Motoring Today Column

Jan 24, 2018

Being one of the country’s pioneering motoring journalists I have the fortunate experience of seeing the development of Philippine motoring in the past three decades—from motorsports to its industry.

Aside from being able to conduct the country’s “first time” TV coverage of international motorsports events like Formula One and the Macao Grand Prix, I also had the enviable opportunity of knowing and interviewing some of the world’s and the country’s motorsports exponents, the closest of which is having as co-host and very dear friend the then “living legend of Philippine racing” the late Jose “Pocholo” Ramirez.

As for the now rapidly developing automotive industry I have seen how car companies have evolved in their efforts to update the motoring media about their latest products so the public may be better informed about what’s available in the market. Starting with allowing the weekend out of town use of their prized brand new models leveling up to organized international test-drives extending from Asian countries to those in Europe including the US.

In the middle of all these marketing efforts, some of which are logistically nightmarish are initiatives from some industry players, in their own little or big way to help the country’s populace. Now more specifically labeled as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, these undertakings help enhance the lives of Filipinos through community development, promoting road safety, education and vocational training, disaster relief, caring for the environment and many more, with most if not all of these efforts “under the radar”, so to speak or without any of the usual drum roll or fanfare.

Realizing that these laudable ventures have long been unrecognized, theSociety of Philippine Motoring Journalists ( SPMJ), a non-profit foundation composed of broadcasters, editors and writers (print, broadcast and online) covering the motoring beat has decided to step up to the plate via the annual SPMJ ‘Driven to Serve Awards’.

Aside from giving these commendable projects and their proponents their long-delayed and much-deserved recognition, the ‘Driven to Serve Awards’ are also aimed to encourage the industry players that are already deep into CSR to do better and continue with their efforts and for the entire sector to follow suit.

Now on its 2^nd year of staging, the prestigious awards program shall give recognition to outstanding CSR projects covering, a) Environment Protection and Preservation b) Community Development c) Education and Training d) Road Safety.

To recall here are the SPMJ‘Driven to Serve’ awardees for 2017.

ROAD SAFETY

Platinum - FORD PHILIPPINES

Gold - VOLKSWAGEN PHILIPPINES

Gold - HONDA CARS PHILIPPINES

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Platinum - TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES

Gold - ISUZU PHILIPPINES CORPORATION

Silver - PGA CARS, INC.

ENVIRONMENT

Gold - TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES

Silver - ISUZU PHILIPPINES CORPORATION

Silver - MITSUBUSHI MOTORS PHILIPPINES CORP.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Platinum - TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES

Silver - NISSAN PHILIPPINES, INC.

Silver - FORD PHILIPPINES

Like last year the NLEX Corporation, headed by its ever-supportive President, Mr. Rod Franco has again pledged its participation and backing. SPMJ has sought the support of other corporate entities outside of the auto industry to ensure the perpetuation of these inspiring and prestigious awards and is still waiting for their confirmation.

Here’s the list of this year’s candidate awardees and the categories of the CSR projects they belong to.

2018 Driven to Serve Awards List of Entries:

A. ENVIRONMENT

1. Honda Cars Philippines — Tree Planting with Haribon Foundation
2. Isuzu Philippines Corp — Tree Planting at Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve
3. Toyota Motor Philippines — Adopt A Forest program

B. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

1. Toyota Motor Philippines — Medical and Dental Outreach Program
2. Lexus Manila — Donations to Children’s Hour campaign
3. Hyundai Philippines — Rainwater Harvesting System
4. Mitsubishi Motors Phils. — Promoting Reading Literacy program
5. Nissan Philippines, Inc. — Disaster Risk Reduction training for barangay
6. Ford Philippines — Operation Better World program

C. ROAD SAFETY

1. Honda Cars Philippines — One Honda Road Safety Program
2. Volkswagen Philippines — Child Safety Initiative Campaign
3. Ford Philippines — Driving Skills For Life

D. EDUCATION & TRAINING

1. Isuzu Philippines Corp. — Isuzu-Jacobo Gonzalez memorial school

knowledge sharing partnership

2. Mazda Philippines — Mazda and AAP partnership for Motorsports

development program

3. Honda Cars Philippines — 1M Blue Eco-Safe Driving Campaign
4. Toyota Motor Philippines — Pasiglahin ang estudyanteng Pinoy Feeding

Program

The posh Palms Country Club in Alabang shall again be the venue of the judging scheduled on February 8 where each CSR project shall be described via a 10-minute audio-visual presentation. A Q&A session with the judges and moderated by a sitting SPMJ officer will immediately follow the AVP.

An intimate gathering of awardees, when they shall be fittingly given their highly merited recognition is scheduled in March at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, which is the official venue sponsor.

The country’s auto industry has been showing that it’s not here just to manufacture, import and sell cars. It’s only proper that we recognize its sincere efforts to help in nation building.

Happy Motoring!!!

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