Now in its 8th year of providing free technical education, training and opportunities to financially challenged youth, the collaboration between Mazda Philippines and MFI Polytechnic Institute Inc. is proceeding to the 2021 Intake despite the automotive industry’s challenging state since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

Formerly known as the MFI Foundation Incorporated, the MFI Polytechnic Institute has supported 260 scholars since 2014 with Mazda Philippines’ sponsorship and direction. A total of 230 graduates have completed the Automotive Technology course utilizing the institute’s 2-year Dual Training System. There are 40 students currently enrolled in the course under the supervision and support of Mazda Philippines.

Majority of the scholars who have graduated from the course have found gainful employment not only within the Mazda Philippines dealership network, but also in the dealerships of various automotive brands. Mazda Philippines itself currently employs 5 graduates of the program throughout the company’s operations.

“I am extremely proud of our Mazda scholars and I know they are doing well wherever they are now, because of the program,” shares Ramon Buan, Mazda Philippines Parts and Technical Manager. He adds, “Despite the pandemic, which makes it reasonable for companies to reduce costs and expenses, Mazda Philippines chose to continue with the program without interruption. We truly believe that education is essential to break the cycle of poverty, which perfectly describes the background from where these students came from. And by continuing with this valuable partnership, we will also continue to transform the lives of many families.”

As the direct supervisor of the program for Mazda Philippines, Buan has been referred to as the scholars’ “father” over the past eight years. “These young men and women will always be a part of our family in Mazda. And they will always be my children,” expresses Buan.

Tasked to screen and present applicants for the scholarship program, MFI Polytechnic Institute once again opens its doors to qualified applicants this year as it finalizes the 10 students eligible for the scholarship for 2021. “We are very grateful to Bermaz Auto Philippines, and proud to work in partnership with them in the 8th year of the program,” says Eduardo Lendio, Placement Associate of MFI Polytechnic Institute. “We follow a stringent recruitment process to make sure we find the most deserving students from parents and families who are unable to support their children's higher education due to their financial background.”

As the key person overseeing the scholarship screening process, Lendio recalls the life-changing effect of being chosen as a Mazda scholar. “In the past years before the pandemic, parents would often shed happy tears when we met them to announce the good news that their child has been selected,” he shares.

The BAP Mazda-MFI scholarship program involves academic exposure in the students’ first year. During this time, they are taught the fundamentals of four-stroke engine operation and maintenance. Here they learn to develop communicative, vocational, occupational, and interpersonal skills.

They also make use of Mazda Philippines’ donations of component parts such as engines, transmissions and mechanical assemblies to MFI Polytechnic Institute. Scholars of the program also receive theoretical and actual presentations regarding the brand’s Skyactiv Technology innovations.

In the program’s second year, students are assigned to various Mazda Philippines dealerships for them to experience practical application and On-the-Job Training. Upon completion of the two-year course, students are expected to become proficient in repairing and servicing vehicles, assemble automotive systems, troubleshoot both simple and difficult automotive problems, and install vehicular components according to every vehicle’s specifications.

The MFI Automotive Technology Course bears National Certification accreditation from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, or TESDA.