near Tabangao, the Philippines
By 2008, more than 150 families were living informally on land leased by Shell next to our Tabangao refinery and adjacent gas plant near Batangas City, in the Philippines. Many had been employed by contractors working on our site.
We have worked with the settlers to find them permanent new homes, and have enlisted the help of Gawad Kalinga (GK), a social organisation that mobilises corporate and private support to help build homes for the disadvantaged. By end 2008, over 100 homes had been built in new villages, on land donated by the same company that owns the land we lease. We have provided funding and more than 300 of our staff have volunteered their time and funds to help build the homes. More building is planned for 2009 to relocate the remaining settlers.
In addition, the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, a Shell-endowed development organisation, has set up programmes to help settlers develop business skills.
MORE ABOUT TABANGAO:
- Refinery first opened in 1962 near Batangas City and 100% owned by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC).
- Capacity to process 110,000 barrels of oil a day, enough to meet 30% of the Philippines’ demand for transport fuels.
- One of Shell’s most energy-efficient refineries.
What others say
“Shell’s work with Gawad Kalinga is an example of big business going beyond traditional charity to use its presence and its business activities for sustainable development. Shell Philippines was one of the first companies here to respond to poverty by addressing its root causes. The work goes beyond charity, not only providing homes but enriching business skills. Shell’s work with Gawad Kalinga signalled a deliberate effort to make sustainable development relevant to the aspirations of people to rise from poverty, to protect the environment, to improve health and education, and to provide livelihood and a better quality of life for our citizens.”
Antonio Meloto
FOUNDER, GAWAD KALINGA
