The dedication of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) and the Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial School of Arts & Trade (JZGMSAT) to enhancing education quality and fostering knowledge exchange has been reaffirmed through the renewal of their memorandum of agreement (MOA).
If you may remember, IPC has a mission of molding the budding talents of Filipino youth into competitive professionals in the automotive industry. The first thing that comes to mind is Isuzu’s Heart and Smile project, a program done in collaboration with the Technological Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Through this initiative, Isuzu develops master mechanics which they employ in their numerous service centers throughout the country.
Commencing in 2017, this corporate social responsibility (CSR) venture has formerly furnished the school with vital assets like desktop computers, imitation Diesel engines, and a duo of automotive lifters, all effectively employed by trainees specializing in service mechanics during hands-on sessions. This level of support allows students to hone their skills in a practical setting and provide them with valuable experience in servicing passenger vehicles and even Isuzu’s main products, commercial vehicles like trucks.
“It’s been six years since we started this partnership, and the continuous collaboration between IPC and JZGMSAT says a lot about the importance and sustainability of this program. More than the equipment we provided, it’s the culture of knowledge sharing that’s more important, for us to be able to share with them our expertise on Diesel Engine Technology, so the trainees can have more advantage when they graduate.”
In line with the ethos of their Automotive Mechanic school in Tacloban, IPC expands its range of tailored training initiatives as part of the MOA. These specialized programs encompass Diesel Engine Technology, Common Rail Fuel System, and Engine Management System, common skills needed when it comes to servicing the type of vehicles Isuzu produces.
Conveying his appreciation, Reyes remarked, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Isuzu Philippines for their unwavering backing of our vocational school. The equipment and technical training they furnish us with greatly contribute to enhancing the skills of our trainees. These provisions will undeniably enhance their practical learning experiences and prepare them for real-world challenges."
Although IPC has a long list of social initiatives, the collaboration with JZGMSAT holds a unique significance, as Fujita underscored, "Our belief in the transformative power of education is profound. It's a gift we bestow upon the younger generation, with the hope that it will shape their futures."
