Driving Skills For Life

Ford holds Driving Skills for Life Seminar for Driving Challenge Participants

• Ford prepares challengers of the Jollibee Drive-Thru Cross-Country Challenge with award-winning road safety seminar

MANILA, Philippines, 04 May 2012 -

As part of its commitment to promoting safe, smart and fuel efficient driving in the Philippines, Ford recently conducted a Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) seminar for the twenty challengers participating in the Jollibee Drive-Thru Cross-Country Challenge.

In partnership with Ford, Jollibee launched its nationwide Drive-Thru Cross-Country Challenge where ten teams of two are tasked to drive across the Philippines and make their way to as many of the designated Jollibee Drive-Thru stores for a total of 10 days onboard the popular Ford Fiesta 1.6L Sport Plus hatchback. With a mix of driving and fun challenges, the teams will accumulate a total of 40,000 kilometers over the ten day program.

To prepare the challengers, Ford’s DSFL program highlighted safe, smart and fuel-efficient driving techniques to help the finalists anticipate road conditions, stay safe on the road and safe fuel on the way.

“Road safety is very close to our business. We are not only committed to providing our customers with vehicles that feature the latest safety features and smart technologies like the best-selling Ford Fiesta, but with our DSFL training, we also hope to enhance their knowledge and help make them drive better, safer, and with more awareness of other vehicles on the road,” said Anika Salceda-Wycoco, assistant vice president for Communications, Ford Group Philippines.

Anticipating Traffic Conditions, Preventing Road Accidents
The latest DSFL seminar, specifically tailored for the Jollibee Drive-Thru Challenge teams, tackled road safety awareness, important safety tips and fuel efficient driving techniques. The DSFL hands-on training using the Ford Fiesta Sport Plus included steering exercises, tight maneuvering courses and breaking exercises, allowing the participants to properly acquaint themselves with the vehicles prior to the actual challenge.

“The Jollibee Drive-Thru Challenge teams will face multiple road conditions and obstacles on their journey across the Philippines. With our DSFL seminar, we hope to equip them with the right road safety information and skills to keep them safe on the road,” said JP Tuason, DSFL instructor and president of Tuason Racing School.

Thrilling Driving Challenge Awaits
The challengers were not only excited about the Jollibee Drive-Thru Challenge but were also pleased with the road safety information and techniques shared during the DSFL seminar held in Ford’s Sta. Rosa offices.

“I’m definitely looking forward to this challenge. I love cars and spending ten days with the Fiesta is more than enough pleasant experience for me. The seminar is also useful as it is not just about winning but also staying safe on the road,” shares motoring writer Ulysses Ang.

“Having known one another for seven years, our advantage is that we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The seminar was very helpful in preparing us for possible dangers on the road,” shares good friends Anthony Gaas and Niño Duran.

The winning team of the Jollibee Drive-Thru Cross-Country Challenge will receive a PhP1 million cash prize and two Ford Fiesta 1.4L AT Trend hatchbacks.

Since 2005, Ford Philippines’ road safety program has had more than 20,000 participants and was re-launched in 2008 under Ford’s global DSFL program. The company has an ongoing partnership with the Tuason Racing School (TRS) to help raise awareness on safe driving practices, and has conducted sessions with a wide variety of audience – provided to all, free-of-charge.

Ford’s Global Driving Skills for Life Program Enters Fifth Year in the Philippines

• Globally, the DSFL program has trained more than 500,000 drivers through online and professional hands-on driver instruction, including more than 20,000 in the Philippines
• In the Philippines, the program has been tailored to suit the local driving environment and is aimed at raising awareness of safe and fuel efficient driving techniques through classroom and practical learning

MANILA, Philippines - 20 February, 2012

Reducing the number of traffic fatalities and injuries remains the key mission for Ford’s global Driving Skills For Life (DSFL) campaign across the company’s global markets, where the program has utilized online, classroom and practical training to enhance the learning process and bridge the experience gap of more than 500,000 drivers of all ages.

