To improve the lives of the marginalized Filipino families through education, road safety, environmental protection, and community development—this is the mission of the Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists’ (SPMJ’s) Driven to Serve Awards. Now on its second year, the awards recognize automotive companies’ efforts to help improve the lives of the Filipino family.
One of the big winners this year is Ford Philippines, which took home two Platinum citations. With Platinum, Gold, and Silver awards up for grabs, the Blue Oval brand bagged the highest citations each for Community Development and Road Safety.
The first Platinum award cited One Better World, Ford’s global campaign that seeks to do just that—provide a better world for all. In the Philippines, Ford’s umbrella Corporate Social Responsibility campaign was able to build 3 water facilities in Gawad Kalinga villages in Nuevan Ecija and Bantagas that will give access to clean water to some 20 families. It likewise embarked in medical and dental missions, as well as built, painted, and repaired several houses in the Gawad Kalinga communities that benefited around 8 communities.
Besides this, Ford also took home a Platinum award for its vaunted Driving Skills for Life program under the Road Safety category. Just like One Better World, 2017 saw the DFSL reach more areas around the country—specifically in Batangas, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao where more than 3,000 participants joined the various events. The program’s 10th year also witnessed jeepney, bus, school bus, and taxi drivers participate in training programs to help make them better drivers. And there was likewise a module that tackled distracted driving—a timely reminder about the recently passed law that imposes stiff penalties on such violations.
