Touching Lives through Suzuki Helps, Aids and REbuilds Balik Eskwela Charity Ride

May and June were extra busy months for Team Suzuki riders as they were filled with charity rides simultaneously happening to help thousands returning underprivileged students of various parts of Central and Southern Luzon. Suzuki takes pride in this advocacy of its riders to spearhead this kind of activities independently. Charity rides are a customary part of Suzuki riders’ clubs calendar and mostly they are scheduled during back-to-school and Christmas seasons.

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A total of 190 riders participated in 7 different charity rides reaching the far flung towns in the provinces of Laguna, Quezon, Mindoro, Bataan and Zambales serving over 1,100 indigenous and underprivileged students. Through the Suzuki Helps, Aids and Rebuilds (SHARE) program, Suzuki Philippines contributed with drawstring bags, notebooks and pencils for the upcoming school year. The Suzuki riders’ clubs sealed the experience with additional school supplies, books and uniforms and even added snacks and fun games serving as a fellowship activity with the kids, teachers and parents

The ride started as early as 5am for the 27 riders of the Sta. Lucia Raider R150 Club heading to Kawayan Elementary School Majayjay Laguna. Traversing the scenic twisties of Laguna, the riders enjoyed the journey with their Raider R150s. The simple donation of academic and medical supplies left a wide smile to the 250 student beneficiaries. This activity was also made possible in coordination with Kawayan Brgy. Captain Nicanor Esteban and Principal Angelita Vinas.

It was a different kind of adventure and charity ride for the 64 members of the Raider R150 Reborn Philippines (Reborn PH) NCR, Laguna, Muntinlupa and Mindoro chapters as majority of them crossed seas for the Mangyans and underprivileged students of the Anastacio Cataquis-Sabina Unison Memorial (ACSUM) Elementary School. Located at the hilltop of Sitio Balatero, there were 180 students who received the school supplies donated by the team including the 28 children from the Mangyan Iraya Tribe. They also handed over electric fans for the classrooms. Ensuring that everyone had fun, the riders also hosted a dance showdown which was gamely participated by the students.

The back-to-school charity ride continued with the Raiders of Rizal (ROR) this time in Infanta, Quezon. Braving the long, winding zigzag and breathtaking Marilaque road, the team of 17 riders brought with them various school supplies and snacks for the 200 students of Magsaysay Elementary School led by school Principal Andrew Rodriguez. The following day, the team proceeded to Real, Quezon for another donation turnover to the students of the town.

After the rides to the South, it’s the R150 North Central Riders (R150 NCR) turn to continue the SHARE program and for this they headed to the warm-hearted Biaan Aeta Community in Mariveles, Bataan. Participated by 15 riders, the group assembled early for their day-tour in Bataan and to make this more special, they added school uniforms to their donation. There were 50 Aeta students belonging to the indigenous community in Biaan who received the supplies. Clothes for their families were also distributed during the short program joined by Mariveles Councilor Cecile Fortuna, SK Chairwoman Cedeline Fortuna and Tribe Head Pastor Randy.

Following the charity ride in Mariveles, Bataan, Team Suzuki headed further North for another Aeta community in Botolan, Zambales with the Suzuki Owners Club (SOC) Zambales. Over 90 students of Alao Elementary School were given supplies for the coming academic year with their Head Teacher Jeaneth Doyog. In return, the children did a special dance number for Team Suzuki as a way of gratitude.

Simultaneously happening with Suzuki Owners Club charity activity was the Philippine Suzuki Riders Club (PSRC) Laguna’s ride to the South. Their 37 members travelled 235kms to help the 100 students of Doongan Ilaya Elementary School in Catanauan, Quezon passing by the renowned Atimonan Zigzag Road. Even with limited number of teachers in the school, the cooperation between the parents and former is inspiring. PSRC Laguna gave out snacks to the children and then staged games for both the students, parents and teachers. The ride was capped with a relaxing night at the nearby beach serving as the group’s bonding activity.

After the ride in Catanauan, Team Suzuki proceeded to Dolores, Quezon – the entry point of Mt. Banahaw Protected Sanctuary for Suzuki TROOP’s charity activity for the 240 students of Kinabuhayan Elementary School. In a true Suzuki TROOP fashion, our riders first treated the beneficiaries with a game and then proceeded to the feeding program where they served a hearty arroz caldo which everyone enjoyed.

This series of charity rides are just some of the documented ones by Team Suzuki and there are a lot more going around the country doing this advocacy – activity that Suzuki riders are committed to do. Always something to be proud of as part of a community who works and rides with a heart – one Team Suzuki who Helps, Aids and Rebuilds (SHARE), one Team Suzuki who ride to share.

If your Suzuki Club is having the same activity or you are planning to do one, please contact Suzuki Club Relations at 09178681079, or send us a PM at facebook.com/suzukimotorcyclesphilippines.