The country has had its fair share of disasters over the last two years. Other than a devastating global health crisis, the Philippines faced Typhoons Ulysses and Rolly, the eruption of Taal Volcano last January 2020, and an economic slowdown.
Regardless of the struggles, the Filipino’s spirit of Bayanihan prevails as the challenges also brought about innovations. Motorcycle couriers came together, helping communities bring essentials to people in need.
Motorcycles have become an essential tool to ensuring the resiliency of Filipinos amid these difficult times. The Philippines Red Cross (PRC) even recognizedits importance after receiving a donation of motorcycles from Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI), the No.1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country.
Protecting Lives on Two Wheels
PRC received 104 red motorcycle units –52 units of the TMX125 Alpha and 52 units of the Wave 110 Alpha –with insulated top boxes to PRC last May 2020. The motorcycles were used by PRC volunteers and staff members in its 104 Chapters nationwide, and its endowment also provided the organization with a fast and high-quality mode of transportation.
With the motorcycle company’s extraordinary efforts, PRC awarded HPI with the Outstanding Humanitarian Award for Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR)[1] last December 2020, which HPI President Susumu Mitsuishi officially received last December 15, 2020. The contribution to PRC was made possible through their CSR arm, Honda Foundation Inc. (HFI).
HFI is the arm of the Honda group of companies in the Philippines that oversees and manages its corporate social responsibility programs and activities, such as promoting road safety, protecting the environment, supporting the youth, and addressing local community needs.
“The Humanitarian Award only shows that Honda is one with the Philippine Red Cross in providing a helping hand to those in need. Amid these trying times, motorcycles have shown their power in helping those in need and organizations in all its much-needed humanitarian efforts,” Mitsuishi said.
Rebuilding a Stronger Foundation
HPI’s efforts did not stop with PRC. The motorcycle manufacturer also donated construction supplies to the victims of Typhoons Ulysses and Rolly in San Andres in Catanduanes. The supplies were used to rebuild their homes after it was destroyed by the typhoons.
With the assistance of the Catanduanes Masonic Lodge No. 291 and the local government unit, HPI reached out to about 100 families from Barangay Alibuag, Belmonte, Bislig, Bon’ot, Cabcab, Cabungahan, Catagbacan, Lictin, Lubas, Manambrag, Puting Baybay, Rizal, Salvacion, Tibang, and Timbaan.
Each family received galvanized steel sheets for their roofing needs, sets of marine-grade plywood, Coco lumber, and common wire and umbrella nails. In addition to these materials, Honda Foundation also gifted them with Honda souvenirs.
“As much as possible, Honda tries to start initiatives to help and protect the lives of Filipinos, especially amid crises like the Taal Volcano eruption, the current COVID-19 pandemic, and even the series of typhoons. In 67 years of its trustworthy services, Honda Philippines, Incorporated will continue to collaborate with organizations that will greatly benefit the Filipino community,” Mitsuishi said.
Honda’s efforts are in line with their ONE DREAM campaign, which aims to make Honda motorcycles an essential tool in saving lives and helping institutions like the PRC by enabling the group to respond rapidly during crises.
Explore more from Honda and its wide array of motorcycles. For more details about Honda products and promos, visit our website at www.hondaph.com and follow us on Facebook, Honda Philippines, Inc., and Instagram, @hondaph_mc. You can also contact us through our landline number, (02)-8581-6700 to 6799, and mobile number, 0917-884-6632.