Shell World Philippines 2012 Issue 2

partners and benefactors,” he said.These partners, he added, havehelped PSFI build bridges betweeneconomic and social spheres,allowing communities to mobilisethemselves and take ownership ofthese programmes.“The success of the foundation isnot because of what we do butbecause of what the community doesto help themselves. We engage thecommunity members and show themthat we would like to be part of theircommunity. It adds value to what wedo,” said Veron Cruz.Among the institutions representedduring the event were TESDA,Western Philippines University,Department of Health (DoH), andThe Global Fund to Fight Aids,Tuberculosis and Malaria. Bringingtogether the experience andorganisational skills of PSFI and theexpertise and resources provided bythese institutions, the Foundation’sinnovative programmes have reachedmany communities around the country,successfully creating communitychampions.TESDA, for instance, is a primarypartner of PSFI in Sanayan saKakayahang Industrial (SKIL). In herspeech, Irene Isaac, TVET DeputyDirector General for Sectoral TVET–TESDA, lauded PSFI for this “visionaryprogramme” that has helpedthousands of youth better their lives in30 years.Partner organisation WesternPhilippines University, represented byits president Dr Elsa Palao-Manarpaacwas also credited for the success ofSanayan sa Kakayahang Agrikultural(SAKA). SAKA, said Palao-Manarpaac, is one of the strengths ofthe university. “In Palawan, SAKA isShell,” she said, receiving applausefrom the audience.At the forefront of PSFI’s programmesfor healthcare and services are itsimplementing partners DOH and theGlobal Fund.“We at DOH have always beenlucky to find partners but ourOperated by Shell, Malampaya is a joint venture between the Department of Energy,Shell Philippines Exploration, B.V. (SPEX), Chevron Malampaya LLC, and the PhilippineNational Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC).SAKA scholar inspects his farmcollaboration with PSFI ranked amongthe more significant partnershipswe have had over the years,” saidDOH Undersecretary TeodoroHerbosa. PSFI, he added, is oneorganisation that has shown howsocial responsibility can be properlyconducted.The sentiment is echoed by Ms QiCui, Fund Portfolio Manager - TheGlobal Fund to Fight AIDS, TB andMalaria. The success of PSFI, shesaid, is rooted in the foundation’sstrong ethics of professionalism andhumility.SciP Country Chairman Edgar Chuashared his insights on PSFI’s 30 fruitfulyears of operations during PSFI’s 30thAnniversary kick-off celebration heldlast August 15, 2012 at Shell House,Makati City. “There are many thingsthat make me proud working in Shell.One of them is PSFI, our foundationwhich not only dispenses money,but does real and sincere work inmaking a significant contributionto nation-building,” said Chua. Helauded the high-calibre and dedicatedworkforce of PSFI for their excellencein implementing programmes thathave been empowering peopleand communities to be moreproductive. Chua highlighted thevalues formation component that PSFIincorporated in all of its programmes.“Our foundation not only gives itsbeneficiaries tools, but also teachesthem the right values. I have alwaysMAM microscopist at workbeen proud of that. Values formationis a key element in the success of PSFIin helping beneficiaries improve theirlives. I would like to congratulate PSFIfor its 30 glorious years of successfuloperations which touched over 6million lives,” he said.A partner for nation-buildingAs a corporate foundation, PSFI aimsto identify and implement strategicsocial investments that benefit thepeople and the communities as wellas provide value to the Shell businessin the country. Continuing its fruitfuljourney, PSFI shall relentlessly pursueits mission to go beyond philanthropyand implement innovative programsthat empower millions of lives to seethe road to productivity and contributeto fuelling growth towards nationaldevelopment. SWPshell world philippines i 21