Ford DSFL is now in its fifth year of training newly licensed drivers in Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, India, Taiwan, and South Africa. DSFL programs are tailored in each of these markets to reflect the local driving environment and road conditions.

Examples include localized training in Southeast Asia, with tips for driving in flooded and slippery areas, and in China, where snowfall in the northern parts of the country can present slick and sometimes hazardous road conditions.

DSFL provides training in both safe and more economical driving skills. Many DSFL participants in Asia are first-time drivers, as the region’s emerging economies are driving a rapid rise in vehicle ownership. So far, 50,000 have participated in the programme across Asia with another 12,000 expected in 2012, including 2,000 in the Philippines.

Since 2005, Ford Philippines’ road safety program has had more than 20,000 participants and was re-launched in 2008 under Ford’s global DSFL program. The company has an ongoing partnership with the Tuason Racing School (TRS) to help raise awareness on safe driving practices, and has conducted sessions with a wide variety of audience – provided to all, free-of-charge.

“Road safety is a very serious issue in the Philippines, and something that is very close to our business,” said Randy Krieger, President, Ford Group Philippines.

“We are not only committed to providing our customers with vehicles that feature the latest safety features and smart technologies, but with our DSFL training, we also hope to enhance their knowledge and help make them drive better, safer, and with more awareness of other vehicles on the road,” added Krieger.

From fleet companies, Ford customers, university students, to dealer representatives, members of the media and even Ford employees, Ford DSFL delivers an engaging program that helps to enhance the skills and techniques of drivers.

Road traffic accidents continue to cause a high number of fatalities each year, according to government statistics. Based on Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS), 18,810 traffic accidents were reported in 2010, 7,160 of which included fatal and non-fatal road accidents. Additionally, the report shows that 12,665 accidents were caused by human error on the same year.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – APRIL 29, 2009

FORD LAUNCHES 'DRIVING SKILLS FOR LIFE'

Renewing its ongoing commitment to helping improve driver safety in the Philippines, Ford Philippines today re-launched its comprehensive and UN-recognized road safety initiatives under the company's global Driving Skills for Life campaign. The Driving Skills for Life program in the Philippines will continue with the strong support and advocacy from government agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Communications, and program partner, Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIPF).

The Driving Skills for Life campaign in the Philippines now incorporates Ford Philippines’ award-winning road safety initiatives that have run since 2005, including the Responsibility In Driver Education (R.I.D.E.) program; educational seminars run for students, Ford and Mazda customers, car clubs and general public; educating students on proper driving habits; Eco-Driving, and the Road Safety Youth Council.

A day-long series of activities was held at the Fort Bonifacio Open Grounds to re-launch the Driving Skills for Life program, which included a Driving Skills for Life Day Camp and Eco-Driving sessions in conjunction with the Tuason Racing School; an Inter-School Quiz Bee on road safety basics; and the DSFL Youth Summit, a spirited gathering of young road safety advocates spiced up by a concert featuring the popular local bands at the DSFL Youth Summit.

"Road safety is a very serious issue in the Philippines, and Ford Philippines remains highly committed to helping improve driver safety through this free driver education program," said Anika Salceda, AVP for Corporate Communications of Ford Group Philippines. "The Driving Skills for Life program is an ideal way for Ford to leverage our global expertise to help make a difference here in the Philippines."

Driving Skills for Life is offered free to program trainees, and mixes classroom learning and practical training to help increase awareness of safe driving techniques that also help improve fuel efficiency. The training has been customized for Philippines to reflect the local driving environment and road conditions, and will be offered through a series of events open to the public and similar to today's launch event.

The uniqueness of Ford Philippines' road safety campaign lies in the involvement of youth – student volunteers who act as ambassadors for road safety, advocating the importance of proper driving to their fellow youth. The Road Safety Youth Council currently consists of some 119 core council members and almost 3,400 members from various high schools and universities.

