A global company like Shell faces multiple challenges whenever it operates in a developing country such as the Philippines, which still struggles with poverty and related problems like hunger, joblessness and disease. When dealing with local communities, Shell takes the stance of a good neighbour, continuously finding ways to contribute to the general well-being of the communities within which it operates. Its involvement in the anti-malaria program of Palawan, as illustrated in this case study, is evidence of how Shell has remained true to its commitment to sustainable development and stakeholder engagement.

Palawan, Philippines

The setting of this case study is a tropical paradise called Palawan, a narrow archipelago of 1700 islands on the western border of the Philippines. Stretching from Mindoro in the north-east to Borneo in the south-west, it lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. With a land area of more than 1.7 million hectares, Palawan is the country’s largest province, and is composed of the long and narrow Palawan Island plus a number of other smaller islands that surround the main island. The Calamianes Group of Islands, to the north-west, consists of Busuanga Island, Culion Island and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the western-most part of Palawan Island, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. Palawan also includes the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometres to the west, are considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and are locally known as the Kalayaan Group of Islands (Palawan 2012).