Since its launch at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last 09 April 2015, Volkswagen Philippines’ Child Safety Initiative has been allowing young children to experience driving on a simulated road system. The objective is to educate their young minds on the proper traffic rules, as well as to heighten their awareness on possible dangers on the road. There have been five such activities so far, generating many positive responses from the kiddie participants, their parents, and observers.
For this project, Volkswagen PH has partnered with one of the largest mall chains in the country, Robinsons Malls. The collaboration was formally declared last 23 May 2015 at Robinsons Magnolia, graced by no less than the Department of Transportation and Communications’ assistant secretary Dante Lantin.
“We are pleased to partner with Robinsons Malls in our campaign towards child road safety,” VW-PH president and CEO John Philip Orbeta said. “They have provided ample space in their malls to allow us to lay out our road tracks and let families to have their kids go through this extremely important educational opportunity in a fun learning environment.” In Robinsons Magnolia last May 23 to 24 alone, a total of 200 kids underwent orientation from professional driving instructors of the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership, went on a practice run, completed the driving tasks given, and finally received their Junior Driver’s Licenses. Registration and participation are absolutely free. At Robinsons Las Pinas last May 30 to 31, 175 children actively participated with their parents.
“We are very happy to be a mall partner of Volkswagen Philippines for this worthy project. We believe it is better to inculcate the importance of road safety while our children are young,” expressed Robinsons Land Corporation operations director for Luzon Malls Irving Wu.
With five legs done and 624 licensed junior drivers, Volkswagen Philippines has more of this significant yet fun activity in the pipeline:
- June 20-21 Glorietta
- June 27-28 Robinsons Metro East
- July 11-12 Robinsons Place Antipolo
- July 18-19 Robinsons Galleria
- July 25-26 Market Market
- August 1-2 Alabang Town Center
- August 8-9 Robinsons Place Malolos
- August 15-16 Robinsons Place Manila
- September 5-6 Robinsons Forum Mandaluyong
- September 19-20 Robinsons Lipa
The Volkswagen Child Safety Initiative campaign has three institutional partners, namely: Safe Kids World Wide Philippines, Department of Transportation and Communication, and the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Robinsons Magnolia last 23 May 2015 (L-R): Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership secretary-general Bert Suansing; DOTC assistant secretary Dante Lantin; Robinsons Land Corporation consultant for government affairs Tommy Lee O; Robinsons Land Corporation operations director for Luzon Irving Wu; and VW-PH marketing director Arnel Doria.
After completing the road safety orientation and driving tasks, the kiddie participant receives a VW Junior Driver’s License.