Isuzu inaugurates TESDA training center in Tacloban

Isuzu Motors Ltd of Japan, together with Isuzu Philippines Corp. and Isuzu Auto Parts Manufacturing Corp., opened last week the TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center in Tacloban, a technical training facility whose construction was conceptualized and funded by the Japanese automaker.

The TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center, a social-responsibility project of Isuzu, aims to give expert automotive technical training to out-of-school youth belonging to the 37 percent of the country’s population who live under the poverty line. Isuzu saw a job opportunity for those who are qualified to undergo training and who will pass it.

The project is being carried out with the assistance of Plan International, a global non-government humanitarian organization with offices in 66 countries worldwide. Plan Philippines is in charge of the selection of the qualified scholars for the training center, as well as the evaluation of their progress throughout the program. TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) is responsible for the operations management of the training facility and for the actual execution of the training itself.

“This project will uplift the lives of deserving young Filipino people who are not as privileged as others in terms of resources,” said IML chairman Yoshinori Ida. “Isuzu has always believed in equal opportunities, and to prove that, those who will graduate from the TESDA training center are free to work for other car manufacturers of their choice — not just Isuzu.”

Training of an initial 30 scholars commenced in November this year. They are expected to graduate in October 2010.

 “Isuzu is very happy that this project has finally become a reality,” added Ida. “We are very excited for the day when all our scholars are already contributing to the growth of the Philippine auto industry. This will prove once again that there are Filipinos out there who just need a break to come their way. Isuzu is only too glad to be able to provide that much-needed break.”