In a landmark demonstration of cooperation among TVET providers in the country, the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), along with partner organizations such as the Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI), TESDA Women’s Center and the Shanghai Jingge Technology Co., Ltd. (Jingge Tech), embarked on a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Toyota Motors Philippines School of Technology (TMPTech) in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines on August 7, 2014. Earlier that day, CPSC officials met with representatives of the JinggeTech to explore possible opportunities for linkage and future collaborative ventures. 

The delegation which visited Toyota Motors Philippines was composed of the following officials: (1) Dr. Mohammad Naim Yaakub, Director General, CPSC; (2) Dr. Hazrat Hussain, Faculty Consultant, CPSC; (3) Dr. G. Kulanthaivel, Faculty Consultant, CPSC; (4) Mr. David Cui, Overseas Marketing Department, Shanghai Jingge Technology Co. Ltd.; (5) Ms. Sammi Xia, Overseas Marketing Department, Shanghai Jingge Technology Co. Ltd.; (6) Ms. Mylene Somera, Supervisor, TESDA Women's Center; (7) Ana Marie Gatchalian, Trainer, TESDA Women's Center; (7) Fr. Jose Dindo Vitug, SDB Technical Director, TVET Don Bosco Technical Institute and other faculty and officials of DBTI.

The group was welcomed by the TMP officials led by Dr. Ronald N. Gaspar, Assistant Vice President for Operations and is composed of other officials namely: (1) Ms. Ma. Cristina Fe Arevalo, First Vice President, Corporate Affairs Group and Information Systems Department; (2) Ms. Ma. Olivia Uduando, Vice President for Corporate Planning, Corporate Affairs Group; (3) Ms. Loreto P. San Pedro, Technical Director of the Toyota Motors Philippines School of Technology; and Mr. Ray A. Laureano, from Raltech International Corporation.

After a warm reception, an extensive exchange of information among the institutions, CPSC, Jingge Tech and TMPTech ensued, whereby relevant information on their respective institutional functions and goals were presented. Dr. Naim presented about CPSC and particularly focused on the benefits of its accreditation and certification services through the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC). In line with this, he encouraged Toyota School of Technology, Don Bosco and Shanghai Jingge Tech to acquire APACC accreditation. A meeting was set next month with Toyota regarding said invitation for accreditation.

A discussion between the possibilities of future collaboration between TMPTech and Jingge Tech was also opened, where both organizations committed to determine areas of possible exchange of information particularly in the development of relevant technologies in the automotive industry, and the enhancement of training modules for the benefit of future students.

Some slides showcasing the vision of TMP Tech (left) and their physical facilities (right)

The TMPTech officials then invited the delegation for a brief tour of their facilities, including their training laboratories and classrooms, where they were accommodated gracefully by the professors and their students. 

TMPTech is the vocational training arm of Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) which was established on April 10, 2013. It is a non-stock, non-profit educational institution offering technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs particularly focused on providing extensive training on automotive technology. Its facilities can accommodate as much as 740 students and currently employs a total of 73 teaching and non-teaching personnel. It also has a 190-bed dormitory to house students from other parts of the country.