Mazda PH, MFI screening new batch of scholars for 2-year automotive tech program
MANILA: Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc., the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, has recently started the screening process for a new batch of scholars for the BAP Mazda-MFI Automotive Technology Two-Year Scholarship Program for 2021.
Now on its eighth year of providing free technical education to financially challenged youth, the collaboration between Mazda Philippines and MFI Polytechnic Institute Inc. is set to begin despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic to the automotive industry.
MFI Polytechnic Institute Inc., formerly known as the Meralco Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit science foundation that has provided quality training and education in the country for more than 45 years. It is committed to see every Filipino pursuing a gainful way of life by serving in industry and agricultural sectors.
With Mazda Philippines’ sponsorship and direction since 2014, MFI Polytechnic Institute has supported a total of 260 scholars. A total of 230 graduates have completed the Automotive Technology course under the institute’s two-year Dual Training System. Currently, there are 40 students enrolled in the course, with the support of Mazda Philippines.
Most of the scholars who graduated from the course are now working not only for the Mazda Philippines dealership network, but also for the dealerships of different car brands. Mazda Philippines currently employs five graduates of the program.
In a statement, Mazda Philippines Parts and Technical Manager Ramon Buan said, “I am extremely proud of our Mazda scholars and I know they are doing well wherever they are now, because of the program. Despite the pandemic, which makes it reasonable for companies to reduce costs and expenses, Mazda Philippines chose to continue with the program without interruption. We truly believe that education is essential to break the cycle of poverty, which perfectly describes the background from where these students came from and by continuing with this valuable partnership, we will also continue to transform the lives of many families.”
As the direct supervisor of the program for Mazda Philippines, Buan has been considered as the scholars’ “father.” “These young men and women will always be a part of our family in Mazda and they will always be my children,” Buan added.
MFI Polytechnic Institute is tasked to screen the applicants and finalize the 10 students eligible for the scholarship for 2021. MFI Polytechnic Institute Placement Associate Eduardo Lendio stated, “We are very grateful to Bermaz Auto Philippines, and proud to work in partnership with them in the eighth year of the program. We follow a stringent recruitment process to make sure we find the most deserving students from parents and families who are unable to support their children's higher education due to their financial background.”
As the key person administering the scholarship screening process, Lendio shared how being chosen as a Mazda scholar gives a life-changing impact. “In the past years before the pandemic, parents would often shed happy tears when we met them to announce the good news that their child has been selected,” he recalled.
The first year of the BAP Mazda-MFI scholarship program involves academic exposure. They students learn about the fundamentals of four-stroke engine operation and maintenance. This part of the program aims to develop the students’ communication, vocational, occupational, and interpersonal skills.
Mazda Philippines has also donated component parts such as engines, transmissions, and mechanical assemblies to MFI Polytechnic Institute to be used in the program. The scholars also receive theoretical and actual presentations about Mazda’s Skyactiv Technology innovations.
In the second year of the program, the students are assigned to various Mazda Philippines dealerships to let them experience practical application and on-the-job training. By the end of the course, students are expected to become proficient in repairing and servicing vehicles, assembling automotive systems, troubleshooting simple and complex automotive problems, and installing vehicular components following every vehicle’s specifications.
The graduates of the MFI Automotive Technology course receive National Certification from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Images from Mazda Philippines
Also read: Mazda PH reports 38% sales increase in H1
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