After Pope Francis used three popemobiles during his five-day visit to the Philippines, the Japanese pick-up customized by Filipinos will be going to the Vatican, a report on "24 Oras" said on Tuesday. 

Edgard Cabangon, the managing director of Isuzu Gencars Inc., said he has been informed that the D-Max that was fashioned for use as one of the Pope's motorcade vehicles is bound for the Holy See.

He said Vatican functionaries and the Pope's personal driver thoroughly inspected the popemobile in December before it became one of his official rides.

 

“In our own little way napabilib rin natin sila na kaya ng Pilipino na gumawa ng high class, high quality na popemobile,” Cabangon said.

 

The customized D-Max's chair is made from Italian leather. It's red carpet was imported from Italy.

 

The Pope's emblem was also emblazoned on the vehicle with a 'banig' design which adds a Filipino touch to it.

 

“Labor of love 'yang pagkagawa niyan. Even 'yung mga taong gumawa niyan kahit 12 o' clock ng gabi na hindi napapagod,” Cabagon said.

 

The popemobile styled as a jeepney—the one the Pope used for the motorcade to the Quirino Grandstand—will be brought to various churches in the Philippines.

 

“Dadalhin namin sa mga churches at sa mga schools to show to the public,” said owner Edison Cham.

 

Pope Francis also rode a modified Kia vehicle as his popemobile in Tacloban City. It will return to Korea, where he first used it.—Andrei Medina/NB, GMA News