PSFI commemorates 40th anniversary, highlights impact of Access to Energy program

by Fil Dominic Bernales / August 16, 2022

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), continues its advocacy effort to transform lives and communities through Sustain, Invest, Nature, Access to Green Energy (SINAG) initiatives. This is to provide cleaner and efficient energy, and train community members to maintain and operate the facilities themselves.

One of the beneficiaries of the SINAG project is teacher Jasmin Calinog. Before SINAG was implemented the community had to rely on generators. It was difficult. She had to work with only a candlelight at night and use hand fans.

Before SINAG was implemented in their community, they had to rely on a generator, she had to work with only a candlelight at night and deal with the heat using hand fans.

PSFI grants them access to electricity from solar and wind to assist her and everyone in the community in their daily life. With the help of SINAG, Calinog can work remotely during the pandemic. When the lockdowns were lifted, they finally got the chance to use wi-fi networks and the radio, which are their most used and important pieces of equipment.

She also shared her experience during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in December 2021 when Barangay Maytegued was able to maintain its power during the typhoon. “At dahil rin sa project SINAG, nagiging updated kami sa balita. Dati-dati, iilang TV lang ang meron, kung sino lang may generator. Ngayun, halos lahat may TV, lahat updated, lalo na nung dumating yung bagyong Odette. Nakapag-prepare dahil nakakanood kami ng balita. Because of Project SINAG, we stayed updated on the news. Before, there were only a few TVs from those who had a generator. Now, almost everyone has a TV and everyone is updated, especially when Typhoon Odette came. We were able to better prepare because we could watch the news.”

When SINAG was implemented in the community it surpassed the expectations of Calinog. “Pinakamaganda sa SINAG at naging maaliwalas ang aming gawain, madali na naming matatapos, at convenient na talaga lahat noon dumating yung SINAG. The best thing about SINAG is that it made our work lighter and more efficient, we could finish them easily, and everything became really convenient when SINAG arrived.” Calinog stated

Calinog is not the only success story of the Access to Energy Project.

Batangas safety and entrepreneurship

SINAG also impacted other areas including Batangas. With the new streetlight installation, it ensured the peace and security in Ambulong. Buenaventura Talban, an active barangay councilor who participated in SINAG training in Batangas, witnessed the transformation of San Isidro after the installation of 16 streetlights on the Batangas-Tabangao-Lobo Road, improving road safety for local residents and drivers.

Serge Bernal, Vice President for Corporate Relation of Pilipinas Shell, said “From lighting up a home to powering appliances, energy is a key aspect of daily life. Shell’s Access to Energy program is made to power remote rural communities with a reliable source of renewable energy that improves the lives of the people by providing them a source of livelihood, an opportunity for better education, and to unite them with their communities.”

To date, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) has provided power with its solar microgrid systems to 436 households in 13 communities that benefit 4260 individuals. Through its continuing efforts, PSFI hopes to help realize the promised development by providing uninterrupted power services – paving the way to access opportunities that were never before available.