The challenging year of 2009 is not entirely devoid of inspiring and positive stories. Isuzu Philippines Corp. and Isuzu Auto Parts Manufacturing Corp. helped celebrate the first anniversary of the TESDA Auto Mechanic training Center in Tacloban, Leyte, which Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan funded. The project — which is part of Isuzu Japan’s “Heart And Smile” corporate social responsibility campaign — formally opened in 2008 with the aim of providing expert and subsidized automotive training to select underprivileged youth.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority bestowed also in 2009 an award to Isuzu in recognition of its philanthropic contributions to the project. Acknowledging the award, Isuzu Motors Limited chairman Yoshinori Ida said, “Isuzu will continue its generous support of the project and work closely with TESDA in ensuring the progress of all scholars because the company believes in the young people being the foundation of a strong Philippine economy in the future.”

“It is our sincere hope that these bright and hardworking young people will be valuable members not just of the automotive industry but also of the Philippine society in the future,” said IPC president Keiji Takeda. “We expect nothing from them in return except their pledge to positively use the technical knowledge and expertise that they will get from the program.”

In photo, Isuzu chairman Yoshinori Ida (1st row, standing 7th from left) joins Plan Phils and TESDA officials together with the Isuzu scholars in celebrating the auto mechanic training center’s first anniversary.

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