Reducing the toll of road traffic accidents across the region is a key objective of the Driving Skills for Life program. The World Health Organization estimates that road traffic accidents will become the third-leading cause of premature death for all ages by 2020, accounting for a staggering 1.3 million deaths every year. In the Philippines, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported a total of 11,699 fatal and non-fatal road accidents in 2007. In 2008 (Jan-Sept*), the figure increased to 43,510 road accidents, including fatal and non-fatal incidences and damages to property. A majority of these accidents were caused by human error.

According to Mirjam Sidik, Executive Director of the Vietnam-based Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIPF), programs like Driving Skills for Life are critical to address growing concerns about road safety in the emerging markets of Asia and Africa. The organization, a member organization of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, is dedicated to public awareness and education programs on road safety.

“It's great to see Ford, a leader in safety, doing something about this critical issue,” Sidik said. “Driving Skills for Life is a public-private partnership that effectively involves government and non-government organizations. We believe it will be the catalyst for further action to improve road safety as nations across this region – including here in the Philippines – deal with rapid development to their infrastructure and subsequent changes on their roads.”

May 20, 2008

Ford R.I.D.E. holds Driving Skills for Life, driving camp for responsible eco-driving

Ford Philippines sustains the momentum of its road safety campaign with the holding of the Ford “Driving Skills for Life” day camp.

The whole day Ford driving camp highlights ‘eco-driving,’ a concept from the global Ford Motor Company program which prioritizes the use of ecologically and economically practical techniques for driving.

“In the face of rising fuel costs and growing concern over the environment, the driving camp attendees were taught to become eco-drivers by raising their awareness on the impact of their driving behaviors,” said Ford AVP Cherry Ramirez.

Coming from the heels of the successful launch of Ford’s anti-drunk driving campaign, the first run of the Ford “Driving Skills for Life” day camp sessions was held on May 7, 8, 9 at the Food Terminal Inc. Complex, Taguig. The second run will be this May 22-24. It is being conducted in partnership with renowned racer JP Tuason of the Tuason Racing School (TRS).

The Ford driving camp involved a series of fun and educational training activities incorporated into the Ford Responsibility In Driver Education (R.I.D.E.) program. It was designed to further push Ford’s initiative of inculcating responsible driving among the Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC) members.

A combination of lectures and hands-on driving exercises, it also covered topics such as defensive driving, basic automobile maintenance, helpful pointers in emergency situations, and other relevant driving tips. It culminated with the Eco Driving Challenge, a competition where participants were able to test their Eco-driving savvy with Ford and Mazda vehicles.

Together with the Ford RSYC council members, media friends, and valued Ford and Mazda dealers and corporate customers attended the Ford driving camp.

TRS is also one of Ford’s partners in the one-hour R.I.D.E. session which makes use of lectures, video presentations and interactive activities that aim to keep both drivers and non-drivers safe when using the road. Other partners are the Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists and the Safety Organization of the Philippines. To date, Ford has conducted over 70 R.I.D.E. sessions in about 55 schools. About 10,000 persons have attended the R.I.D.E. sessions since 2005.

For more information about Ford Driving Skills for Life, log on to: http://www.drivingskillsforlife.com

April 22, 2008

Ford Road Safety Youth Council pushes anti-drunk driving advocacy

A group of energetic and dedicated high school and college students are behind the on-going road safety campaign of Ford Group Philippines which, this year, is focused on drunk driving.

Collectively called as the Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC), these young advocates spearheaded the 3rd R.I.D.E. Quiz Bee where high school and college students were tested on their road safety IQ.

Sta. Rosa Science and Technological High School bagged first place in the high school category while University of the Philippines-Diliman won in the college category.

