Hyundai Dream Centre Philippines in Laguna launched
HYUNDAI Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official Philippine distributor of Hyundai vehicles, inaugurated the Hyundai Dream Centre Philippines (HDCP), a world-class training and education hub for underprivileged Filipino youth, at the Hyundai Logistics Center (HLC) in Calamba, Laguna.
The HDCP is the fruit of the partnership between HARI, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), and global humanitarian organization Plan International. It aims to elevate the level of vocational-technical skills in the Philippine automotive industry by providing bright, young Filipinos with training scholarships on vehicle repair and maintenance. Hyundai has established Dream Centres in collaboration with local vocational schools over the past five years in Ghana, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
This is the first time Hyundai has partnered with a distributor to design and implement the training courses for a Dream Centre.
The launch event was attended by representatives and board members from the three partner institutions, officials from the national, provincial, and local government, as well as by the first batch of HDCP scholars. The program commenced with a short backgrounder on the Hyundai Dream Centre program, followed by the unveiling of the Centre’s marker by HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, Hyundai Motor Company Asia-Pacific Regional Headquarters Head, Yong Suk Lee, and Plan International Deputy Country Director for Operations Patrick Kirwan.
In her opening message, Ms. Agudo said, “When you dream alone, chances are you will stay dreaming. But when you dream a dream together and pursue it, then that dream becomes a reality. Built on the pillars of commitment, inclusiveness, and human capital, the big idea comes alive before our very own eyes — Hyundai Dream Centre Philippines!”
After the three officials delivered their remarks, representatives from government congratulated Hyundai and Plan International for the successful launch.
On behalf of Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez, Provincial Public Employment Service Office manager Mary Jane Corcuera expressed support for the Centre. Mylene Somera, supervising specialist for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Women’s Center, commended HARI for its “culture of service excellence,” and expressed TESDA’s willingness to work with Hyundai in providing equal opportunities to women. Finally, Calamba Mayor Justin Marc Chipeco thanked Hyundai and Plan International for choosing Calamba to be part of their development programs and exhorted the HDCP scholars to make the most of their scholarships.
HDCP scholars capped off the program by creating a colorful mural of handprints, representing their dreams for the future and their contributions to the program as members of the pioneering batch.