Chevron Helps Needy Communities in One Week of Caring

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, closes the year with a celebration of the spirit of volunteerism among its employees and business partners by helping out needy communities in one week of volunteerism called Week of Caring (WOC).

About 724 Chevron employees and Caltex retailers recently painted murals with children with learning disabilities, played traditional Filipino games with orphans, planted tree seedlings, did talk therapy with victims of sexual slavery in WW2, fed abandoned and abused animals, and cleared a turtle sanctuary in San Pascual, Batangas from trash and debris.

Diversity is a corporate value that is strongly encouraged by the company. Chevron believes that active involvement in a variety of environment through community service makes for well-rounded and high performing employees. Thus, the Caltex brand marketer cultivates a volunteer culture done during company time. CPI has been doing its annual volunteer drive for the past six years.

“We encourage employees to immerse themselves with the disadvantaged members of society while at the same time fostering camaraderie to make them a stronger team. We also involve the other members of the Chevron family such as our Caltex retailers, station locators and branded marketers in social investment projects so that host communities and other stakeholders get to experience the human side of the Caltex brand,” said Raissa Bautista, CPI manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs.

For the 2013 WOC, the Chevron volunteer corps logged in 2,876 total hours of volunteer work. The cost benefit for project partners is significant. “We, at LIFT Learning Center, are honored to be chosen by Chevron to receive a painting renovation with mural painting on our walls. What they have done will make the center more conducive for learning and appealing to the eyes of the special children we serve and educate,” says Maria Anjelica Lee, LIFT coordinator.

Caltex  Cares

The Chevron WOC was launched with a mural painting activity at the LIFT Learning Center where children with learning disabilities are educated and taught to be more independent. Chevron repainted the school premises and volunteers together with LIFT kids and their parents finished off the renovation by painting bright murals along the walls.

On the second day, a more fast-paced activity awaited sports-minded Chevron volunteers headed by no less than the Chevron country chairman, Peter Morris.  Along with business consultants and Caltex retailers from the greater Manila district, the Chevron contingent tried to reclaim their youth as they were paired and competed with 50 orphans of Nayon ng Kabataan in Mandaluyong City while playing traditional Filipino games such as patintero and luksong tinik.

For the third day, 240 kids and at least 8 of their teacher-guardians from the four public elementary schools of Pandacan toured Philippine Science Centrum. CPI volunteers helped the center’s tour guides explain key exhibits. Chevron collaborated with PSC and the schools to sponsor only the most indigent pupils from third to sixth grade levels with strong science aptitudes. Sixth grader Mary Joyce Tapales said, “The field trip is quite costly for us and I know my parents cannot afford the expenses. I’m so happy because Chevron gave me the opportunity to have this experience I will never forget.”

On the fourth day 2 batches of Chevron volunteers separated to different destinations. One group trooped to a former landfill in San Mateo, Rizal where they planted 270 seedlings which in 15-20 years will be fully grown acacia, molave, golden shower and dipa trees.

The other team visited the comfort women of Lila Pilipina in Quezon City, a support center for victims and survivors of rape and sexual slavery by Japanese troops during World War II. Now in their 80s and 90s, the brave elderly still cry when they recall the abuse that shattered their honor and dignity70 years ago. Of the 170 documented victims, less than half are still alive to tell their stories.

On the 5th day, Chevron volunteers fed the 256 cats and 74 dogs rescued and undergoing extensive treatment at the PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) rehabilitation center in Quezon City. PAWS is a volunteer-based NGO trying to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and advocacy.

