Ford Philippines was the recipient of two prestigious awards for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs at the first-ever ‘Driven to Serve’ Awards of the Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists (SPMJ) – one each for its Driving Skills for Life driver safety program and its Operation Better World initiatives.

The Driven to Serve Awards were launched this year to recognize the best CSR initiatives in the local automotive industry, with categories including environment, community development, road safety and education, and training.

Ford received the top award in the Road Safety category, Platinum, for its Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program. Ford launched the global DSFL program locally in 2008, which was customized for the Philippines market and helps to raise awareness on safe driving techniques, road safety, techniques to improve fuel economy, and other road safety issues. Since its local launch, more than 18,000 licensed drivers of private and public utility vehicles have participated in DSFL sessions, all free-of-charge.

Ford received a Silver Award in the Community Development category for the company’s Operation Better World initiative, a global Ford CSR platform that inspires community service from employees and dealership staff to do their share in building a better world.

In the Philippines, Ford’s Operation Better World programs have seen Ford employee and dealer volunteers help provide clean water access to homes, providing medical and dental services, and assisting families build their houses.

“We are proud of this recognition, and equally as proud of the contributions and efforts of our Ford employee and dealer volunteers,” said Lance Mosley, managing director, Ford Philippines. “The Ford DSFL and Operation Better World initiatives are representative of our commitment to act as a responsible corporate citizen and make positive and long-term contributions to the communities where we conduct business.”

“SPMJ salutes these responsible corporate citizens, and we hope to inspire many others to embark on similar programs by creating awareness of these selfless programs. We share with them the common goal of uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” said Ray Butch Gamboa, SPMJ founding chairman. “Through Driven to Serve, we hope to recognize the efforts of automotive companies in creating positive societal impact through their CSR initiatives.”

“Driven to Serve is our small way to contribute to community development, environment protection, education and training, and road safety – the four pillars of the CSR projects of the automotive manufacturers and distributors,” added Pinky Concha-Colmenares, SPMJ president and head of the Awards’ steering committee.