Ford to hold community projects in September
FORD Motor Company announced it is marking September as “Ford Global Caring Month,” during which time its employees around the world “will be venturing out into their communities to make people’s lives better.”
In the Philippines, the company said its employees and dealer personnel — or Ford Volunteer Corps — are set to take part in community service initiatives with Gawad Kalinga. The programs, expected to benefit over 1,400 individuals, include painting houses in Cavite, building communal water facilities in Nueva Ecija and Batangas, and delivering medical and dental services in Muntinlupa.
“We’re proud to again participate in the Ford Global Caring Month with projects in various communities that will provide tangible benefits. Our Ford and dealer employee volunteers are excited to again lend a helping hand,” said Josephine Gonzalez, AVP for government and corporate affairs at Ford Philippines.
Since 2005 the Ford Volunteer Corps has contributed more than one million hours of community service in 50 countries, representing more than $30 million of in-kind community investments, according to a Ford statement.
Mazda, MFI Foundation accept new scholars
PHILIPPINE Mazda distributor Bermaz Auto Philippines (BAP) and MFI Foundation, Inc., in August have accepted 20 new students into the MFI’s Industrial Technicians Program Scholarship, BAP said in a statement. It added the program for underprivileged youths is now on its third year of providing skills development through MFI’s existing TESDA-accredited Dual Training System Automotive Motorcycle Technology course.
“Mazda Philippines remains committed to enriching the lives of Filipino youth through meaningful learning that guarantees them a productive future,” said Steven Tan, president and CEO of BAP. “Our partnership with MFI is an ideal venue for us to hone new talent who will contribute to the sustainability of the automotive industry. It also allows us to give back to various communities and give deserving youth the opportunities that can help them and their families rise through hardship.”
The new batch of scholars will spend a year on academics at the MFI campus. Their second year will involve 1,440 hours of on-the-job training, which will be conducted at various Mazda dealerships. Through MFI’s existing TESDA-accredited Dual Training System Automotive Motorcycle Technology course, students learn the rudiments of automobile and motorcycle trouble shooting and repair.
More than 50 youths applied for the scholarship by undergoing a series of examinations and panel interviews, BAP said.
The company noted around 80 students have so far been supported by Mazda Philippines since the program began in 2014. Out of the first 20 graduates of the program, 11 have been hired by Mazda dealerships.
