Shell staff pools tips for TODA relief

Just a few months ago, public transportation providers fueled the nation’s economy by ferrying workers to and from their places of business. Now, with the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), many are left uncertain of how they will continue to earn during the lockdown.

As close acquaintances to the local Tricycle Drivers Association (TODA), staff from Shell’s Doña Remedios Trinidad Highway station in Baliuag, Bulacan decided to celebrate last Easter by paying it forward to the community. They pooled more than ₱10,000 of their own tips to purchase relief goods for the tricycle drivers.

Led by one of the station’s office staff, Rose Musni, and station on-site-coach Grethelle Gallardo, the team decided to use the tips they earned from customers through air, water, and windshield services to purchase the donations. Other workers even donated their personal relief goods received from the government.

“Meron mas nangangailangan kaysa sa amin,” said Musni, who explained that the tips were originally intended for their staff outing and team building activities.

Gallardo added, “This must have been the greater reason why God led us to pool our tips instead of keeping it for ourselves.” Although the two came up with the idea, they both attribute the collective effort to the entire station staff.

Fuel frontliners providing nationwide support

Despite fewer Filipinos making their daily commute, transportation remains a vital day-to-day function across the country. Frontline medical workers, police and military personnel, truck drivers, and other essential workers are continuing to brave the roads to provide critical services and deliver goods.

In turn, Shell’s station staff have been working tirelessly to continue serving their fellow frontliners by ensuring a stable fuel supply.

Jobelle Rivera, site supervisor at the Doña Soledad station near SM Bicutan said, “Ginagawa ko ito hindi lamang para sa aking pamilya, bilang isang site supervisor (frontliner) na handang maglinkod sa bayan kahit maituturing na risky ang sitwasyon, masaya ako dahil masasabi ko na nakakatulong pa rin kami.”

“Hangad naming mapaglingkuran ang lahat ng aming mga customer sa kabila ng patuloy na pag laganap ng Covid-19,” said Rizavell Anareta, one of the admin staff.

From setting up donation hubs to providing much needed support for other frontliners, Shell’s retail sites have been dedicated to fighting the pandemic since the early stages of the outbreak. Now, station staff members are taking an independent initiative to help make a positive impact on the community.

And as the Philippines further adapts to the extraordinary circumstances brought about by COVID-19, Shell continues partner with the country in building the nation. By continuing to be steadfast in monitoring the situation, the company is ready to respond to the changing needs of its staff, customers, and the community.