Isuzu Heart and Smile Project Celebrates 17 Years of Transformative Education with Batch 24 Graduation

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) proudly marked a significant milestone as the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project (IHSP) celebrated its 17th year with the graduation of Batch 24. Composed of 19 scholars who successfully completed the two-year Automotive Servicing Course at the Isuzu-TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center, each graduate earned a National Certificate IV (NC IV), signifying their readiness to join the automotive workforce as highly skilled professionals.

A long-standing partnership between IPC, Isuzu Motors Limited Japan (IML), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and World Vision Philippines, the IHSP continues to uplift underprivileged Filipino youth by providing quality technical education and life-changing opportunities. Through this collaboration, scholars receive holistic training that equips them not only with automotive expertise but also with pathways toward sustainable careers and personal development.

Since its launch in 2008, the program has supported over 455 young Filipinos, offering a curriculum that merges TESDA standards with specialized modules in Isuzu diesel technology. This approach ensures that students graduate with the skills needed to meet industry demands both locally and overseas. The program boasts a strong 95% employment rate, with graduates contributing to markets such as Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and the United States. Addressing the graduates, IML Executive Vice President for International Sales Division Koji Nakamura encouraged them to apply their skills with excellence, contribute to national development, and honor the support of their families.

As Batch 24 embarks on their professional journey, IHSP continues its mission by welcoming Batch 28—18 new scholars who will begin their training until 2027. During the ceremony, students from Batches 25 to 27 showcased their technical capabilities through a Skills Demonstration, while outstanding graduates were recognized for their exceptional performance. These activities highlight IHSP’s commitment to maintaining high standards of training and fostering future industry leaders.

IPC Executive Vice President Yasuhiko Oyama expressed deep pride in the achievements of the graduates and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to empowering Filipino youth. He emphasized that the graduates are poised to become valuable contributors to the Isuzu dealer network and to society at large. As IHSP marks 17 years of service, IPC remains committed to its promise as Your Responsible Partner, continuously investing in programs that uplift communities, nurture talent, and build brighter futures for generations to come.