Held every September, the Global Caring Month is an annual social responsibility event that sees thousands of Ford and dealer employees from around the world take time to participate in various community projects.

In a virtual volunteer activity, Ford employees acted as teachers and instructors in Gawad Kalinga’s (GK) Paraisong Pambata program. Over 20 kids from GK Sulangon Village in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte participated in storytelling, drawing, and arts and crafts making through video conferencing. Ford Philippines also provided school supplies and food essentials to the children.

Ford employees also took time to participate in an in-person volunteer activity, following the proper safety and distancing protocols, in GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan. At the site, employees planted trees and harvested farm produce, as well as sorted and packed vegetables for distribution to families and communities. The vegetable packs benefitted over 350 families from various GK villages and communities in Bulacan.

“The spirit of volunteerism continues at Ford with our Global Caring Month, as we find ways to reach out to communities via online or on-site and initiate projects that truly make a difference,” shares Josephine Gonzalez, Government and Corporate Affairs Director, Ford Philippines. “The commitment of each Ford employee to extend a helping hand has never wavered over the years and we are excited to bring our programs to more individuals, families, and beneficiaries in the years to come.”

Aside from volunteer activities, Ford Philippines also used mini-grants awarded by Ford Motor Company Fund to support activities by GK and Save the Children Philippines during the Global Caring Month. GK used the fund to install water system in tribal communities in San Fernando, Bukidnon and Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. The Save the Children gratitude grant supported the improved delivery of health and nutrition services in the management of acute malnutrition (child wasting) in Villareal, Samar.

Ford Philippines also kicked off the 13th edition of the globally-recognized Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program last September. With the theme “Safe Driving in the New Normal”, this year’s DSFL is covering timely topics including pandemic car care and maintenance tips, car sanitation and disinfection, and driving techniques during the rainy weather. This year’s DSFL sessions will be conducted virtually in order to foster a safe and physically-distant learning environment.

“This year, we are making the DSFL a more relevant training program for our participants by sharing the necessary driving habits and skills as they navigate the roads in the ‘new normal’. The DSFL is now available and accessible on the digital platform that allows us to expand our reach to more drivers nationwide,” shares EJ Francisco, Communications Director, Ford Philippines.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) remains an integral part of Ford’s business, with its continued focus in the areas of education, community development, and healthcare. Its Automotive Technician Scholarship Program, in partnership with AmCham Foundation, has seen its 4th batch composed of 30 scholars finishing last July. The program aims to provide underprivileged but deserving students access to education so they can improve their economic status.

Ford is also partnering with Gawad Kalinga for its Kusina ng Kalinga (KnK) program, which is a strategic response to hunger and malnutrition among Filipino children. Lastly, the Healthcare Capacity-Building Program is in place to strengthen the capacities of local residents to support the healthcare needs of their families and community through the conduct of basic healthcare training. Resident-volunteers in Capiz and Pampanga received the training recently.