Colasito, Mr. Don Senoc, Ms. Louise Zaide, Ms. Irene Batul, and Ms. Jonalyn Jackaria, together with Engr. Mark Chester Rey, Palawan Terminal Manager of Shell Pilipinas Corporation, whose continued leadership and support have been vital to the success of PSFI’s programs in the province.

A Shared Commitment to Progress

The 2025 Culmination Day served as a reminder of PSFI and Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s shared vision of empowering communities, protecting the environment, and fostering inclusive growth across Palawan.

“Sabi nga ni Shell at ni PSFI, let’s keep moving the Philippines forward.”
— Engr. Mark Chester Rey, Palawan Terminal Manager, Shell Pilipinas Corporation

Communities in Pasacao are growing more than just vegetables. Through the Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0 program, families are strengthening child nutrition, building sustainable livelihoods, and learning how to produce food from their own backyards. In 2025, the program supported 50 children through nutrition rehabilitation, empowered 43 caregivers with livelihood opportunities, and trained 18 caregivers in home gardening, helping communities cultivate healthier futures and stronger resilience.

Planting Seeds for Food Security: 26 Grade 12 Learners Achieve 100% in Agricultural Crop Production NC II

Twenty-six Grade 12 learners from Sulpicio A. Roco Memorial High School achieved a 100% passing rate in the Agricultural Crop Production NC II assessment after completing 320 hours of classroom instruction and farm immersion at PSFI’s Shell Training Farm in Bombon through DepEd’s JDVP. Certified as Competent in core crop production and essential workplace and safety skills, the fourth batch of graduates is now better positioned for employment, entrepreneurship, or further studies in agriculture, supporting stronger youth participation in food security and sustainable farming.

Cultivating Future-Ready Problem Solvers: PSFI Celebrates the Impact of the Shell NXplorers Program (2019–2025)

From 2019 to 2025, the Shell NXplorers Program, implemented by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., equipped 2,716 students and 421 teachers across 101 schools with the skills to tackle complex real-world challenges. Through systems thinking, scenario planning, and sustainability-driven problem solving, young Filipinos strengthened their confidence, creativity, and collaboration. With 97 student-led projects generated through the Bright Ideas Challenge, NXplorers leaves behind a generation ready to shape solutions for food, water, and energy challenges.

A Promise Fulfilled: Arlene Yago’s Journey as a 2025 SKIL Scholar

At 28, Arlene Yago chose to return to school, carrying with her the words her father once told her: “Mag-aral ka para sa akin.” A young mother from Pasacao, Camarines Sur, Arlene became a 2025 scholar of the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) program in Electronics NC II, stepping into a field she never imagined for herself.

Shortly after her training began, she lost her father. Instead of stopping, she pressed on, honoring his dream through perseverance and hard work. Today, Arlene’s journey is more than a certification earned. It is a promise fulfilled and a future steadily being built for her family.

Shell LiveWire 2025: Growing Enterprises, Powering Possibilities

From 2020 to 2025, Shell LiveWire supported 157 Community Enterprises and 26 Tech Startups nationwide. In 2025 alone, the program reached 47 community enterprises, provided startup capital to 42 enterprises, and awarded equity-free grants to five tech startups across 10 sites nationwide.

Through structured training, mentorship, and partnerships with LGUs, national agencies, and innovation hubs, Shell LiveWire helps Filipino entrepreneurs strengthen livelihoods, create jobs, and develop solutions that enable communities to thrive.

Building Better Pathways, One Ecobrick at a Time

In Batangas City, discarded plastic was transformed into safer walkways for children through an Ecobrick Laying Activity led by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Business Operations and Shell Import Facility Tabangao. With 5,000 ecobricks turned over and 57 volunteers working side by side, school pathways at Tabangao Ambulong Elementary School and San Isidro Day Care Center were strengthened—creating cleaner, safer spaces for learning and play.

The initiative forms part of PSFI’s Community Activity Support (CAS) program, which has reached over 30,000 individuals nationwide since 2023 through education, health, and environmental efforts. Read how sustainability and partnership are building better pathways for communities.