Fifteen scholars from Batch 23 of the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project (IHSP) graduated from a rigorous two-year Automotive Servicing Course at the Isuzu-TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center in Tacloban, Leyte, earning an NC IV certificate, the highest qualification.
The educational aid project is a collaboration between Isuzu Motors Limited Japan (IML), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and World Vision. It exemplifies Isuzu’s commitment to uplifting underprivileged youth by honing their automotive servicing skills to advance their careers in aftersales service.
Transformative Education with Proven Success
Established in 2008, the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project has since provided holistic automotive education to 436 underprivileged youth. The program consists of the standard TESDA curriculum for automotive servicing, with additional classes on Isuzu diesel technology and other pertinent topics, enhancing both general and specialized skills.
IHSP graduates can further their careers in the automotive industry, which Tetsuya Ikemoto from Isuzu Motors Limited remarked is making strides in the country. “The auto industry in the Philippines is growing every year, and more and more people are interested in working in it,” noted Ikemoto.
Posting an employment rate of 94.3% for all its graduates, the program proves to be a transformative educational experience. Among these graduates, 67% are employed locally, while 24% are employed overseas, and 3% are self-employed. Those working overseas are now making an impact in top global markets such as Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, the United States, and other parts of Asia and the Middle East.
With this, Ikemoto encouraged the new graduates to carry on program’s the track record of success. “We hope that through this project, graduates will be able to satisfy customers by demonstrating the skills you acquired in your training and contribute to the development of the company and the Philippines,” said Ikemoto during his address.
Continuing the Tradition of Excellence
Following the graduation ceremony, IHSP welcomed 18 new scholars from Batch 27, who will train in automotive servicing until 2027. To inspire the incoming batch and offer a preview of the skills they will develop, current scholars from batches 24 to 26 conducted a special Skills Demonstration. Several students were also recognized during the ceremony for their exemplary performance in the IHSP.
Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) president Mikio Tsukui expressed optimism about the scholars’ future success. “We are honored to be part of these students’ journey as they become professionals who can apply their skills for the benefit of the company, our valued customers, and society,” said Tsukui. “We look forward to their continued success—not only as key members of the Isuzu dealer network both locally and internationally, but also in their broader career pursuits.”
Seventeen years since the inception of the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project, the Isuzu Group and its partners continue to fulfill their commitment to communities and society as Your Responsible Partner.