A group of energetic and dedicated high school and college students are behind the on-going road safety campaign of Ford Group Philippines which, this year, is focused on drunk driving.

Collectively called as the Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC), these young advocates spearheaded the 3rd R.I.D.E. Quiz Bee where high school and college students were tested on their road safety IQ.

Sta. Rosa Science and Technological High School bagged first place in the high school category while University of the Philippines-Diliman won in the college category.

The quiz bee formed part of the Youth Summit where Ford’s “I Don’t Drink and Drive” (I3D) campaign was launched last April 18 at The Fort Open Grounds, Taguig. The summit was capped by a concert where musicians and celebrities lent their support to the anti-drunk driving effort.

“We call on all our peers to join us in this crusade against drunk driving. Let us all work together to make our roads safe,” said RSYC chairman Vic Rosales.

The I3D campaign is the latest initiative of Ford in line with its ongoing road safety program. Now on its 5th year, the program is geared towards making the youth more aware of their responsibilities on the road. About 1,000 attended the I3D summit in which bands performed and celebrity advocates shared some of their experiences and tips about drinking and driving. About 700 signed up their support to the campaign.

“We are very pleased that a lot of people expressed their support to this campaign.

Their signatures showed how important this advocacy is to them. Such support also inspires Ford Philippines to really bring the message of road safety to every young Filipino,” said Ford president Rick Baker.

Sportscaster Jino Rufino and race car driver Pia Boren talked about drunk driving statistics. Basketball player Alex Compton and fashion model Maike Evers talked about the effects of alcohol in driving. PBA star Renren Ritualo and TV personality Reema Chanco discussed common misconceptions, facts and myths on alcohol. Race car driver Mark Bumgarner and fashion model Brent Javier shared tips on how to be responsible drivers

Meanwhile, popular bands Rivermaya, Sandwich, Barbie Almabis, Itchyworms, Silent Sanctuary, Taken by Cars, Updharmadown and Kjwan did not only entertain but also did their share in reminding the young crowd not to drink and drive.

Also present during the event to support the I3D campaign were Land Transportation Office Head Bert Suansing, Automobile Association of the Philippines President Gus Lagman and Director Mandy Eduque.

The I3D Youth Summit was held in partnership with the Land Transportation Office, Automobile Association of the Philippines, The Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists, with The Philippine Star, MTV, NU107, Mr and Ms, Goodyear, Pepsi, Standard Insurance, Tradeshow and Tuason Racing School as sponsors.

Within the year, Ford Phils., through RSYC, will also be holding driving camps for the youth for an in depth training on road safety. An I3D awareness campaign will be rolled out as well in which RSYC members will go around and place I3D reminder signage particularly in parking lots and in bars in partnership with municipalities of Metro Manila.

Ford Philippines, a leader in the automotive industry, manufactures Ford and Mazda vehicles and Ford engines for both the domestic and export markets that include the ASEAN region and South Africa. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in September 2007, Ford Philippines remains to be the only volume exporter of completely built up vehicles from the Philippines with vehicle exports reaching its 50,000th mark. It has established its state-of-the-art assembly plant at the Greenfield Automotive Park, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, where it recently launched a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) engine facility. Ford also supports the Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society, Inc. which developed SINAG, the first Philippine Solar Car that competed in the World Solar Car Race in Australia last October. For more information, you may visit www.ford.com.ph.