Gear Up: Scholars Drive Success

Manila, Philippines, December 18, 2025 – For 28 young Filipinos from disadvantaged communities, their dream of stable careers in the automotive industry has become reality—82% of them are now employed in leading companies after completing a 15-month intensive Automobile Mechanics Training program at Don Bosco Technical Institute. The program was made possible through a partnership between Chevron Philippines Inc (CPI), marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, Don Bosco – One TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and the AmCham Foundation Philippines (ACFPI).

Among the first batch of graduates, two scholars joined Bidang Motorista Caltex Autopros, while others landed roles at European and Japanese automotive firms, and at respected local after-sales service companies. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering the youth supported by Don Bosco Technical Institute. More than just providing education, this partnership is an investment in the potential of the Filipino youth, equipping them to become skilled professionals and responsible, productive members of society.

This program comes at a critical time. While the Philippines’ overall unemployment rate has declined to 3.7% as of September 2024, a closer look reveals a persistent challenge — youth unemployment remains nearly twice as high at 6.6%. This gap highlights the urgent need for initiatives that equip young Filipinos with the right skills, opportunities, and support to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market. 

At the same time, demand for technical-vocational graduates continues to grow. According to TESDA’s 2022 study, over 84% of tech-voc graduates successfully find employment, with automotive and land transportation among the top sectors for training. In fact, industry studies estimate that the automotive aftermarket alone requires nearly 2,800 new technicians annually—a demand that outpaces current graduate supply in certain specializations.

“At Chevron, we believe education is the fuel that drives lasting progress. This partnership is more than training young people to be mechanics—it’s about giving them the keys to a brighter future. By equipping these scholars with skills that match industry demand, we’re helping them build stable careers, uplift their families, and strengthen the communities they call home,” said Atty. Raissa Bautista, Lead Corporate Affairs Advisor.  

“We have a long-standing and strong partnership with Caltex, and it’s truly rewarding to share the same vision when it comes to supporting these young individuals. We remain deeply grateful to Caltex for continuously backing initiatives like this. This is just the beginning of the program, and we look forward to welcoming more batches of scholars in the future,” said Daisy Palor, project manager of AmCham Foundation Philippines.

More than just a scholarship program, this initiative is an investment in the country’s future workforce—equipping underserved youth with technical expertise that meets real industry demand. With new batches of scholars set to follow, Chevron and AmCham Foundation Philippines are determined to scale the program to create more pathways for Filipino youth to thrive in the automotive sector and beyond.

Caltex remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote education and youth development. By investing in programs that equip young people with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, Caltex aims to contribute to building a brighter future for the next generation.