Foton Philippines has long been a staunch supporter of Philippine sports. In fact, it has been fielding or supporting multiple professional and student teams or leagues — basketball, volleyball, and triathlon among others.

It's part of its advocacy in sports as well as its confidence in the abilities of Filipino athletes.

At the sixth FIBA World Cup that took place here between 25 August and 10 September, 2023, Foton provided vehicle support for every game of Gilas Pilipinas.

Then just last 2 January, Foton Philippines together with United Asia Automotive Group Inc., through its chairman Rommel Sytin, kickstarted the year by donating a unit of its bestselling Traveller van to the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association or PATAFA as part of its ongoing efforts to empower and help boost Philippine athletics.

PATAFA is the national governing body for athletics sports such as track and field, road running, cross-country running, and race walking in the Philippines.

Inspired and relentless efforts

Accepting the brand-new Traveller van were PATAFA president Terry Capistrano, Philippine Racing Commission chairman Reli de Leon, and PATAFA secretary general Edward Kho.

"We admire the inspired and relentless efforts of PATAFA, its leadership, and of course, our Filipino athletes in furthering the cause of Philippine sports and bringing international glory to our country," Sytin said.

Also present during the handover were UAAGI marketing manager Timothy Sytin and Foton Philippines general manager Levy Santos.

"We at Foton Philippines wish to help accelerate the programs of PATAFA by helping it and its athletes to hit the ground running this early in 2024," Santos added.

Foton Traveller is a 16-seater van powered by a 2.8-liter Euro 4-compliant turbo-charged diesel engine that can produce 130 hp and 280 Nm of torque.

For safety, the 5-speed manual Traveller is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force distribution, seatbelt reminder, 3-point ELR seatbelts, child safety locks, dual airbags, central control lock, and LED 3rd brake light. All 16 seats have individual backrest.

Sytin said the partnership with PATAFA is Foton's way of paying it forward. He credits the brand's success — the Philippines is Foton's biggest export market — as proof that the Philippine market has long accepted Foton vehicles as a top choice for their personal and business needs.