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

With support from Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) is helping communities in Bamban, Tarlac grow more than vegetables through the Roots to Shoots SACOBIA Program by cultivating food security, healthier lifestyles, and hands-on learning through school gardens.

PSFI and SPC Support Brigada Eskwela Through Bayanihan Bulilit in Pasacao

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.