Protecting a Turtle Sanctuary

The WOC culminated with Chevron employees, joined by residents of its Batangas host community, got rid of the trash, debris and other flotsam dotting the beachfront of Chevron’s terminal in San Pascual. The Chevron terminal has the only beach and the only DENR-declared sanctuary for the endangered Oliver Ridley turtles in the municipality. At least 597 volunteers collected an estimated 600 garbage bags in 3 hours that were segregated into biodegradables, recyclable materials and non-recyclable materials totaling over 7.2 metric tons. The coastal cleanup was timed to prepare the beach for the turtles nesting season which ends in February.  The activity was made even more meaningful when CPI included a 30-minute turtle encounter training session that taught the volunteers on the right way to approach and protect turtles they may encounter on the beach. The timing was perfect because a mere six days after the cleanup, a turtle nest was found near the high tide mark.  Under the guidance of Batangas DENR, the nest’s 110 eggs were transferred to higher and safer grounds, cordoned off to keep away predators. Chevron employees have added to their roles as environment warriors the duty of being pawikan protectors.

Aside from Week of Caring, CPI is continuously involved in various social investment projects through its Caltex Energy for Learning (EFL) initiative. EFL supports projects that provide education and livelihood skills to disadvantaged people groups so that they can have better opportunities in life.

Most recently, Chevron companies in the Philippines, Chevron Corporation in the US, as well as Chevron employees contributed a total of P69.5 million for disaster relief assistance to communities affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

Chevron Helps Needy Communities in One Week of Caring

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, closes the year with a celebration of the spirit of volunteerism among its employees and business partners by helping out needy communities in one week of volunteerism called Week of Caring (WOC).

About 724 Chevron employees and Caltex retailers recently painted murals with children with learning disabilities, played traditional Filipino games with orphans, planted tree seedlings, did talk therapy with victims of sexual slavery in WW2, fed abandoned and abused animals, and cleared a turtle sanctuary in San Pascual, Batangas from trash and debris.

Diversity is a corporate value that is strongly encouraged by the company. Chevron believes that active involvement in a variety of environment through community service makes for well-rounded and high performing employees. Thus, the Caltex brand marketer cultivates a volunteer culture done during company time. CPI has been doing its annual volunteer drive for the past six years.

“We encourage employees to immerse themselves with the disadvantaged members of society while at the same time fostering camaraderie to make them a stronger team. We also involve the other members of the Chevron family such as our Caltex retailers, station locators and branded marketers in social investment projects so that host communities and other stakeholders get to experience the human side of the Caltex brand,” said Raissa Bautista, CPI manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs.

For the 2013 WOC, the Chevron volunteer corps logged in 2,876 total hours of volunteer work. The cost benefit for project partners is significant. “We, at LIFT Learning Center, are honored to be chosen by Chevron to receive a painting renovation with mural painting on our walls. What they have done will make the center more conducive for learning and appealing to the eyes of the special children we serve and educate,” says Maria Anjelica Lee, LIFT coordinator.

Caltex  Cares

The Chevron WOC was launched with a mural painting activity at the LIFT Learning Center where children with learning disabilities are educated and taught to be more independent. Chevron repainted the school premises and volunteers together with LIFT kids and their parents finished off the renovation by painting bright murals along the walls.

On the second day, a more fast-paced activity awaited sports-minded Chevron volunteers headed by no less than the Chevron country chairman, Peter Morris.  Along with business consultants and Caltex retailers from the greater Manila district, the Chevron contingent tried to reclaim their youth as they were paired and competed with 50 orphans of Nayon ng Kabataan in Mandaluyong City while playing traditional Filipino games such as patintero and luksong tinik.

For the third day, 240 kids and at least 8 of their teacher-guardians from the four public elementary schools of Pandacan toured Philippine Science Centrum. CPI volunteers helped the center’s tour guides explain key exhibits. Chevron collaborated with PSC and the schools to sponsor only the most indigent pupils from third to sixth grade levels with strong science aptitudes. Sixth grader Mary Joyce Tapales said, “The field trip is quite costly for us and I know my parents cannot afford the expenses. I’m so happy because Chevron gave me the opportunity to have this experience I will never forget.”

On the fourth day 2 batches of Chevron volunteers separated to different destinations. One group trooped to a former landfill in San Mateo, Rizal where they planted 270 seedlings which in 15-20 years will be fully grown acacia, molave, golden shower and dipa trees.

