Charity begins at home, goes the old saying. But for Japanese carmaker Isuzu Motors Ltd (IML), it can start anywhere.

Through its local arm Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), and in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and World Vision Philippines, an international Christian, humanitarian, advocacy organization, the Japanese car brand presented its latest batch of 18 service technician graduates who completed their National Competency Certificate program—a four-level program administered by the regional branch of TESDA that offers vocations for automotive servicing.

The new graduates completed NC1 to NC4 training, the latter being the highest level of certification in the country. The technical training course is a two-year program backed by the Isuzu-TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center that aims to produce highly skilled Filipino automotive service mechanics who can serve the country.

After completing the course, each scholar will receive a National Certificate (NC) that will make them even more competitive in the auto mechanic industry. The National Certificate (NC) initially ranged from I to II, which are the basic skill levels of an average Filipino mechanic. But since the Japanese car brand wanted the scholars to be among the best in their chosen fields, each student must clear levels III and IV before they can complete the course.

“We are beyond words of what we are now seeing to all the deserving new batch of scholars of Isuzu-TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Centers in Tacloban. As we all know that Tacloban has been devastated by the Typhoon Yolanda in Central Philippine island in 2013. This is the best time to tell the public that there is indeed a new hope, especially for the underprivileged yet deserving students,” said Yoshinori Ida, Senior Counselor of Isuzu Motors Ltd (IML).

“We started this project in 2008 and it’s very clear to us by now how education plays crucial role in shaping every individual, social, and even economic development success. Isuzu will always be here to provide opportunities for nurturing their talents and skills,” he added.

The 13th graduation ceremony of the Isuzu-TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Centers was attended by family and friends of students, IPC executives, and Yoshinori Ida. The recognition day was followed by Skills Demonstration (for non-graduating students Automotive Servicing NC I, II and III). Of course, the graduation rite won’t be complete without announcing the best among the best of scholars. The outstanding top trainee among the new graduates were Jhon Kim Bobares, who was cited with honorable mention, and Joeminel Cutcharo, valedictorian. Named as batch salutatorian was Deolito Galono.   

Meanwhile, to commemorate all the hard work of the graduate students from past to present, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) announced a Grand Alumni Homecoming that will be held from August 18 until 20. Part of the program is a community outreach which will be done during the first day of the event. The family day and grand alumni reunion party will be held on the second day.
“More than the education, Isuzu is giving an opportunity to each student to experience how their life would be transformed with this program,” shared Ida.