Volvo Philippines’ Corporate Advocacy
Volvo is acknowledged as the leader in automotive safety technology worldwide. This leadership is globally renowned as evidenced by Volvo’s numerous technological inventions including the three-point seatbelt that Volvo invented in 1951 and shared with the entire automotive industry without patent restriction.
Volvo Philippines takes pride in this leadership attribute of its brand. But beyond the premium and safe cars it sells, Volvo Philippines believes that its greatest asset is its people. Over the past 14 years of its corporate existence in the Philippines, the Company has been endowed with employees, called Stewards, who strive to develop the character of true leadership, that with both integrity of heart and excellent skills. As the company and its leaders experienced the political, economic, financial and marketing vicissitudes over the years, the leaders of Volvo have learned vital lessons in leadership and life that underscores the importance of the true character of a leader. We believe that this is a universal call of our generation.
Today, Volvo takes the next step in advocating true leadership through the Voice of Leadership. The Voice of Leadership shall be the corporate social responsibility endeavor of Volvo Philippines launched in 2008 that aims to be a channel of aspiration, recognition, inspiration, vision and action for outstanding graduating high school leaders in the Philippines. It advocates the development of youth leaders who shall embody the character of true leadership – that with both integrity of heart and excellent skills that is rooted in God-centeredness and exemplified by accountable and responsible stewardship – and who shall articulate the voice of leadership that would move and inspire, innovate and instigate leadership transformation among the youth.
The Voice of Leadership is now ongoing with 12 representatives vying for the top three honors. A number of activities, such as the Voice of Leadership Camp, have already been scheduled to enhance the participant's skills and aid them to clinch the first-ever Voice of Leadership award at the culminating gala event in February 2009.
Relevance of the Program
The youth of today, commonly referred to as “Gen Y”, is faced with many influences ranging from multi-media content exposures to digital socialization and economic-driven realities that shape their perception of leadership and life. Oftentimes, standards of leadership have been somehow distorted by what is hailed as success from the world’s perspective. Leadership traits of worldly leaders who have popularity, possessions and position become benchmarks without regard to values and moral standards and the effect on the greater good of society. As the youth graduates from high school and enters university and eventually the marketplace, core values instilled young are further threatened by critical personal needs that often lead to a form of decision making dictated by situational expediency.
It is with these realities in mind, that the Voice of Leadership aims to contribute to change.
Relevance to Individual Development
Through the Voice of Leadership Camp that will be held for the participating students, the program endeavors to instill an appreciation and perspective that God has a purpose for each person’s life shaped by one’s persona, circumstances and domains. Through the camp, attributes of true leadership including integrity, accountability, servant-hood, shepherding, stewardship, importance of teamwork, courage, solidarity and knowing oneself, among others, shall be fleshed out and experienced by the students. The program aims to hone the skills of the youth to articulate and express his views in true leadership, thus imparting the youth to mobilize and influence others. The participants shall likewise be taught speech writing and elocution skills.
Relevance to Society
Much has been written and said about the Philippines ranking highest in corruption in the Asian region. This is more egregious when we cite that our country is more than 90% Christians. This seeming contradiction has, of course, many roots and causes. Perhaps one such cause is the dichotomy of spirituality and every day life of Filipinos today. The world, through its multi-media influence has removed the involvement of God in the formula of success. The culture of “me” and “self-centeredness” is pervasive. The truth of eternal-accountability to our Creator has been usurped by instant gratification and situational ethics.
National transformation, they say, begins with individual transformation. And we at Volvo desire to contribute to this transformation by propagating the lessons of true leadership rooted in God-centeredness in our spheres of influence – starting from within our corporate walls and, now, influencing the future leaders of our nation – the Youth through the Voice of Leadership program.
More About the Voice of Leadership
VOICE OF LEADERSHIP SECRETARIAT
voiceofleadership@volvophils.com
Dave R. Zaballero Secretariat
Telephone Number 729 0667
E-mail Address drz@volvophils.com
Paolou B. Lagrimas Assistant Secretariat
Telephone Number 729 0669
Telefax 757 2881
E-mail Address pbl@volvophils.com