Caltex and Don Bosco Pugad roll out ‘Mobile Mechanic’ for youth livelihood
MANILA, Philippines - If you ever find yourself with car trouble in the heart of Makati, there’s no need to fret as help is just a phone call away.
A newly-launched program by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, together with the Don Bosco Pugad Foundation, puts the convenience of having mechanics right at your fingertips without the need to bring your car into a shop.
Dubbed ‘Mobile Mechanic, “the program was created in response to inquiries by our parishioners for auto mechanics who can do home service or emergency fix ups,†says Fr. David Buenaventura, SDB, director of the Pugad Foundation, a center for migrant youths located within the Don Bosco parish grounds in Makati City.
Fr. Dave hopes to provide further livelihood opportunities for those Pugad beneficiaries who already have licenses in automotive repair and maintenance.
“At the moment, we have two certified mechanics and a driver who are very knowledgeable with the Makati area. These boys, who are auto-mechanic graduates, are also trained by specific car manufacturers so we can send them depending on the need of the customer,†he said.
He is also planning to tap other Pugad boys that are working as mechanics in other agencies to help train other students.
Chevron has been a long-time partner of the Pugad Foundation, supporting learning based programs to help people acquire new knowledge and skills under its Caltex Energy for Learning (EFL) initiative, the most successful of which is the Pugad Pandesal:Manna from Heaven bakery training center and bakeshop which has been generating profits since its creation in 2003.
In this latest venture, Caltex donated the van, uniforms, tools, as well as almost P60,000 worth of various Havoline, Delo and other Caltex lubricant products.
“In addition, Chevron employees from other lubricants business unit are giving a series of product knowledge and safety seminars to the Pugad mechanics to ensure that they are well versed in the proper use of our products and that they maintain a zero-incident record in their operations,†says Joe Bronfman, CPI area business manager, who joined Fr. Dave in the recent unveiling of the Mobile Mechanic van.
More than just emergency repairs, the Pugad mechanics are also equipped to handle regular maintenance tasks on vehicle like oil change. Fr. Dave also points out that not only is it convenient, he also promised that it will be cheaper than industry rates.
The Mobile Mechanics are equipped to serve residents within the Don Bosco parish community, including San Lorenzo Village, as well as transportation owners within the city’s busy commercial and business districts and outlying Makati barangays.
CPI has been operating in the country for more than 85 years under its retail brand, Caltex, offering high quality products and services. There are close to 800 service stations strategically scattered throughout the Philippine archipelago and employees working in several areas of business such as marketing, lubricants and terminal operations.