Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
FOR the past several years, Ford Philippines has been active to various corporate social responsibility initiatives. Recently, the auto manufacturer shared the Yuletide season’s spirit of giving to the hundreds of children.
Through the partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK) and American Chamber of Commerce, the company brought several of its employees along with media guests to Bayanihan GK Village in Trece Martires, Cavite.
“Ford has always been a supporter of Gawad Kalinga. For the last few years, we’ve supporting a lot of their projects. It’s very timely that we’re doing this Christmas activity with them because, as you know, Christmas is definitely for the kids. And we’re happy to do this activity since we started our partnership with them [Gawad Kalinga],” Ford Philippines AVP for Communications Edward Joseph Francisco said. “Last year we’ve gone to Laguna. We’re trying to do this activity in several communities nationwide,” he added.
About 200 kids aged 3 to 13 years old in Bayanihan GK Village in Trece Martires, Cavite, received exciting gifts from Ford Philippines. “It’s nice to give back to the community this Yuletide season,” he expressed. Aside from receiving gifts, the children were also treated with various fun games to further entertain them. Ford employees, along with several media scribes, also decided to join the amusements. Games like The Longest Line and team-building activities put smiles to the kid’s faces as they go through the fun obstacles. But one of the best moments was when a gentleman dressed as Santa Claus came out to hand out hundreds of gifts to all the children present during the event. You can see how their faces brightened the moment they saw the man in costume—as if they’re seeing the real Santa.
Of course, the event would not be complete without showcasing Ford’s reliable vehicles. Last year we saw several EcoSport units donning the well-known reindeer guise when the company visited a GK project site in Laguna. This year the American automaker commissioned several of its tough and smart pickup truck—the Ranger. Hauling hundreds of gifts for the kids was absolutely an easy task for the utility vehicle. But serving its purpose to bring happiness to the needy is what it’s all about. “We’ve always looked at our vehicles not just for its power and performance but also how it’s going to impact the society. So we’re looking at the Ranger’s purpose also that’s able to carry truck load of gifts for this activity,” Francisco explained.
So it should be something to anticipate as to where would be the next program and what Ford vehicle to be utilized. Of course, not only during Christmas season but anytime in the year in order to reach out the less fortunate and spread priceless happiness to them.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino