Marking another significant milestone in its long-standing commitment to technical education and community development, the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project (IHSP) celebrated the graduation of its 25th batch of scholars, reaffirming its mission of empowering underprivileged Filipino youth through quality automotive education and skills development.
Since its establishment in 2008, IHSP has grown into one of the country’s longest-running full-scholarship automotive technical training programs. For nearly two decades, the initiative has opened doors for deserving young Filipinos to build meaningful careers in the automotive industry, creating lasting opportunities not only for the scholars themselves but also for their families and communities.
The graduates successfully completed the two-year Automotive Servicing Course at the Isuzu–TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center in Tacloban, Leyte, and were awarded the National Certificate (NC) IV – the highest certification granted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the program. Equipped with advanced technical knowledge, industry-standard skills, and hands-on experience, the graduates are now prepared to pursue rewarding careers in the automotive industry.
Established by Isuzu Motors Limited (IML), the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project is implemented in the Philippines through a long-standing partnership among IML, TESDA, and World Vision. Through this collaborative effort, the program provides full scholarships, technical education, values formation, and practical industry training that equip underprivileged youth with the knowledge, discipline, and skills needed to build sustainable careers.
Nearly Two Decades of Changing Lives
Over the past 18 years, the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project has transformed the lives of hundreds of young Filipinos by providing access to quality technical education that would otherwise be beyond their reach. With 25 graduating batches and 473 graduates to date, IHSP continues to demonstrate how education and industry collaboration can create lasting social impact.
Beyond technical education, the program emphasizes discipline, professionalism, teamwork, and strong work ethics—qualities that prepare scholars to excel in today’s highly competitive automotive industry. Many graduates have established successful careers in Isuzu dealerships, independent automotive service centers, manufacturing companies, and international employers, while others have ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing their own automotive servicing shops.
Their achievements reflect the quality of training provided by IHSP and the global competitiveness of Filipino automotive professionals.
Addressing the graduates, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) President Mikio Tsukui, encouraged them to carry forward the values they had developed throughout the program. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives as working professionals. The companies that will welcome you undoubtedly have high expectations of you. With the technical skills, knowledge, and discipline you have acquired during the past two years, I am confident that you will be able to meet—and even exceed—those expectations,” said Tsukui.
Continuing a Legacy of Opportunity
As Batch 25 embarks on the next chapter of their journey, IHSP continues its commitment to developing future automotive professionals, by welcoming the new Batch 29, composed of 18 new scholars who will undergo training until 2028.
To inspire the incoming scholars, current students showcased their technical competencies through live skills demonstrations, highlighting the discipline, professionalism, and practical expertise developed throughout the program. Outstanding graduates were likewise recognized during the ceremony, reinforcing IHSP’s commitment to excellence and continuous learning.
Tsukui further highlighted the significance of the program beyond technical education. “At Isuzu, being a Responsible Partner means investing in people and creating opportunities that last beyond the classroom. Seeing Batch 25 graduate reminds us that the true success of this program is measured not only by the number of scholars we have trained, but by the lives they have transformed, the families they now support, and the communities they continue to uplift. We are proud to support this meaningful partnership and remain committed to helping develop the next generation of skilled Filipino automotive professionals,” he added.
As the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project celebrates the graduation of its 25th batch, Isuzu Motors Limited, together with Isuzu Philippines Corporation, TESDA, and World Vision, reaffirms its shared commitment to empowering Filipino youth through education, technical excellence, and opportunities that create lasting impact for generations to come.
