ISUZU PHILIPPINES CORP. (IPC) marked its 25^th inaugural anniversary last week at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, where company officials also disclosed a new “Road To Progress” vision.

In a speech delivered to shareholders, dealers, suppliers, bank partners, members of the media, VIPs of the industry, and executives and employees, IPC President Noboru Murakami thanked everyone who contributed to the success of company. “The main reason why IPC has attained these countless achievements throughout the years is because we have the unwavering support of each and every one of you,” he said.

Isuzu Philippines also received congratulatory messages from Isuzu Motors Ltd. Executive Officer Koji Nakamura, Mitsubishi Corp. Division COO Kyoya Kondo, AC Motors Automobile Group President Antonio “Toti” Zara III, and House of Investment Senior Vice-President and Car Business Operations Head Johnny Fetalvero.

In the anniversary video shown during the program, former IPC employees from different divisions: Myrna Valle (Administration), Arnel Deunida (Manufacturing), Joseph Bautista (Sales & Marketing), Edward De Guzman (Aftersales), and Arthur Balmadrid (SVP), all of whom are pioneers, also shared their significant Isuzu experiences at the time IPC was just starting. The video conveyed that the values instilled by the pioneers are now serving as one of the pillars of foundation of the current employees in attaining new achievements in the years to come.

Apart from celebrating 25 years of success, IPC also shared the company’s plans on adhering to the sustainable development goals through a new vision, “Road to Progress,” which is going to be the underlying motive of business activities and goals moving forward.

According to the presentation of IPC President Murakami, the vision aims to realign IPC’s business process through a new perspective focusing on environment, social, and governance. One of the steps IPC takes in protecting the environment is shifting its energy source from coal power plants to renewable forms like solar energy to decrease the carbon emission of its manufacturing activities.

IPC is also encouraging its dealers to follow its lead in switching to renewable energy in the next years — envisioning a lower carbon footprint for the entire Isuzu dealer network.

For more information and updates, visit the firm’s official website at www.isuzuphil.com or follow www.facebook.com/IsuzuPhilippines.

AS IT TURNS 30 years, the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) is set to hold a so-called “Ride for Valor.” The “non-competitive bike ride” will happen on Aug. 28 as a tribute to the Filipino soldiers who defended the country against Japanese forces during World War II.

PVB Vice-President for Communications Mike Villa-Real shared in a release that the event was supposed to be held last April, but due to pandemic restrictions and the elections, it has been postponed to Aug. 28 to coincide with National Heroes Day. The activity is also meant to celebrate the bank’s 30^th anniversary.

“Through this event, we commemorate the unsung and unknown heroes of World War II and the Bataan Death March who bravely fought and sacrificed their lives for our country and freedom,” he said.

The bike ride aims to raise funds for the Filipino-American Memorial Endowment (FAME), a nongovernment organization that maintains the kilometer markers of the Bataan Death March from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.

Some 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers and prisoners of war were forced by the Japanese military to march 69 miles from Bataan to Tarlac during World War II. Around 54,000 managed to reach the camp, with the rest dying due to starvation, dehydration, diseases, and the brutality of Japanese captors.

The format for the bike activity is Gran Fondo or “Big Ride.” Each participant will have a “passport” which needs to be brought to three checkpoint stops: Mt. Samat in Bataan, San Fernando Train/Water Station in Pampanga, and the Death March Memorial Shrine in Capas, Tarlac.

Each stop will have optional destinations such as the Stotsenburg Park near the Clark Parade Grounds, and the Bamban Museum of History in Tarlac, where participants will receive their ride kits.

Mr. Villa-Real said a 12-hour cutoff will be implemented during the event, and participants may finish the entire route or join along the stops. “There will be a mechanic to help those who will experience mechanical issues, and roving marshals (will be present) to monitor the progress of the participants. Support vehicles are allowed, but participants should not ride the vehicle unless they decide to withdraw from the bike ride.”

Those interested in joining the bike ride may register online at bit.ly/RideforValor2022 and pay P550 per individual and P2,100 per group of five. Only bikes with brakes are allowed in the event, and participants must be fully vaccinated. Each participant will be given a bib number, a bike sticker, an event shirt, a loot bag, and commemorative patches on the day of the event.

PVB is a commercial bank owned by World War II veterans and their families. As part of its charter, PVB allocates 20% of its annual net income for the benefit of its shareholders.

For more information, visit www.veteransbank.com.ph and bit.ly/FB_RideforValor2022.