Eight Platinum Driven To Serve awards were given out by the Society of Motoring Journalists (SPMJ) to recognize the ‘good deeds’ of automotive industry players in 2023. Foregoing the usual awarding ceremony, SPMJ officers scheduled personalized presentations at the offices of the awardees. For 2023, the Platinum Driven To Serve Awards were presented in four categories — education and training, road safety, environmental protection, and community development. The outstanding projects are as follows:
Isuzu Philippines Corporation (ISUZU HEART AND SMILE PROJECT). In 2008, Isuzu established a training center for automotive mechanics in Tacloban, Leyte. In partnership with the World Vision Development Foundation and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the program identified trainees from the poorest communities in the Visayas region. Beneficiaries receive a 100% scholarship covering tuition, housing, and food. After 15 years, the continuing program has produced 351 graduates, of whom 141 were hired by Isuzu and its dealerships.
Ford Group Philippines (FORD AUTO MECHANIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM). Since 2016, Ford’s Auto Mechanic Scholarship Program has supported over 116 underprivileged youth who completed a 15-month course at the Don Bosco Technical Institute-Technical Vocational and Education Center (TVET) in Makati City. About 70% of the graduates are now employed in various automotive dealerships. All the scholars passed the Ford Standardized Training and Resource System Examination, an online test consisting of seven different courses which make them eligible as first-level Ford technicians. There are currently 30 scholars enrolled in the 2022-23 program.
Ford Group Philippines (FORD OPERATION BETTER WORLD: BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES). Focusing on healthcare support for partner Gawad Kalinga Communities, Ford’s Operation Better World has been a continuing program since 2013. Beyond medical and dental missions, the program includes Healthcare Capacity Building Training, where women volunteers are trained on basic health, first-aid, maternal and child care, etc. The program has trained about 284 volunteers and conducted an average of 5 medical missions annually. The program also has a feeding program for children.
Honda Cars Philippines (RECYCLING OF USED LEAD ACID BATTERIES AND USED OIL). Through recycling and proper disposal of hazardous wastes, Honda helps conserve resources and prevent further land and water pollution, thereby protecting the health of the immediate community. In partnership with Bantay Kalikasan, approximately 110,000kg of used lead acid batteries have been collected, recycled, and properly disposed of since 2006. Since 2017, the program has covered over 10,000 liters of used oils.
Honda Cars Philippines (TEEN SMART WITH HONDA SENSING). The Teen Smart program started in 2004, in partnership with AISEC Philippines, an international student organization. The program aims to develop the youth’s road safety awareness and strengthen their sense of responsibility in reducing road accidents as pedestrians and future drivers. The training program includes classroom instruction on safe driving behavior and an experiential drive to improve understanding of how technology can enhance the safety of road users.
Honda Cars Philippines (INNOVATION CONTEST FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS). In partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) the innovation contest invites senior high school students to submit proposals that address problems in their respective communities through critical thinking, experimentation, risk analysis, engineering, and technical skills. Aside from providing financial resources, Honda personnel also participated in consultations and mentoring through various stages of the program.
Trimotors Technology Corporation (KEY TO SERVE MORE FILIPINOS – BAJAJ FIRE FIGHTING VEHICLE). Suitable for use in densely populated areas with informal settlers, the Bajaj Fire-Fighting Vehicle has been customized to carry up to 400-liters of water to serve as a first responder and fire alarm verifier for the community. Since 2020, the company has donated 329 units of various Bajaj Three-wheelers to serve as community service and frontliner responder vehicles, and also for livelihood programs.