The quiz bee formed part of the Youth Summit where Ford’s “I Don’t Drink and Drive” (I3D) campaign was launched last April 18 at The Fort Open Grounds, Taguig. The summit was capped by a concert where musicians and celebrities lent their support to the anti-drunk driving effort.

“We call on all our peers to join us in this crusade against drunk driving. Let us all work together to make our roads safe,” said RSYC chairman Vic Rosales.

The I3D campaign is the latest initiative of Ford in line with its ongoing road safety program. Now on its 5th year, the program is geared towards making the youth more aware of their responsibilities on the road. About 1,000 attended the I3D summit in which bands performed and celebrity advocates shared some of their experiences and tips about drinking and driving. About 700 signed up their support to the campaign.

“We are very pleased that a lot of people expressed their support to this campaign. Their signatures showed how important this advocacy is to them. Such support also inspires Ford Philippines to really bring the message of road safety to every young Filipino,” said Ford president Rick Baker.

Sportscaster Jino Rufino and race car driver Pia Boren talked about drunk driving statistics. Basketball player Alex Compton and fashion model Maike Evers talked about the effects of alcohol in driving. PBA star Renren Ritualo and TV personality Reema Chanco discussed common misconceptions, facts and myths on alcohol. Race car driver Mark Bumgarner and fashion model Brent Javier shared tips on how to be responsible drivers

Meanwhile, popular bands Rivermaya, Sandwich, Barbie Almabis, Itchyworms, Silent Sanctuary, Taken by Cars, Updharmadown and Kjwan did not only entertain but also did their share in reminding the young crowd not to drink and drive.

Also present during the event to support the I3D campaign were Land Transportation Office Head Bert Suansing, Automobile Association of the Philippines President Gus Lagman and Director Mandy Eduque.

The I3D Youth Summit was held in partnership with the Land Transportation Office, Automobile Association of the Philippines, The Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists, with The Philippine Star, MTV, NU107, Mr and Ms, Goodyear, Pepsi, Standard Insurance, Tradeshow and Tuason Racing School as sponsors.

Within the year, Ford Phils., through RSYC, will also be holding driving camps for the youth for an in depth training on road safety. An I3D awareness campaign will be rolled out as well in which RSYC members will go around and place I3D reminder signage particularly in parking lots and in bars in partnership with municipalities of Metro Manila.

April 22, 2008

Ford road safety campaign focuses on drunk driving

Ford Philippines launched recently the “I Don’t Drink and Drive” (I3D) campaign during the Youth Summit held last April 18 at The Fort Open Grounds, Taguig.

It is the latest initiative of Ford on the 5th year of its Road Safety Program. The campaign is geared towards making the youth more aware of their responsibilities on the road.

About one thousand people attended the I3D summit which was capped by a concert of popular musicians. At the event alone, about seven hundred signed up their support to the campaign.

Attendees learned that over 1,000 young people under the age of 25 are killed in road crashes everyday and that victims of alcohol related road accidents are predominantly male ages 18-24. These statistics were shared by two of the celebrity road safety advocates during the event based on the report of the World Health Organization.

“We are very pleased that a lot of people expressed their support to this campaign. Their signatures showed how important this advocacy is to them. Such support also inspires Ford Philippines to really bring the message of road safety to every young Filipino,” said Ford president Rick Baker.

Also present during the event to support the I3D campaign were Land Transportation Office Head Bert Suansing of the Department of Transportation and Communication, Automobile Association of the Philippines President Gus Lagman and Director Mandy Eduque.

“Road Safety is now a key and urgent issue that may undermine the economic and social development of our country. The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) congratulates Ford Philippines and its Road Safety Youth Council for coming up with their latest road safety initiative that would create awareness, understanding and more importantly instill a proactive stance among the youth on road safety particularly on the perils of drunk driving,” said DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

Playing a significant role in the I3D campaign are the young ambassadors of the Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC). They spearheaded the 3rd R.I.D.E. Quiz Bee where high school and college students were tested on their road safety IQ. Sta Rosa Science and Technological High School bagged first place for the high school category while University of the Philippines, Diliman brought home the glory for the college category.

