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MANILA – January 28, 2014 – Marking its centennial anniversary in the Philippines, Shell looks forward to the future, while celebrating its 100-year history.
Shell began in January 1914 with a corporate office with a staff of six. Today, Shell employs around 4,000 Filipinos across the country.
“We have introduced many innovations and firsts in the country,” Edgar Chua, country chairman of the Shell companies in the Philippines, said in a press release. Among these, Chua noted that Shell was the first to move from tin cans to plastic containers for lubricants; first to introduce the match blending plant and the use of double-hull vessels; and even the first to campaign for the use of seat belts among drivers in the early 1980s.
“But I think, of all the firsts and innovations we have introduced, I believe the most important and one which I am most proud of is Shell’s concept of corporate social responsibility,” Chua said. According to the company, a group of Filipino business leaders, including Shell Philippines Inc. President Lucio Mazzei, planted the seed of CSR in the country in 1972. This was done by establishing the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)—a group of like-minded enterprises to help communities and improve the lives of those who have less in life. In 1982, Shell set up its very own social development arm—the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
Chua noted that PSFI has impacted more than 8.5 million lives to date, in areas ranging from health to education and the environment. “As we continue towards the path of powering progress in the country, we can be very proud of our legacy in this country,” he adds.
In a video, Shell shared its programs, which include livelihood training, education, housing, and energy.
Today, Shell advocates for efficient use of energy as the simplest and most cost-effective way to reduce emissions, and mitigate climate change—through driver education, fuel efficient driving behavior, and smarter mobility collaboration and strategic partnerships with relevant organizations to fuel the country’s progress.
"As Shell aims to meet the world’s future energy needs with a diversified energy mix and cleaner energy, it enjoins consumers and businesses to use energy better, to do more with less, and make energy conservation a way of life," they said.
Coinciding with its centennial anniversary, Shell Philippines will be hosting the Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) Asia 2014. “Being at the forefront of future energy, it is our responsibility to develop smarter, more innovative products and to promote smarter energy use. Shell Eco-marathon sparks debate about the future of mobility, while challenges like this one show how using Shell FuelSave fuels and making a few simple changes to driving habits can help customers use less energy today,” said Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Retail, Oying Yam.
According to Shell, its image of a yellow-and-red outlined seashell is a symbol of progress and change, and can be traced back to British trader Marcus Samuel. Despite not having cash or credit, Samuel was able to build his business, and named his first fleet of oil tankers after his collection of seashells.
Shell’s Manila office was first established as Asiatic Petroleum Co. (Philippine Islands) Ltd., selling around two million litters of motor gasoline using a banca, three carromatas, and a carretela. "A century later, Shell is at the forefront of meeting the future energy demand of the nation. More than just being a petroleum company, Shell is a proponent of progress and change—helping the government in nation-building and powering communities across the country in a more sustainable manner," the company said.
