New Bosch CEO assumes stewardship of Elsie Gaches project

MANILA, Philippines - German multinational company, Robert Bosch Inc. Philippines, recently unveiled the newly-renovated Elsie Gaches Village (EGV) medical clinic in Alabang, Muntinlupa. The Bosch-supported project marks the completion of a year-long series of construction and structural improvements to various facilities in EGV that includes the village’s commissary-kitchen and main covered playground. Previous projects backed by the company include the refurbished dental clinic, cottage for profound children and the construction of at least two other covered playgrounds. The recent year’s development efforts were conceived through the generosity of Tilman Todenhöfer, Bosch Supervisory Council member in Germany.

“Bosch believes in making a sustainable contribution that goes beyond the regular course of business,” said Joseph Hong, the company’s newly-appointed managing director, during the inauguration of the EGV clinic. “Our work with Elsie Gaches (Village) kindles the affinity of Bosch associates in Germany as well as that of the Primavera foundation, which has also supported EGV through our local subsidiary.”

Upon his posting, Hong is also entrusted with the company’s various social projects in the country that are geared towards education, health and humanitarian support. He directly succeeds Franz Roland Odenthal who has completed his term as Robert Bosch Inc. chief in December 2009.

Since 1999, Bosch in the Philippines pledged its support to EGV – a community dedicated to the care of many ‘children’ ranging in age from birth to geriatric, diagnosed with cerebral palsy and other mental deficiencies that underprivileged families have trouble managing. The estate, which was formerly owned by a childless American couple, Samuel and Elsie Gaches, is today home to over 600 abandoned special children and close to 200 staff and volunteer workers.

While numerous benefactors have contributed to its sustenance – the growing number of residents continues to pose a challenge. With this comes growing needs for better facilities and infrastructure. This is the challenge that Bosch Philippines hopes to augment by helping provide the village with the restoration and establishment of basic facilities.

In addition to the renovation of the clinic’s facilities, Bosch also provided electrical appliances to improve sanitation and ventilation as well as various medical equipment that include an oxygen regulator, Baumanometer (BP apparatus), infrared device, suction machine and autoclave for sterilizing equipment and supplies.