The road can be a treacherous place, especially when drivers are not equipped with the right skills, knowledge, and understanding of safety protocols.

In the Philippines, driving safely is paramount. Enter Ford's Driving Skills For Life program, a cornerstone of the company's push for road and vehicle safety.

Now celebrating its 15th year in the Philippines, the DSFL's origins, purpose, and impact offer a profound insight into the changing landscape of driving education in the country.

EJ Francisco, Ford's Communications Director for the Asia Pacific Distributor Markets and The Philippines, sheds light on the DSFL's history and the underlying motivations driving it.

According to Francisco, DSFL goes beyond the rudimentary lessons typically associated with traditional driving schools.

He candidly shared that while a vast majority of Filipino drivers might pick up driving lessons from parents or relatives. Often there is a void in terms of in-depth understanding and appreciation of safe driving practices.

Francisco elaborates that DSFL's intention isn't just to benefit the driver, but everyone on the road. Safe driving ensures the well-being of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

"If we are safe as drivers," Francisco stressed, "our passengers are safe too, the people around us, pedestrians, passengers, everybody is going to be safe."

Rooted in this idea, DSFL was conceived as a two-pronged program. The first component is classroom seminar training, and the second offers practical hands-on driving tips, ensuring participants apply what they learn in real-time.

Francisco sees this immediate application of knowledge as DSFL's competitive edge, making it a standout program in the Philippines.

However, the road to DSFL's current status wasn't always smooth. In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the program faced a hiatus. Yet, in a display of the brand's adaptability, 2021 saw DSFL rebounding with a virtual learning program.