Within the year, Ford Phils., through RSYC, will also be holding driving camps for the youth for an in depth training on road safety. An I3D awareness campaign will be rolled out as well in which RSYC members will go around and place I3D reminder signage particularly in parking lots and in bars in partnership with municipalities of Metro Manila.

Among the performers who supported the I3D campaign were Rivermaya, Sandwich, Barbie Almabis, Itchyworms, Silent Sanctuary, Taken by Cars, Updharmadown and Kjwan.

They were joined by celebrity road safety advocates. Sportscaster Jino Rufino and race car driver Pia Boren talked about drunk driving statistics. Basketball player Alex Compton and fashion model Maike Evers talked about the effects of alcohol in driving. PBA star Renren Ritualo and TV personality Reema Chanco talked about common misconceptions, facts and myths on alcohol. Race car driver Mark Bumgarner and fashion model Brent Javier shared tips on how to be responsible drivers

The I3D Youth Summit was held in partnership with the Land Transportation Office, Automobile Association of the Philippines, The Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists, with The Philippine Star, MTV, NU107, Mr and Ms, Goodyear, Standard Insurance, Tradeshow and Tuason Racing School as sponsors.

April 10, 2008

Youth bands together to fight drunk driving

Ford Philippines launches “I Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign

Ford Philippines shifts into high gear on its ongoing advocacy to raise awareness about road safety among the youth with the “I Don’t Drink and Drive” (I3D) Youth Summit on April 18, 2008 at The Fort Open Grounds, Taguig.

The I3D Youth Summit is a special event geared towards raising youth consciousness on the perils of drunk driving.

It is the latest initiative in Ford’s Road Safety campaign, which officially began in 2004 and further reinforced the following year with the creation of the Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC), a group of young ambassadors from various high schools and universities who aim to elevate consciousness regarding the importance of road safety.

From an initial 15 members, Ford RSYC is now composed of approximately 2,000 students representing various schools. The Council has launched a number of successful campaigns beginning with a massive postering campaign in partnership with the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board at bus terminals and schools; rollout of the Responsibility In Driver Education (R.I.D.E.) seminars in coordination with the Tuason Racing School and Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists; Its most recent effort was a Pre-Holy Week Road Safety stickering campaign in selected Ford dealerships and in the Shell Station, South Luzon Expressway.

The I3D Youth Summit is RSYC’s most exciting event to date. Highlights include the special participation of special guest speakers, and the Third R.I.D.E. Quiz Bee, to be hosted by racer Pia Boren.

Capping the summit is an evening concert boasting today’s hottest musical acts such as Rivermaya, Sandwich, Barbie Almabis, Itchyworms, Silent Sanctuary, Taken by Cars, Up dharma Down, and Kjwan, to be emceed by MTV veejays Kat Alano, Maggie Wilson, and “Boys Night Out” hosts Slick Rick, Sam YG, and Tony Toni.

Gates open at 3 pm with the 3rd R.I.D.E. Quiz Bee. Concert begins at 6 pm.

Ford Philippines invites you to join this exciting and worthwhile event. For free tickets, log on to http://rsyc.tuasonracing.com.

March 15, 2008

Ford’s youth council campaigns for Road Safety

The Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC) made the rounds at various Ford and Mazda dealerships from March 10 to 19 as part of Ford’s Pre-Holy Week Road Safety Campaign.

These are the latest efforts in Ford’s long-standing initiative to promote responsible driving, and general road safety for the motoring public.

The RSYC, along with Ford Philippines employee volunteers, also stationed themselves at the busy southbound Shell S-LEX last March 15 to distribute Ford Road Safety stickers, Ford Road Safety cards, flyers, and exciting Ford merchandise to customers and passersby. Ford Road Safety coloring books and storybooks specifically designed for children were also handed out to kids. By the day’s end, the volunteers were able to successfully place the Ford Road Safety sticker on over 600 vehicles.