The other team visited the comfort women of Lila Pilipina in Quezon City, a support center for victims and survivors of rape and sexual slavery by Japanese troops during World War II. Now in their 80s and 90s, the brave elderly still cry when they recall the abuse that shattered their honor and dignity70 years ago. Of the 170 documented victims, less than half are still alive to tell their stories.

On the 5th day, Chevron volunteers fed the 256 cats and 74 dogs rescued and undergoing extensive treatment at the PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) rehabilitation center in Quezon City. PAWS is a volunteer-based NGO trying to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and advocacy.

Protecting a Turtle Sanctuary

The WOC culminated with Chevron employees, joined by residents of its Batangas host community, got rid of the trash, debris and other flotsam dotting the beachfront of Chevron’s terminal in San Pascual. The Chevron terminal has the only beach and the only DENR-declared sanctuary for the endangered Oliver Ridley turtles in the municipality. At least 597 volunteers collected an estimated 600 garbage bags in 3 hours that were segregated into biodegradables, recyclable materials and non-recyclable materials totaling over 7.2 metric tons. The coastal cleanup was timed to prepare the beach for the turtles nesting season which ends in February.  The activity was made even more meaningful when CPI included a 30-minute turtle encounter training session that taught the volunteers on the right way to approach and protect turtles they may encounter on the beach. The timing was perfect because a mere six days after the cleanup, a turtle nest was found near the high tide mark.  Under the guidance of Batangas DENR, the nest’s 110 eggs were transferred to higher and safer grounds, cordoned off to keep away predators. Chevron employees have added to their roles as environment warriors the duty of being pawikan protectors.

Aside from Week of Caring, CPI is continuously involved in various social investment projects through its Caltex Energy for Learning (EFL) initiative. EFL supports projects that provide education and livelihood skills to disadvantaged people groups so that they can have better opportunities in life.

Most recently, Chevron companies in the Philippines, Chevron Corporation in the US, as well as Chevron employees contributed a total of P69.5 million for disaster relief assistance to communities affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

Chevron Helps Needy Communities in One Week of Caring

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, closes the year with a celebration of the spirit of volunteerism among its employees and business partners by helping out needy communities in one week of volunteerism called Week of Caring (WOC).

About 724 Chevron employees and Caltex retailers recently painted murals with children with learning disabilities, played traditional Filipino games with orphans, planted tree seedlings, did talk therapy with victims of sexual slavery in WW2, fed abandoned and abused animals, and cleared a turtle sanctuary in San Pascual, Batangas from trash and debris.

Diversity is a corporate value that is strongly encouraged by the company. Chevron believes that active involvement in a variety of environment through community service makes for well-rounded and high performing employees. Thus, the Caltex brand marketer cultivates a volunteer culture done during company time. CPI has been doing its annual volunteer drive for the past six years.

“We encourage employees to immerse themselves with the disadvantaged members of society while at the same time fostering camaraderie to make them a stronger team. We also involve the other members of the Chevron family such as our Caltex retailers, station locators and branded marketers in social investment projects so that host communities and other stakeholders get to experience the human side of the Caltex brand,” said Raissa Bautista, CPI manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs.

For the 2013 WOC, the Chevron volunteer corps logged in 2,876 total hours of volunteer work. The cost benefit for project partners is significant. “We, at LIFT Learning Center, are honored to be chosen by Chevron to receive a painting renovation with mural painting on our walls. What they have done will make the center more conducive for learning and appealing to the eyes of the special children we serve and educate,” says Maria Anjelica Lee, LIFT coordinator.

Caltex  Cares

The Chevron WOC was launched with a mural painting activity at the LIFT Learning Center where children with learning disabilities are educated and taught to be more independent. Chevron repainted the school premises and volunteers together with LIFT kids and their parents finished off the renovation by painting bright murals along the walls.

