Isuzu Heart and Smile Project Batch 22 scholars completes course

MANILA: A total 18 individuals that comprised the 22nd batch of scholars of the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project (IHSP) have recently completed their two-year Automotive Servicing Course.

The latest graduates in the Isuzu-TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Auto Mechanic Training Center have achieved NC IV certification, which is considered the highest qualification for the program.

The initiative, which started in 2008, is a continuously running collaboration of Isuzu Motors Limited Japan (IML), TESDA and World Vision. Per Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the 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.”

Currently, the program has also produced 421 graduates that produced high success in employment. IPC shared that around 66 percent of the IHSP graduates have been locally employed in various service shops, 26 percent are working abroad, four percent have started their own businesses, while another four percent have studied further to pursue a career in other fields.

Those who have worked overseas are already making an impact in Qatar (75 percent), Australia (26), Japan (19), United Arab Emirates (16) and the rest across 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," Batch 22 Valedictorian Edmar Garcia said.

Aside from the graduation of Batch 22, 18 new scholars have also joined the program — starting their own journey in automotive servicing, which will be completed by 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,” IPC President Tetsuya Fujita shared.

For his part, TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez 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.

Also read:

Isuzu TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center creates fresh batch of NC IV-certified graduates

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