Ten years have passed since Isuzu Gencars undertook the extraordinary task of creating the Popemobile for Pope Francis’ historic visit to the Philippines in January 2015. The project, which brought together faith, craftsmanship, and national pride, remains a shining achievement for Isuzu Gencars and its long-time business partner, Almazora Motors.
A Moment of Honor
The journey began in mid-2014 when Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Sócrates “Soc” Villegas, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Apostolic Visit, reached out to D. Edgard A. Cabangon, then Managing Director and now Chairman of Isuzu Gencars. Archbishop Villegas asked a simple but monumental question: could Isuzu Gencars provide the vehicle for the pope’s motorcade during his visit to Manila?
Cabangon recalls the profound honor and sense of responsibility that came with this request. “Thank you, Excellency, we will be honored and consider ourselves blessed to do it,” he humbly responded.
The Crafting of the Popemobile
Isuzu Gencars quickly collaborated with Almazora Motors to design and build the Popemobile. The Isuzu D-MAX was chosen as the base, and by October 2014, the team began customizing it according to Vatican security standards while adhering to Pope Francis’ personal wishes. Known for his humility, the pope requested an open vehicle, forgoing the traditional bulletproof glass, so he could connect more closely with the people.
The vehicle’s transformation was a delicate balance of simplicity and security. The Isuzu D-MAX’s double-cab design was reconfigured into a single cab to make space for the pope’s seat, which was upholstered in Italian leather. Safety railings were installed, and a plexiglass shield was placed in front to protect the pope from the elements. Almazora Motors skillfully infused a Filipino touch into the design, weaving the leather into a traditional banig pattern on the seats.
One of the most innovative features was the recessed lighting that illuminated the Popemobile, allowing people to clearly see Pope Francis even during night events. This proved invaluable during his arrival in Manila at dusk on January 15, 2015.
In the final stages of production, the Popemobile underwent rigorous inspections by Vatican officials at the Isuzu Gencars service center in Makati. The team followed the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) system based on Japanese standards to ensure the vehicle met tight deadlines and stringent security requirements.
Once the vehicle passed inspection, it was brought to the Arzobispado in Manila, where it was blessed by former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle just days before the pope’s arrival.
The Pope’s Journey Through Manila
The Isuzu Popemobile debuted on January 15, 2015, when Pope Francis first rode it during his motorcade from Villamor Airbase to the Apostolic Nunciature. The vehicle continued to serve him throughout his stay, including the mass at the Manila Cathedral and his encounter with the youth at the University of Santo Tomas.
One of the most memorable moments occurred at UST, where Pope Francis personally thanked Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, the founder of Isuzu Gencars. The pope praised the craftsmanship of the vehicle, telling Amb. ALC, “This is a beautiful car.” It was a moment of deep pride for the Cabangon family and the entire Isuzu Gencars team, who had worked tirelessly to ensure the Popemobile met the pope’s needs.
A Second Gift of Gratitude
The success of the Popemobile didn’t end with the pope’s visit to the Philippines. Later that year, at the personal request of Pope Francis, Isuzu Gencars produced a second Isuzu D-MAX Popemobile. In October 2015, D. Edgard A. Cabangon personally delivered the vehicle to the Vatican.
As the ten-year anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit approaches, the memory of the Isuzu Popemobile remains as vivid as ever. It continues to be a source of pride for Isuzu Gencars and the Philippines, a symbol of unity, craftsmanship, and faith that transcended the boundaries of vehicle design.
The legacy of that Popemobile lives on, not only in the hearts of those who witnessed its journey through Manila but also in the lasting bond it forged between Isuzu Gencars and the Vatican—a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift a decade later.