The Ford RSYC is composed of students from various high schools and universities in Metro Manila. With an initial membership of 15 student volunteers, the RSYC currently has a membership of almost 2,000 student ambassadors from 56 schools who take part in educating the youth regarding road safety.

Ford’s Road Safety Campaign heats up as the Youth Council does its Pre Holy Week Road Safety efforts

Ford Group Philippines goes on a pre-Holy Week road safety campaign as the metro gears up for a fun and exciting out-of-town road trip this Lenten season.

From March 10 - 19, the Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC), a group of young road safety ambassadors from various colleges and universities will visit different Ford dealerships in Metro Manila in line with Ford’s Service on Road Squad (SOS) program which aims to spread the gospel of road safety among motorists and the public.

To kick-start this initiative, Ford, in partnership with Shell Petroleum, will conduct a day-long road safety activity at the Shell South Luzon Expressway where motorists can avail of Road Safety Tips cards, Ford Road Safety stickers and a chance to receive exciting Ford merchandise.

The pre-Lenten activity is the RSYC’s first major activity for the year. Since it was launched in 2005, the council has grown from an initial 15 members to approximately two thousand in 2007. Its activities include an intensive education campaign called Responsibility in Driver Education (R.I.D.E.) program for students, fleet customers, and Ford employees; an inter-school competition that helps fund road safety projects of deserving students and their schools; and a Drive for Life Summer Camp for its members. In its three years, the RSYC has reached 10,000 participants in 71 R.I.D.E. Sessions covering 56 schools.

Before you hit the road, Jack, here are some tips from Ford

1. Make sure that you buckle up. The seat belt is still your number one defense. Ensure that it tightly encircles your hips, not your waist. Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or underarm.

2. Kids, especially those aged 12 and below, should be properly restrained in the rear seat. For smaller children who can’t quite get a proper fit from seatbelts, child safety seats or boosters are musts.

3. Sit properly with the seat back within one to two notches from upright and with your back against the seat.

4. Avoid placing objects, arms, and hands over the airbag cover.

5. Pack a spare tire. Avoid the inconvenience of having to change a tire in the middle of the road by always examining your tires before getting into your car. Maintain regular tire check-ups and replacement.

6. Do your homework. Know your car’s condition and its safety features. Check for basic items in your car before heading off for a trip: check tire pressure and condition, oil and water levels and battery.

7. Be responsible and know road regulations and traffic laws. Always have your driver’s license.

8. Be a defensive driver. Avoid tailgating and making sharp turns or maneuvers. Drive at a steady pace.

9. Don’t drink and drive. Ask someone to take over if you’ve had too much to drink.

10. Your passengers depend on you to focus on the road ahead. Avoid using your mobile phone, and pay attention to road signs.

Keep in mind, our lives and other people’s lives depend on it, so be safe at the road!

January 25, 2008

Young Advocates Gather Together Under Ford's Banner of Road Safety

Ford Group Philippines conducts its 2nd general assembly for the Road Safety Youth Council to review its projects during the past year and announce its upcoming activities for 2008. Ford’s initiatives for the advocacy began in 2004 and established the Road Safety Youth Council in 2005 which has impressively grown its membership in the last three years. This year, a remarkable 200 students in attendance graced the general assembly held at Speedzone, Fort Bonifacio Global City.

“2007 was a great year for us,” says Road Safety Youth Council Chairman Vic Rosales. “In 2007, we have reached the 10,000 mark in R.I.D.E. participants and completed a total of 71 R.I.D.E. sessions covering over 55 schools. I’m glad that a good number of students have been given the chance to participate and learn from our talks and activities for road safety.”

