Isuzu school reopens, resumes mission to develop skills

By Charles Buban September 09,2015
IML’S Ida (standing, fifth from left) and wife Mikiko (standing, third from left) join the graduates of Batch 8.

IML’S Ida (standing, fifth from left) and wife Mikiko (standing, third from left) join the graduates of Batch 8.

Since producing its first 25 trainee graduates who were conferred industry-recognized auto-technician certification in 2010, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda)-run Isuzu Auto Mechanic Training Center in Tacloban, Leyte, has been a beacon of hope for dozens of underprivileged but deserving out-of-school youths living in the most depressed barangays (villages) of the Visayan region.

Every year, this training center has been adding new graduates. So far, it has already produced 117 NC IV-certified automotive service technicians who are either working at various firms affiliated to Isuzu Philippines or companies abroad.

There was, however, one year when the $3-million (P141-million) training center failed to produce graduates. In November 2013, when the training center was already winding up, Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: “Haiyan”), the strongest storm to make landfall in recorded history, tore through the province at speeds reaching 275 kph.

Both the training center’s workshop building and dormitory were badly damaged and had to send their students home during the repair and reconstruction period. Besides, the students also welcomed the unexpected break as they were also needed by their families.

The training center’s sponsors, Isuzu Motors Ltd. (IML) of Japan, World Vision, and the Tesda had to spend more than P10 million for the full rehabilitation.

Coming back

“After the typhoon, all the scholars had to be sent home so they could help their families in rebuilding their homes. We are glad that most of them came back and that our project sponsors are still willing to support us,” reported Tesda Region VIII Director Cleta Omega, who also informed that IML even extended its support not only to the families of their scholars by  providing relief assistance right after the supertyphoon left.

To make them more productive during their 15-month hiatus, the scholars had been prequalified to work in different Isuzu service centers in the Philippines.

In fact, most of them have already secured service technician positions at various Isuzu dealerships and Isuzu Autoparts Manufacturing Corp.

Then in February 2015, the school reopened with IML senior counselor Yoshinori Ida personally welcoming back all the 67 scholars.

Latest graduates

A few months later, on Aug. 24, the school finally announced the long overdue graduation of its 14 students.

 BATCH 8 valedictorian Moscosa delivering his farewell address-


Batch valedictorian Moscosa delivering his farewell address

Twenty two-year-old Jhon Moscosa from Oras, Eastern Samar, came out as the valedictorian of Batch 8.

The former second year IT student was already feeling hopeless after he had to stop studying for lack of money. His second chance came when he applied and was eventually chosen to be included in the school’s program.

“Then the devastation from Yolanda happened. I believe my decision to continue my training despite the things that have happened in my hometown and in this school has paid off as I now could finally have a job that would support my parents,” said Moscosa.

“We have been supporting this project since 2008 and it has been our goal to continue producing highly skilled professionals, and at the same time help change their lives as well as their families. We at Isuzu believe in the Filipino talent. We hope that every batch succeeds but at the same time, we expect these graduates to exceed what their seniors have accomplished,” said Ida during the graduation rites.

He added: “All they needed was the opportunity for an education. We gave them that opportunity, and in return we can see that they are helping themselves uplift their status in life. We are very proud that most of our scholars now are living a more comfortable life. We hope to continue this endeavor for as long as possible.”

And Ida was not mistaken. Demonstrating the world-class skills of the graduates it produced, two of its alumni—Rey Bombita of Isuzu Pasig and Roel Gocela of Isuzu Davao—won second place in the annually held 9th Isuzu World Technical Competition held at the Isuzu Training Center in Kawasaki, Japan.

Batch 12

Also during the graduation rites, the training center welcomed 18 new hopefuls that will belong to Batch 12 of trainees. They will undergo the same training—from NC I to IV certification program.

According to Omega, the Tesda is in the process of leveling up the program by offering a fifth and final diploma course which will focus more on the scholar’s supervisorial and managerial skills.

If approved, the Tesda can now issue a diploma that would enable its scholars to one day become team leaders.

The Isuzu-Tesda Auto Mechanic Training Center was founded in 2008 as part of IML’s “Isuzu Heart and Smile Project” corporate social responsibility campaign.

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