On the second day, a more fast-paced activity awaited sports-minded Chevron volunteers headed by no less than the Chevron country chairman, Peter Morris.  Along with business consultants and Caltex retailers from the greater Manila district, the Chevron contingent tried to reclaim their youth as they were paired and competed with 50 orphans of Nayon ng Kabataan in Mandaluyong City while playing traditional Filipino games such as patintero and luksong tinik.

For the third day, 240 kids and at least 8 of their teacher-guardians from the four public elementary schools of Pandacan toured Philippine Science Centrum. CPI volunteers helped the center’s tour guides explain key exhibits. Chevron collaborated with PSC and the schools to sponsor only the most indigent pupils from third to sixth grade levels with strong science aptitudes. Sixth grader Mary Joyce Tapales said, “The field trip is quite costly for us and I know my parents cannot afford the expenses. I’m so happy because Chevron gave me the opportunity to have this experience I will never forget.”

On the fourth day 2 batches of Chevron volunteers separated to different destinations. One group trooped to a former landfill in San Mateo, Rizal where they planted 270 seedlings which in 15-20 years will be fully grown acacia, molave, golden shower and dipa trees.

The other team visited the comfort women of Lila Pilipina in Quezon City, a support center for victims and survivors of rape and sexual slavery by Japanese troops during World War II. Now in their 80s and 90s, the brave elderly still cry when they recall the abuse that shattered their honor and dignity70 years ago. Of the 170 documented victims, less than half are still alive to tell their stories.

On the 5th day, Chevron volunteers fed the 256 cats and 74 dogs rescued and undergoing extensive treatment at the PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) rehabilitation center in Quezon City. PAWS is a volunteer-based NGO trying to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and advocacy.

Protecting a Turtle Sanctuary

The WOC culminated with Chevron employees, joined by residents of its Batangas host community, got rid of the trash, debris and other flotsam dotting the beachfront of Chevron’s terminal in San Pascual. The Chevron terminal has the only beach and the only DENR-declared sanctuary for the endangered Oliver Ridley turtles in the municipality. At least 597 volunteers collected an estimated 600 garbage bags in 3 hours that were segregated into biodegradables, recyclable materials and non-recyclable materials totaling over 7.2 metric tons. The coastal cleanup was timed to prepare the beach for the turtles nesting season which ends in February.  The activity was made even more meaningful when CPI included a 30-minute turtle encounter training session that taught the volunteers on the right way to approach and protect turtles they may encounter on the beach. The timing was perfect because a mere six days after the cleanup, a turtle nest was found near the high tide mark.  Under the guidance of Batangas DENR, the nest’s 110 eggs were transferred to higher and safer grounds, cordoned off to keep away predators. Chevron employees have added to their roles as environment warriors the duty of being pawikan protectors.

Aside from Week of Caring, CPI is continuously involved in various social investment projects through its Caltex Energy for Learning (EFL) initiative. EFL supports projects that provide education and livelihood skills to disadvantaged people groups so that they can have better opportunities in life.

Most recently, Chevron companies in the Philippines, Chevron Corporation in the US, as well as Chevron employees contributed a total of P69.5 million for disaster relief assistance to communities affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

Chevron Helps Needy Communities in One Week of Caring

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, closes the year with a celebration of the spirit of volunteerism among its employees and business partners by helping out needy communities in one week of volunteerism called Week of Caring (WOC).

About 724 Chevron employees and Caltex retailers recently painted murals with children with learning disabilities, played traditional Filipino games with orphans, planted tree seedlings, did talk therapy with victims of sexual slavery in WW2, fed abandoned and abused animals, and cleared a turtle sanctuary in San Pascual, Batangas from trash and debris.

Diversity is a corporate value that is strongly encouraged by the company. Chevron believes that active involvement in a variety of environment through community service makes for well-rounded and high performing employees. Thus, the Caltex brand marketer cultivates a volunteer culture done during company time. CPI has been doing its annual volunteer drive for the past six years.

