Isuzu PH celebrates batch 25 of IHSP scholars

MANILA: Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has celebrated the graduation of the 25th batch of the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project (IHSP). 

The milestone reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to technical education and community development and reaffirms its mission of empowering underprivileged Filipino youth through quality automotive education and skills development. 

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives as working professionals. The companies that will welcome you undoubtedly have high expectations of you. With the technical skills, knowledge, and discipline you have acquired during the past two years, I am confident that you will be able to meet — and even exceed — those expectations,” IPC President Mikio Tsukui was quoted as saying.  

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18 years of transforming lives 

IHSP was established in 2008 and has grown into one of the country’s longest-running full-scholarship automotive technical training programs. For nearly two decades, the initiative has opened doors for deserving young Filipinos to build meaningful careers in the automotive industry, creating lasting opportunities not only for the scholars themselves but also for their families and communities. 

Established by Isuzu Motors Limited (IML), IHSP is implemented in the Philippines through a long-standing partnership among IML, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and World Vision. 

“Through this collaborative effort, the program provides full scholarships, technical education, values formation, and practical industry training that equip underprivileged youth with the knowledge, discipline, and skills needed to build sustainable careers,” the local subsidiary of the Japanese automaker wrote in a press release. 

“Beyond technical education, the program emphasizes discipline, professionalism, teamwork, and strong work ethics — qualities that prepare scholars to excel in today’s highly competitive automotive industry,” it added. 

Batch 25 

The graduates successfully completed the two-year Automotive Servicing Course at the Isuzu–TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center in Tacloban, Leyte. 

As such, they were awarded the National Certificate (NC) IV credential, which is the highest certification granted by TESDA for the program. 

On that note, the scholars finish the course equipped with advanced technical knowledge, industry-standard skills, and hands-on experience, preparing them to pursue rewarding careers in the automotive industry. 

To date, IHSP has seen 473 graduates, demonstrating how education and industry collaboration can create lasting social impact. 

Continuing a legacy of opportunity 

As the graduates embark on the next chapter of their journey, IHSP continues its commitment to developing future automotive professionals by welcoming batch 29. 

The newest group of scholars comprises 18 students who will undergo training until 2028. 

To inspire the incoming pupils, current students showcased their technical competencies through live skills demonstrations, highlighting the discipline, professionalism, and practical expertise developed throughout the program. 

Likewise, outstanding graduates were recognized during the ceremony, reinforcing IHSP’s commitment to excellence and continuous learning. 

“At Isuzu, being a ‘responsible partner’ means investing in people and creating opportunities that last beyond the classroom. Seeing batch 25 graduate reminds us that the true success of this program is measured not only by the number of scholars we have trained, but by the lives they have transformed, the families they now support, and the communities they continue to uplift,” Tsukui stated. 

“We are proud to support this meaningful partnership and remain committed to helping develop the next generation of skilled Filipino automotive professionals,” he concluded. 

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