Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
AS part of its 20th anniversary commemoration, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) continues to find ways in supporting communities within its dealers’ vicinity. In the past two decades, IPC have done numerous corporate social responsibilities, such as tree planting, environmental presentations and fingerling donations. Recently, it officially formed a partnership it Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial School of Arts and Trade (JZGMSAT) in Biñan, Laguna.
Gracing the event is none other than IPC President Hajime Koso. “All companies understand that without progressive society, no business will grow. It is then our interest to contribute for the development of the society, as it’s our goal to help create a knowledge-sharing project in the Philippines—that is why we invest on knowledge. Knowledge inspires. Innovation, on the other hand, is the key to a healthy economy. I’m hoping that our joint effort will change lives. And lead to a better future for all of us,” he said.
The Biñan School of Arts and Trades was founded through Republic Act 1905 on June 22, 1957, under House Bill 5136 authored by then-Congressman Jacobo Z. Gonzales. And on November 28, 1976, through a DEC endorsement, the school was eventually renamed to what it is known today. Its primary mission is to provide technical education and training for their stakeholders through innovative techniques essential to produce responsible workers. Currently, JZGMSAT offers numerous courses, including two levels of automotive servicing curriculum.
Present during the signing ceremony was JZGMSAT Vocational School Administrator III Benito Reyes. “We are doing a lot of partnership with a lot of industries/companies like you [IPC]. Since our ultimate goal is to deliver quality training to our stakeholders and in as much as we can would like to collaborate with the company, especially with the latest technology in the market. We would like to attune, of course, our curriculum to what are the latest practices now available in the market. We are very thankful that IPC has chosen us to be your beneficiary,” he said.
In this collaboration, IPC will facilitate a training program for 12 The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority instructors from JZGMSAT along with affiliate Tesda schools in Region 4. The main objective of the training program is for Isuzu to impart its expertise on diesel-engine technology, which includes conventional fuel system, common rail system and engine management. “This year IPC thought of conducting another valuable activity, one that is in line with our diesel-engine expertise. By sharing our knowledge with diesel engines, we hope that the trainers will be able to gain additional knowledge on Isuzu engines, which they can use after they graduate from the technical school,” Koso explained.
But, of course, it doesn’t end with the knowledge-sharing component, as IPC also donated three Isuzu test engines—two of which are complete assembly for practical training and a lone cutaway version for part details. One of these motors is the 4JJ1-TC assembly (3.0 liter, in-line four-cylinder, DOHC, direct injection, turbocharged with intercooler), which propelled the previous generation D-MAX pickup and Alterra sport-utility vehicle. Another one is the 2.8-liter, in-line four cylinder, overhead valve, direct injection and turbocharged with intercooler—4JB1-TC assembly. This particular mill powers the current N-series light-duty trucks. Last, the 2.5-liter, turbodiesel (not intercooled) engine that powers the Crosswind AUV lineup—the 4JA1-L cutaway version.
With these test engines to be added in the school’s automotive training facility, students taking up level 1 and 2 of the national competency for automotive servicing will surely benefit from the specimens’ advanced technologies.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino, Dexter Requilman