TMP’S DIFFERENT BRAND OF CSR

THIS is a different kind of corporate social responsibility (CSR). With Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) becoming a chief partner of the FIBA (World Basketball Federation), Toyota will play a hugely significant role in the country’s hosting of the World Cup in August-september that features the Top 16 basketball powers in the world.

It is another first for the world’s No. 1 automaker as Toyota debuts in a project never before undertaken by any local car company in the history of the sport.

As FIBA partner, Toyota becomes the exclusive land carrier of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), which will co-host the twoweek tournament with Indonesia and Japan.

Here is Toyota’s story of the TMP-SBP-FIBA collaboration:

“Toyota Motor Philippines is taking part in this year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup as a local major sponsor, carrying with it a partnership as well with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Gilas Pilipinas.

“’It is with great appreciation and warmth that we welcome Toyota Motor Philippines to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 family,’ said SBP Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan.

“We are honored to be part of this momentous global sporting event as we endeavour to support local athletes and improve the level of basketball in the country when they play in front of thousands of Filipino fans,” said TMP Chairman Alfred V. Ty.

Said SBP president Al Panlilio: “Even as we thank Toyota Motor Philippines for agreeing to be part of this once in a lifetime experience, we are also inviting others to share in this global activity that is truly a merger of world caliber sports and big business.”

Atsuhiro Okamoto, TMP president, said: “By being part of the 2023 FIBA Basketball *

World Cup, we aim to further inspire and encourage more Filipinos to use the power of movement to reach their full potential. This is the spirit of our START YOUR IMPOSSIBLE global sports campaign. With this partnership with FIBA and SBP, we are always moving closer to our goal of producing happiness for all.”

“Unknown to many, Toyota has been already assisting in various SBP basketball clinics and coaches camps, including at the grassroots level.

“The Philippines will be in their seventh stint in the FIBA World Cup from August 25 to September 10, hoping to clinch a Top 16 slot that will play in Manila in the Finals phase capped by the championship match at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“This is the country’s second hosting of the event after the 1978 edition in Manila.”

Here’s to a snappy salute to Toyota for wrapping up the rare privilege of being a major player to such prestigious event. It is a distinct honor reserved only to an entity deserving of respect, and whose global reputation is beyond reproach.

PEE STOP The remains of Benny Gopez, whose son Lovell is a major investor in the Toyota dealerships at Calamba, Laguna, and Silang, Cavite, will be interred today (January 27) at Heritage Park in Taguig City. Goodbye, my beloved Benny. Our memories, mostly happy, will remain etched forever in my heart.