Tens of thousands join Hyundai cause

MANILA, Philippines—Last Saturday morning, a leading car company led an activity that attracted tens of thousands of individuals to get out of their cars and for a change, run or at least walk for five or 10 kilometers.

“This is the first time that an automotive company sponsored a running event here in the Philippines. But more than enticing the public to live healthy and ‘green,’ we wanted to let them know that their mere participation—the runners paid nothing and in fact, received free singlet, race number, timing chip and other items—would enable us to make substantial contributions to several partners that would enable us to make an impact on society and the environment,” announced Fe Perez-Agudo, president and CEO of Hyundai Automotive Resources Inc.

Agudo was indeed overwhelmed as over 24,000 showed up at the starting line of the Hyundai Run for a Cause held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Welcome

“This is a welcome development for Hari as it kicks off its 10th anniversary celebration. With the overwhelming market support the company is enjoying at the moment, it is only fitting and proper that we recognize and thank everyone,” said Agudo.

With the Hyundai Run for a Cause event, Hari has officially begun four advocacy missions—PRO-Environment, PRO-People Empowerment, PRO-Poor, and PRO-Health and Well-Being—together with four chosen partners, namely Gawad Kalinga CSI, St. Scholastica’s Priory, Habitat for Humanity and Haribon Foundation.

PRO-People Empowerment will be initiated with partner Gawad Kalinga Center for Social Innovation. In previous partnerships, Hari has supported the GK through the construction of SIBOL schools, GK Villages, and by providing vans.

This time, Hari will not only provide additional transport vehicles but will also offer professional counseling to new generation of social entrepreneurs in several forums and consultations scheduled not only this year, but in the years to come.

For its PRO-Health and Well-Being advocacy, Hari has partnered with St. Scholastica’s Priory. To honor Sister Mary John Mananzan, founder and executive director of the Institute of Women’s Studies at St. Scholastica’s College, Hari will help set up the Maternity Mission Hospital in the town of Catarman, Samar. The 25-bed hospital will also offer a pediatric ward and laboratory services.

Fitting
Hyundai believed it’s only fitting to honor Mananzan who was recently included in the “Women Deliver 100, a list that global advocacy organization Women Deliver prepared to recognize individuals who have committed themselves to improving the lives of girls and women around the world.

For its PRO-Poor advocacy, Hari has chosen Habitat for Humanity to forge an alliance that will provide decent homes for the marginalized sector of the society.

Beyond providing the structure, Hari will take steps to build these new homes in a nurturing and thriving environment to ensure the sustainability of the Filipino families.

The fourth advocacy is closest to Hari’s heart as this will help the company realize its vision for a thriving and sustainable world “where cars, people and the planet coexist as one dynamic system.”

The PRO-Environment campaign will be initiated together with the Haribon Foundation.

Over 24,000

Hari’s partnership with Haribon started last year with activities at the Yapak Forest in Boracay and the Caliraya Watershed in Cavinti, Laguna. This time, Hari is set to donate over 24,000 native tree seedlings (the same number of individuals who registered for the Hyundai Run for a Cause) as well as initiate other similar eco-projects.

“Hari is making a daring shift of perspective about the auto industry, instilling in the minds of the youth the possibility that even a car company can also make a positive impact on the environment through its long-term partnership with organizations like Haribon Foundation, one of the nation’s most active environmental group,” said Agudo.

Indeed, the Hyundai Run for a Cause maps out a new avenue for Hari to help propagate humanitarian advocacy.

With over 24,000 runners who heeded Hari’s invitation last Saturday morning, the company is even more emboldened to embark on more worthy endeavors in the coming months.