“We encourage employees to immerse themselves with the disadvantaged members of society while at the same time fostering camaraderie to make them a stronger team. We also involve the other members of the Chevron family such as our Caltex retailers, station locators and branded marketers in social investment projects so that host communities and other stakeholders get to experience the human side of the Caltex brand,” said Raissa Bautista, CPI manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs.

For the 2013 WOC, the Chevron volunteer corps logged in 2,876 total hours of volunteer work. The cost benefit for project partners is significant. “We, at LIFT Learning Center, are honored to be chosen by Chevron to receive a painting renovation with mural painting on our walls. What they have done will make the center more conducive for learning and appealing to the eyes of the special children we serve and educate,” says Maria Anjelica Lee, LIFT coordinator.

Caltex  Cares

The Chevron WOC was launched with a mural painting activity at the LIFT Learning Center where children with learning disabilities are educated and taught to be more independent. Chevron repainted the school premises and volunteers together with LIFT kids and their parents finished off the renovation by painting bright murals along the walls.

On the second day, a more fast-paced activity awaited sports-minded Chevron volunteers headed by no less than the Chevron country chairman, Peter Morris.  Along with business consultants and Caltex retailers from the greater Manila district, the Chevron contingent tried to reclaim their youth as they were paired and competed with 50 orphans of Nayon ng Kabataan in Mandaluyong City while playing traditional Filipino games such as patintero and luksong tinik.

For the third day, 240 kids and at least 8 of their teacher-guardians from the four public elementary schools of Pandacan toured Philippine Science Centrum. CPI volunteers helped the center’s tour guides explain key exhibits. Chevron collaborated with PSC and the schools to sponsor only the most indigent pupils from third to sixth grade levels with strong science aptitudes. Sixth grader Mary Joyce Tapales said, “The field trip is quite costly for us and I know my parents cannot afford the expenses. I’m so happy because Chevron gave me the opportunity to have this experience I will never forget.”

On the fourth day 2 batches of Chevron volunteers separated to different destinations. One group trooped to a former landfill in San Mateo, Rizal where they planted 270 seedlings which in 15-20 years will be fully grown acacia, molave, golden shower and dipa trees.

The other team visited the comfort women of Lila Pilipina in Quezon City, a support center for victims and survivors of rape and sexual slavery by Japanese troops during World War II. Now in their 80s and 90s, the brave elderly still cry when they recall the abuse that shattered their honor and dignity70 years ago. Of the 170 documented victims, less than half are still alive to tell their stories.

On the 5th day, Chevron volunteers fed the 256 cats and 74 dogs rescued and undergoing extensive treatment at the PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) rehabilitation center in Quezon City. PAWS is a volunteer-based NGO trying to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and advocacy.

Protecting a Turtle Sanctuary

The WOC culminated with Chevron employees, joined by residents of its Batangas host community, got rid of the trash, debris and other flotsam dotting the beachfront of Chevron’s terminal in San Pascual. The Chevron terminal has the only beach and the only DENR-declared sanctuary for the endangered Oliver Ridley turtles in the municipality. At least 597 volunteers collected an estimated 600 garbage bags in 3 hours that were segregated into biodegradables, recyclable materials and non-recyclable materials totaling over 7.2 metric tons. The coastal cleanup was timed to prepare the beach for the turtles nesting season which ends in February.  The activity was made even more meaningful when CPI included a 30-minute turtle encounter training session that taught the volunteers on the right way to approach and protect turtles they may encounter on the beach. The timing was perfect because a mere six days after the cleanup, a turtle nest was found near the high tide mark.  Under the guidance of Batangas DENR, the nest’s 110 eggs were transferred to higher and safer grounds, cordoned off to keep away predators. Chevron employees have added to their roles as environment warriors the duty of being pawikan protectors.

Aside from Week of Caring, CPI is continuously involved in various social investment projects through its Caltex Energy for Learning (EFL) initiative. EFL supports projects that provide education and livelihood skills to disadvantaged people groups so that they can have better opportunities in life.

