Strada of Hope

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) has received a Mitsubishi Strada Athlete pickup from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) to support the DUNONG Nutri-Nurture project, part of a joint initiative tackling both learning poverty and child malnutrition in Laguna.

The donation was formalized through a Deed of Donation and Vehicle Turnover Ceremony held at the MMPC plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, on September 16, 2025. The event gathered officials from both institutions led by MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata and President and CEO Ritsu Imaeda, along with UPLB Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Janette Malata-Silva, who represented Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr.

The DUNONG Program — short for Department of Education–Laguna–University of the Philippines Los Baños Nurturing Opportunities for the Next Generation Towards Ending Learning Poverty in the Philippines — addresses two crucial issues among children: low reading comprehension and poor nutrition. Through its Nutri-Nurture component, the program combines literacy and feeding interventions to help children learn better and live healthier.

In his remarks, Hirakata underscored MMPC’s long-standing commitment to education and nation-building. “Today’s turnover is a symbol of partnership that brings together the strengths of industry and academia to support the growth of knowledge, innovation, and national progress,” he said.

President Imaeda echoed this sentiment, describing the initiative as part of Mitsubishi’s broader mission to uplift Filipino communities. “At Mitsubishi Motors, our goal goes beyond producing quality vehicles. We aim to be a trusted partner in nation-building — driving change on the road, in schools, and in the lives of Filipinos,” he added.

UPLB’s Malata-Silva expressed gratitude to MMPC for its support, calling the Strada Athlete “a vital tool” that would enable the university’s teams to reach more schools and communities. She said the collaboration demonstrates how corporate social responsibility and academic service can merge to create lasting change.

The Strada Athlete, known for its durability and versatility, will be used to deliver supplies, meals, and materials for DUNONG’s community activities. Project leaders from the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food (IHNF) said the vehicle will greatly expand the program’s reach in the province.

With this partnership, MMPC reaffirms its commitment not only to mobility but also to empowering communities through education and nutrition.