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

hrough the Roots to Shoots Program in Sacobia, Editha Salazar transformed a small livelihood assistance package into a growing sari-sari store that now helps support her family, her children’s education, and her child’s ongoing therapy, proving how opportunity and determination can create lasting change.

Shell LiveWIRE Empowers Cagayan de Oro Fisherfolk Through Sustainable Payao Deployment in Macajalar Bay

Shell LiveWIRE, through Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Shell Pilipinas Corporation
, strengthens sustainable livelihoods in Cagayan de Oro City through the successful deployment of three payaos in Macajalar Bay, empowering local fisherfolk with safer and more sustainable fishing opportunities through community collaboration, capacity building, and responsible fisheries management.

Roots to Shoots: Pasacao 2.0 Helps Mothers Build Sustainable Livelihoods

Through the Roots to Shoots (RTS) Pasacao 2.0 Program and with the support of Metrobank Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) officially opened the SONATA stitching and sewing production facility in Pasacao, Camarines Sur. The initiative aims to empower mothers and families by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, technical skills training, and long-term enterprise development support for the community.

Roots to Shoots Empowers 37 Mothers and Caregivers Through Home Gardening Training in Sacobia

The Roots to Shoots (RTS) program trained 37 mothers, caregivers, and pregnant women in Sacobia in practical home gardening to support nutrition and food security. Through hands-on sessions and starter kits, participants learned how to grow their own vegetables using organic and climate-responsive techniques. The initiative empowers families to improve their diets while building resilience at the household level.

Chasing Zero: How PSFI and Partners are Turning the Tide Against Malaria

As the Philippines moves closer to eliminating malaria, a focused push in Palawan is driving the country’s final mile toward zero cases. Through the Global Fund Movement Against Malaria program, implemented by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) with national and local partners, significant gains have been achieved, including a 78% drop in indigenous cases in 2025 and zero reported deaths.

With 74 out of 82 provinces now malaria free, efforts are concentrated on reaching remote and underserved communities through targeted testing, treatment, and prevention strategies. Backed by strong partnerships and community driven approaches, the country is on track to achieve zero malaria in Palawan by 2026 and nationwide elimination by 2030.

BiyaHERO: PSFI Strengthens Road Safety Awareness Among Young Learners in Cagayan de Oro

PSFI, together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation and the Roads and Traffic Administration, strengthened road safety awareness among young learners in Cagayan de Oro through its BiyaHERO program. Through hands-on simulations and real-world learning tools, 64 students and teachers gained practical skills to navigate roads safely, reinforcing the importance of early education in building safer communities.