The privilege to study and learn is one that most Filipinos cannot enjoy, and that is a bitter truth we have to swallow each and every day. Filipinos have the desire, courage, and drive to better themselves, all they need is help in getting the education they need. Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has recognized this and through its Heart and Smile Project, it has molded young, underprivileged Filipinos into top-notch professional auto mechanics. IPC has done this by assisting them in accessing the Technological Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) two-year Automotive Servicing course. Just recently, they welcomed a new batch of graduates from this program.
World Vision, TESDA, and Isuzu Philippines celebrated the graduation of the 19th batch of trainees from the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project. Together, they warmly welcomed the 23rd batch of trainees at the TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center (AMTraC) in Tacloban, Leyte. A new generation of auto mechanics is ready to join the fold.
Distinguished Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) guests graced the ceremonies, with Administration Senior Executive Officer Hirokazu Okubo and Isuzu Shutoken Senior Executive Officer Ryuichi Shibata leading the delegation. World Vision Executive Director Rommel Fuerte, TESDA VIII Regional Director Gamaliel Vicente Jr. CESO III, ASEAN Eng., TESDA Leyte Provincial Director Rolando Bade, and Tacloban City Council Member Dr. Elvira Casal were also present to honor the occasion.
A total of 16 trainees successfully completed the Automotive Servicing National Certificate IV, the highest qualification in the field of Automotive Servicing. Following their graduation, these skilled individuals will be assigned to their respective employers. Out of the 16 graduates, 12 will be placed in various Isuzu Dealerships across the country, while the remaining four will further their studies at Isuzu Global Service Corporation.
During the ceremony, Senior Executive Officer Okubo from IML shared valuable advice with the graduates, emphasizing the importance of excelling in their work and making meaningful contributions to the development of the Philippines. Beyond providing education to underprivileged youth, the project also aims to nurture highly skilled auto mechanics who can compete on a global level, ultimately driving the advancement of the automotive industry in the country.
A new group of aspiring individuals was warmly embraced at AMTraC. The 23rd batch of trainees, comprising 18 scholars, was meticulously chosen from a pool of 600 applicants from various regions. They will be the next generation of students of Isuzu’s Heart and Smile Project.