Responsibility In Driver Education, or R.I.D.E., is the advocacy’s primary tool in promoting road safety to the youth. The activity involves a one hour session of learning through lecture, video showing and interactive activities all on road safety. With the help of Tuason Racing School (TRS) and Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists (SMPJ) students are briefed on facts, figures and techniques on how to keep both drivers and non-drivers alike safe when using the road.

“We look forward to holding more R.I.D.E. sessions this 2008,” says Rosales. “Some projects lined up for the year include the 3rd Interschool Road Safety Competition and the 3rd R.I.D.E. Quiz Bee. We are very excited as well in finally building and promoting a strong and informative website for those who might be interested in contributing or helping out in RSYC initiatives.”

Attendees also enjoyed an evening of fun and exciting activities. Ford gave its council members a treat by holding RC Racing and Karting and giving special prizes to the winners.

“In our drive to promote road safety education this year to our members, we also wanted to inspire them through our activities during the general assembly,” says Ford’s AVP for Government and Corporate Affairs Cherry Ramirez. “It was good to see a lot of eager smiles and driven participation from the young ones as we face another year of advocating road safety.”

The winners of the Road Safety Youth Council’s competitions were also announced.

For the Road Safety Essay-Writing Competition, the winner was Marton Benitez from De La Salle University who was awarded a gift pack from Ford Group Philippines for his outstanding work.

For the 2nd Interschool Road Safety Competition, bringing home third place honors was Parang High School, second place was Don Bosco Technical Institute and first place Sta. Rosa High School. Each winner was awarded a P 100,000 grant, on top of personal prizes, to implement their respective road safety projects within their schools.

January 2008

Young road safety ambassadors unveil 2008 plans

The Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC), an association of students from various schools advocating road safety, will hold its 2nd general assembly on January 25 at Speedzone in Fort Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig. Highlighting the event will be the unveiling of the 2008 RSYC plans.

“The Ford Road Safety Youth Council has come a long way since it began three years ago and we at Ford are very pleased with how many of our young people are taking on a more active role in advocating road safety in the Philippines,” said Florina Vistal, Ford Group Philippines Vice-President for Government and Corporate Affairs.

Ford is part of the Global Road Safety Partnership, a coalition of business, civil and governmental organizations working together to improve road safety conditions around the world. Together, they launched the Global Road Safety Initiative in 2005, a five-year campaign to reduce road fatalities in developing countries.

In 2005, the RSYC opened its doors to members aged 15-25. From approximately 800 members in 2007, Ford RSYC is now composed of 1, 900 students representing various schools. Since its inception, the Council has launched a number of successful campaigns beginning with a massive postering campaign in partnership with the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) at bus terminals and schools; rollout of the Responsibility In Driver Education (R.I.D.E.) seminars in coordination with the Tuason Racing School (TRS) and Society of Phil. Motoring Journalists (SPMJ) and participated in by over 60 Metro Manila schools.

This year’s general assembly will also be highlighted by the introduction of RSYC’s new set of officers as well as exciting activities including a karting competition and RC racing competition both to be facilitated by the Tuason Racing School. Ford Philippines will also be awarding the winners of the 2007 Inter School Road Safety Project competition and the essay writing contest which were participated in by over 15 Metro Manila schools.

Ford Road Safety Youth Council, LTFRB partner for safer roads

Braving the stifling high noon heat, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), led by chairperson Len Bautista, and the Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC), led by chairman Gio Valencia, went on a postering spree to spread their cause on safer roads and pedestrian & vehicle occupant safety.

First stop in the year-long postering activity was the bus depot in front of the Alimall in Cubao, Quezon City. Posters spread throughout the station bore messages on the ideal physical state when driving, consequences of unsafe and aggressive driving, and safety reminders.

The Ford RSYC is composed of 15 core students from the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, UP Diliman, UP Los Banos, Asia Pacific College, Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA) and Thames.

