Mazda PH, MFI Welcome New Batch of Scholars

Bermaz Auto Philippines (BAP), the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the country, and the MFI Foundation, Inc. has accepted 20 more scholars this August 2017 into the latter's Industrial Technicians Program Scholarship. The Mazda Philippines-supported studentship program for underprivileged youths is now on its third year of providing skills development through MFI's existing TESDA-accredited Dual Training System Automotive Motorcycle Technology course. "Mazda Philippines remains committed to enriching the lives of Filipino youth through meaningful learning that guarantees them a productive future," shared Steven Tan, president and CEO of BAP. "Our partnership with MFI is an ideal venue for us to hone new talent who will contribute to the sustainability of the automotive industry. It also allows us to give back to various communities and give deserving youth the opportunities that can help them and their families rise through hardship." The new batch of 20 freshmen will spend one year on academics at the MFI campus while their second year will see them spend 1,440 hours of on-the- job training to be conducted at various Mazda dealerships. Through MFI's existing TESDA-accredited Dual Training System Automotive Motorcycle Technology course, students learn the rudiments of automobile and motorcycle trouble shooting and repair. More than 50 youths applied for the scholarship by undergoing a series of examinations and panel interviews. Shareen Joy Ramos, a 26-year old high school graduate originally from Mindoro, is the class president of this latest batch of Mazda scholars. "I'm very grateful that out of more than 50 examinees, I was chosen by Mazda and MFI to be part of this batch," said Shareen. "I've been independent throughout my high school life and I hardly see my family in Mindoro anymore since I was taken in by the Sisters of Mary Girlstown in Cavite. After this two-year course, I hope to learn new skills and the right attitude which will allow me to work for Mazda and hopefully be given a chance to share hope to others like me who came from the poorest of the poor." Ralph Eugene Merced, a 25-year old native of Albay, learned about the scholarship from his cousin who was also a vocational course graduate. "I expect to learn new technologies which I can add to the mechanical skills I learned from TESDA. I don't want to disappoint my family who are financially supporting me all the way from Bicol. When I finish this course, I’ll encourage my youngest brother to apply for the Mazda scholarship as well." Another Mindoro native, 21-year old Leandrex Paglicawan, has been on and off schooling since graduating from high school. "My studies have always been dependent on the generosity of relatives who are also financially challenged," said Leandrex. "When a cousin told me about the Mazda MFI scholarship, I took the opportunity to apply seeing that this could be my final chance to finish school. My father would have worked as a house help with all his pay going to my tuition. But when I found out about the scholarship, I knew this was the better option. I intend to study hard and learn the discipline required as I look forward working and giving back to my family as soon as I graduate. With education, your dreams can come true." Riza Alayon, an 18-year old high school graduate from Taytay, Rizal, is elated at the opportunity the Mazda MFI scholarship has presented to her. "I am so happy to be part of this program. This is a big help to my parents who earn just enough to feed us," Riza related. "With so many kids who don’t have the means to finish school, I feel so lucky to be part of this program. Even if this course is tough, I will not give up. I promise not to fail my parents and Mazda as well. I want to finish this course and work for Mazda.” Around 80 students have so far been supported by Mazda Philippines since the program began in 2014. Out of the first 20 graduates of the program, 11 have been hired directly by various Mazda dealerships while the rest have already found work in the automotive industry.