Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) has recently renewed ties with the Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) after recently donating two brand-new Grand Starex vans.
The vehicles, HARI shared, will be utilized as the official transport of the Department’s official broadcast channel called DOSTv. The turnover of units at the at the DOST-STII Office in Bicutan, Taguig City last November 24 signifies the company’s support to the agency’s roadmap for inclusive innovation — the equitable access to new technologies, ideas, manpower, and new products and services that will make life better for a greater majority and drive Philippine competitiveness on the global stage.
Among the programs where the recently-turned over Hyundai Grand Starex will be utilized is the Siyensikat, a weekly program at CNN Philippines that demonstrates how science works to solve the Filipino’s day-to-day challenges, most especially in these tough pandemic times.
DOST-STII Director Richard Burgos described the new collaboration with HARI as “God-sent” and the “most valuable contribution that we can immediately use” for the production of at least 13 episodes, or the equivalent of one season.
“Tuwang-tuwa nga yung DOSTv team at nagpa-picture sila kaagad noon. Para silang mga hari with the captain’s swivel seats (The DOSTv is very happy and had their pictures taken with it. They are like kings with the captain’s swivel seats) … HARI’s support helped us realize that even in this pandemic we at the DOST-STII had the ability to pivot, the ability to perform, and the chance to excel,” he added.
Aside from the abovementioned seat design, the 10-seat Grand Starex boasts generous cargo space, comfortable leg room, dual sliding doors, fuel efficiency, and safety features. Over the years, this versatile vehicle has already been utilized numerous ways: family van, employee shuttle for private firms, ambulance for healthcare institutions, and even a rescue as well as all-purpose vehicle for local government units across the country.
An education advocate, HARI Foundation Inc. (HFI) President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said, “Now that learning has become more challenging for many, we laud the DOST for strengthening its presence and advocacy in the broadcast media via Siyensikat.”
“May these (donated units) help DOST bring science to many more people in an engaging and relevant way,” she said further.
HFI, the corporate social responsibility arm of HARI, and DOST have been partners in innovation since 2012. The two first engaged in the launching of the Innovation Congress (iCON), which showcased the two institutions’ shared vision for innovation in the fields of transport and mobility.
The following year, HFI and DOST presented the Hyundai New Thinkers Circuit (HNTC), a premier literacy program that aimed to foster the spirit of leadership in innovation in climate science among public high school students.
HNTC has since produced four outstanding scholars who graduated with top honors in 2020-2021 from their chosen science courses — three from the University of the Philippines and one from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Photos from Hyundai Asia Resources Inc.
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