COLD is the early morning breeze, bells, as of now, ringing as colorful parols dazzling by the window awe onlookers—gapers. And, as truth be told, among the rest of the 300 or more so days of the year, this season is the much-anticipated and most-celebrated. For Ford Group Philippines, on the other hand, Christmas is not to dazzle, feast, enamor with gifts and big raffle prizes nor earn awards and tokens; but simply—about giving.
In a recent encounter with the giant American carmaker, this writer was a firsthand witness when Ford employees-turned-volunteers visited a small Gawad Kalinga community in the outskirts down south and got to share a part of it. Ford has strongly proven that the Yuletide season was well alive in the hearts of the families. I was impressed by their simple acts of kindness that I couldn’t help but sum up what have just transpired in 12 words and phrases.
Drive
Since this is first and foremost a car event, the vehicle that brought us to fruitful charitable endeavors was no other than the Ford EcoSport 1.5L Ti-VCT Titanium AT. From Ford’s Makati dealership on Chino Roces Avenue en route to Calamba, Laguna, this subcompact crossover SUV was reliable in various straights and tight corners—even from hard asphalt to rough unpredictable terrain.
As an added holiday treat to the children of the community, these sprightly stunners donned reindeer costumes to play the roles of Santa’s extraordinary pet partners.
Dr. Jose Rizal Gawad Kalinga Village
After the one-hour drive to the small community, we eventually learned from Dr. Jose Rizal Gawad Kalinga Village Project Director Lea Dimalanta that the venture started when calamity struck the area during the height of Typhoon Milenyo in 2006, wherein over 79 families were displaced.
“With the help of LGUs, we were able to acquire this land and grow to over 500 families and 1,000 kids to date,” she shared.
“Ford chose this community and, for more than three years now, they have helped us through dental missions and livelihood projects,” she added.
Duty
“This is part of our annual Christmas party for GK Kids. This is also “Operation Better World, wherein we focus on various areas. In the Philippines this is one of what we have chosen,” meanwhile stated Ford Group Philippines Vice President for Government and Corporate Services Josephine Gonzales.
Dandy
The lady head honcho also divulged that she has been championing these kinds of activities for more than 10 years now.
“On a personal level, I really love these feats. In fact, I was once hailed a CSR champion.”
Dictum
According to her, the values of giving is at the core of this Western auto giant.
“Here, it’s not only work, but employees are also trained to render service of bringing back to the community,” she said.
“We have this program that seeks to establish an ongoing awareness and education program for families to learn about first-aid skills, basic hygiene, home remedies and the like.”
Day-off
In fact, Ford’s employees are entitled to two CSR leaves. FGP product marketing specialist Prudz Castillo even shared: “I’m grateful to the company for giving us a chance to have a break from the office and reach out to communities such as this.”
Discovery
“Personally, it gives me a lot of realization. It grounds me on my real purpose here on earth,” he continued.
Divinity
While he discovers his purpose, Gonzales, meantime, conveys that as Christians we have to do these kinds of efforts.
“As what Christ has done, we, too, should commit to corporal works of mercy.”
Devotion
Others were also deeply involved that they couldn’t just simply hide their enthusiasm. Kat Lanot of the company’s PR department, for one, doled out:
“GK is truly close to my heart. I was part of a religious organization [CFC-Youth for Christ]growing up. It’s heartwarming to be part of something that values community empowerment and help build a better nation.”
Delight
For 13-year-old Christian Cahan, who was just a toddler when he first settled in the community, the visitors who have shared their time with them have already painted a smile on his face and for that alone, he was speechless. The volunteers, as well as the media, were able to lead them into doing various activities: story-telling, art workshop and outdoor games.
“Wala po akong masabi. Sobrang saya ko po ngayon,” he expressed.
Dreams
Cahan, who one day dreams of being a policeman, welcomes these simple acts of kindness as they all the more feed his aspirations.
For him, it just simply shows that there is a bright side despite the worst situations and thus, this reminds him all the more that there is—indeed—hope for a better tomorrow.
“Mayroon pa po kami talagang natitirang pag-asa sa buhay.”
Dare
Last the challenge here, per Gonzales, is that everyone should give back to the community.
“Even in your own small way, whether you’re poor or rich, you still can give.”
“Hopefully, this Christmas season, through this, we are able to inspire others to do the same and that I am proud to say that Ford is a company that really goes further,” she added.
Truly, Ford’s own way of giving back to the community is not centered on themselves—as per what the popular Christmas carol direly connotes—but is evidently empowered by the real spirit of giving—sent by true love.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes