Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC), has formally turned over a Strada Athlete pickup truck to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). This move underscores the Japanese brand’s support of the DUNONG program, a joint initiative addressing learning poverty and malnutrition among Laguna’s youth.
The DUNONG program, which stands for “Department of Education–Laguna–University of the Philippines Los Baños Nurturing Opportunities for the Next Generation Towards Ending Learning Poverty in the Philippines,” aims to address two major challenges: the inability of many children to read with comprehension and the lack of proper, nutritious meals for students. The program combines education and feeding initiatives to improve both literacy and nutrition among the young learners in the community.
The Mitsubishi Strada Athlete is the top-of-the-line variant of the brand’s popular pickup model. It’s designed with sporty styling, enhanced features, and capable performance. Ideal for both business and leisure use, the Strada Athlete offers strong hauling capability, modern safety technologies, and comfort – attributes that earn it the ride of choice for mobilizing the DUNONG program to transport school supplies, meals, and equipment.
The donation and partnership was solidified through a Deed of Donation and Partnership signing between MMPC and UPLB. Present in the ceremony were MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata, MMPC President and CEO Ritsu Imaeda, MMPC Corporate Division Head Tomoyasu Moriya, MMPC Corporate Deputy Division Head Edwin Dellosa. UPLB officials were also in attendance, including Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Janette Malata-Silva and Institute of Human Nutrition Director Liezl Atienza, together with DUNONG Program coordinator Rosario Bantayan.
Chairman Hirakata shared that the donation reflects the collaboration between the local automotive industry and academia to drive progress. On the other hand, President Imaeda views the support as part of MMPC’s broader role in contributing to national development.
For UPLB’s part, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. went on to say, “The Strada Athlete donated today will be a crucial partner in the implementation of DUNONG. With it, we can reach schools, parents, and communities more effectively, ensuring that children grow not just in learning but also in health.”
The university also highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration, noting MMPC’s role in advancing social responsibility in education and community development. UPLB officials said that the collaboration would help strengthen opportunities for children, ensuring their positive growth in both learning and health.