After going through the Ford R.I.D.E (Responsibility in Driver Education) seminar and various workshops to enrich their knowledge and better equip them as road safety ambassadors, Ford’s Road Safety Council launched its programs for 2006 at the recently held Ford Road Safety Conference in Makati City.

These include recruitment activities; an awareness program; and forging partnerships with agencies such as the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists (SPMJ), Safety Organization of the Philippines (SOPI), and Tuason Racing School (TRS) for implementation of the Ford Responsibility in Driver Education (R.I.D.E.) program.

May 8, 2007

We would like to congratulate Ford RSYC Chairman Vic Rosales for representing the Philippines at the First United Nations World Youth Assembly for Road Safety which was held at the United Nations Headquarters, Palais de Nations in Geneva, Switzerland this past April 23-29, 2007 during the United Nation’s First Global Road Safety Week.

Vic was chosen by the Department of Health and the World Health Organization as the Philippine representative for the assembly. Ford takes pride in being able to bring the local Youth Council to the international arena and represent the Philippines in the global Road Safety initiative.

April 20, 2007

The Ford RSYC today gave special citation to the members of the RSYC that dedicated their time and efforts in promoting road safety through projects that create awareness and engage the youth in road safety.

For attending the most road safety activities in the year 2006, the award was given to Hans Chua, followed by Vic Rosales and Jopet Tocino.

For their efforts in updating and improving the new RSYC booklet, Eric Tan and Charissa Cortuna were awarded.

For the designing of the Ford RSYC ID, the award was given to JM Talatala, Kaye Sibbaluca and Annette Savoir.

For the creation and design of the Ford RSYC website, the award was given to Ruel Tenerife and Vic Rosales.

All were given gifts packs from Ford Group Philippines that included gift checks, jackets, bags and other Ford goodies.

March 25, 2007

The Ford RSYC Website!

We’d like to welcome everyone to the Ford RSYC website! This is the center of the Ford Road Safety Youth Council and from here you can gain access to link to our multiply website, our friendster account and many others.

The multiply contains pictures of our many activities. We will also give access to our message boards. Feel free to click the links to find out more our goals, projects and how you may get in contact with us to help promote road safety!

Don’t be a dummy, its about saving lives!

We would like to give a very hearty thanks to Ruel Tenerife of Amcham for the graphics design and the great website template of the RSYC website. We would also like to thank Vic Rosales for the outline and information input as well as Hans Chua and Charissa Cortuna for their info inputs as well.

January 27, 2007

Ford Day 2007 @ The Fort

The 2007 Core Council has officially started their term in the efforts of promoting Road Safety among their peers, family and community. Present from schools such as Ateneo, La Salle, San Beda Alabang, Don Bosco Makati, Entreprenuer School of Asia, University of the Philippines and many others were

The 2007 Core Council has officially started their term in the efforts of promoting Road Safety among their peers, family and community. Present from schools such as Ateneo, La Salle, San Beda Alabang, Don Bosco Makati, Entreprenuer School of Asia, University of the Philippines and many others were

• Annette Savoie
• Antonio Gonzales
• Charissa Cortuna
• Christopher Kho
• Emmanuel Osorio
• Eric Tan
• Glen Marzo
• Hans Chua
• Jopet Tocino
• Juan Miguel Talatala
• Junichi Kato
• Kaira Keshia F. Sibbaluca
• Kelvin Kristian Gabuya
• Lynda Monteverde
• Ma. Delia Fe Hilario
• Marfil Genesis
• Mario Balibago
• Monique Naval
• RJ Legaspi
• Rocel Maddela
• Ruel Tenerife
• Stephen Noel
• Vic Rosales

We would like to give special credit to Eric Tan and Cha Cortuna for their priceless work on the update of the membership booklet which has been updated to contain even more quick tips for drivers, passengers and pedestrians on road safety.

We would also like to give thanks to the design team for the Ford RSYC ID: JM Talatala, Annette Savoir and Kaira Sibbaluca for their efforts.