Most recently, Chevron companies in the Philippines, Chevron Corporation in the US, as well as Chevron employees contributed a total of P69.5 million for disaster relief assistance to communities affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

Caltex-Pugad Coffee & Saints Training Café Re-Opens

Don Bosco Pugad Foundation Director, Fr. David Buenaventura, proudly introduces Pugad graduates who have landed full-time jobs in renowned hotel and restaurants across the country.

Coffee and Saints (C&S) café, a Caltex-Don Bosco Pugad livelihood project for migrant youths, a favorite of the office crowd and church-goers at Don Bosco parish, has reopened for business.

The new C&S has a fully furnished upper level and improved menu. Up to 25 people can enjoy dining and hang out on the upper deck, al fresco. The added deck doubles the capacity to 50 customers including patrons at the main dining area. The café is fully equipped with an air-conditioned dining area, expanded kitchen and a professionally trained crew in new uniforms.

Diners can choose from a wide selection of meals, which include the new King David’s Chicken and Roast Baby Back Ribs. The secret to the café’s success and the real story behind its popularity is the C&S crew. C&S is manned by migrant boys rescued by Don Bosco Pugad Center or Pugad from a life of child labor, vagrancy, abuse and poverty.

C&S equips these young men in the field of food preparation, food business and restaurant operations to expand their employable skills. Attending to customers also helps the youth develop healthy self-esteem, improve their social proficiency and reinforce   positive values learned from Pugad’s Salesian doctrines.

In 2003, Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants partnered with Pugad to start a bakery skills training project called Caltex Pugad Pandesal. The outstanding success of the bakery led to the opening of Manna from Heaven bakeshop, also a joint project of CPI and Pugad.

C&S opened as a natural offshoot of the food ventures of CPI and Pugad in 2006. With its popularity and the changing customer needs, C&S was renovated in 2012 to bring a more contemporary look and improve the menu. Success again dictated another renovation in 2013 to expand the kitchen, add the roof deck and strengthen the food offerings. CPI provided grants for each renovation and also helped promote C&S, linked with partners for professional training, and generate publicity.

Pugad center director Fr. Dave leads in saying grace for media and other guests before they sample the best-sellers and new offerings of Coffee & Saints during the re-opening.

“The success of Coffee and Saints Café is not the steady flow of income; it is the lives of ex-migrants who are presently manning the coffee shop, not to mention those who have found full time jobs in well-known restaurants in the country and abroad. Much thanks to Caltex for providing an avenue where these boys receive their livelihood training” says Fr. David T. Buenaventura, SDB, Pugad director.  

This remarkable change has allowed some of Pugad’s youth to land jobs in five-star hotels, first-class restaurants both here and abroad.  Tracing back to 2011, out of the 40 graduates of C&S 38 alumni are currently employed.

“What was once envisioned as a simple means to an end is now one of the favorite go-to-places of Don Bosco Parishioners and residents in the nearby condominiums. C&S now competes with food and restaurant establishments in the area. Today, we are really excited to re-open the café with our improved menu and newly furnished upper deck with Caltex tents to accommodate our growing clientele,” said senior C&S cook, Bryan Rabino.

On average, C&S caters to about 60 customers a day and generates enough revenue to sustain other Pugad projects.

Raissa Bautista, Manager for Policy Gov’t and Public Affairs, CPI, adds. “We are proud to partner with Don Bosco Pugad Center who shares the same belief that helping disadvantaged youth is not only a worthy cause but a good, long-term investment in the future of the Philippines.  Through Caltex Energy for Learning (EFL) initiative, we support livelihood programs that empower beneficiaries by providing them with skills that will expand their job opportunities.”

CPI’s other joint projects with Pugad are as successful as C&S such as Pugad Pandesal which was the mother project. Others are Manna from Heaven Bakeshop, the outlet for Pugad’s pastry products, and Mobile Mechanic, a car repair service.