Press Release
Sun.Star Motoring
May 15, 2009

RENEWED COMMITMENT. Road safety advocates from various sectors join Ford Group Philippines in unveiling the Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) logo during the recent re-launch at The Fort in Taguig. DOTC assistant secretary Dante Lantin (second from right), AIPF executive director Mirjam Sidik (far left), DSFL Youth Council chairperson for 2009 Kaye Sibbaluca (third from left) and former DSFL YC chairman Vic Rosales (third from right) show their support to Ford Asia Pacific and Africa corporate communications director Neal McCarthy (second from left) FGP president Rick Baker (center) and FGP corporate communications AVP Anika Salceda.

Reiterating its commitment to road safety, Ford Group Philippines (FGP) re-launched recently the 'Driving Skills for Life,' (DSFL) a global program under which local initiatives such as the United Nations-recognized Road Safety Youth Council, will henceforth be integrated.

The DSFL program also 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 customers, car clubs and general public; and Eco-Driving.

DSFL is being implemented in partnership with the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation and supported by FGP's long-time road safety partners such as the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Assistant Secretary Dante Lantin of the DOTC commended Ford for their initiative in promoting road safety. "I would like to congratulate Ford Group Philippines and the AIPF for this new and noble endeavor. As we mentioned, majority of road accidents are caused by driver errors which are preventable and DSFL is a step towards reducing these accidents," he says.

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 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."

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

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

Ford Pampanga is located along Jose Abad Santos Avenue, City of San Fernando with contact number +63 45 961 2888, +63 918 939 5806 (www.fordlausgroup.com.ph)