Since its establishment in 2008, the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project has exemplified Isuzu’s belief in education as a transformative force. Made possible through the strong support of Isuzu Motors Limited Japan, TESDA, and World Vision, this initiative reflects a shared commitment to uplifting underprivileged youth by equipping them with automotive servicing skills giving them opportunity for a promising career in aftersales service.

To date, IHSP has graduated 421 scholars, with remarkable success in employment. Around 66 percent are locally employed in different service shops, 26 percent are working overseas, 4 percent have established their own businesses, and another 4 percent have pursued further studies or careers in other fields. Those working overseas are now making an impact in top global markets such as Australia (26 percent), Japan (19 percent), Saudi Arabia (18 percent), the UAE (16 percent), and Qatar (75), while the remaining 13 percent are working across other countries in Asia, America, and the Middle East.

“This project has pushed us to take a leap of faith. Before joining the school, many of us didn’t have the means to pursue higher education. Thanks to the generous investment of our project partners—IML, World Vision, and TESDA—we now have the skills and opportunities to achieve our dreams,” said Edmar Garcia, Batch 22 Valedictorian.

Aside from the graduation of Batch 22, the event marked the welcoming of Batch 26, a new group of 18 scholars embarking on their own two-year journey in automotive servicing until December 2026. During the ceremony, existing batches demonstrated their skills through a special Skills Demonstration, while several students received special awards for their exemplary performance during the recognition ceremony.

“We have proud that the IHSP have graduated hundreds of underprivileged youth, providing them not only with quality education but also opportunities for employment within the Isuzu dealer network or even overseas through various Isuzu groups worldwide - reflecting the brand’s commitment to uplifting communities through education and skills development. We are honored that the Philippines has been chosen as the beneficiary of this impactful project, and we look forward to continuing its success for years to come,” said Isuzu Philippines Corp. President Tetsuya Fujita.

TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez attend the event and lauded the project for its impact on technical education and economic mobility:

“Compared to other TESDA schools, which have an 80 percent employment rate, the Isuzu-TESDA Auto Mechanic Center boasts an impressive 95 percent employment rate upon graduation. This success is thanks to the unwavering support of our partners. The currency of the future is skills, and to our graduates, I encourage you to use these skills to uplift yourselves, your families, and your communities,” he said.

The Isuzu Heart and Smile Project embodies the spirit of corporate social responsibility, transforming lives through technical education. Through the collaborative efforts with Isuzu Motors Limited Japan (IML), TESDA, and World Vision, the program continues to empower Filipino youth with skills that lead to fulfilling careers in the automotive industry and beyond.