By Minka Klaudia Tiangco
The Manila City government will hire 2,000 displaced tricycle and motorcycle riders to serve as delivery partners for Grab Philippines amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, who signed the pact with Grab Wednesday, said the hired riders will be trained to do GrabFood and GrabExpress services.
Through the "Grab-Manila Socio-economic Recovery Initiative," the city government also aims to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that were forced to close down due to the implementation of the enhanced and general community quarantine.
“This is another day of opportunity delivered by Grab food for the people of Manila," Domagoso said.
"Dalawa ang matutulungan nito: ang mga trabahante at saka yung mga negosyo. Dun naman sa mga natanggap na at matatanggap pa, pagbutihan po ninyo ang trabaho (This will help two things: the workers and the businesses. For those who were hired and will be hired, please do a good job),” he added.
Grab Philippines country head Brian Cu said the recovery program is a way to help MSMEs do business digitally.
“Maraming masasarap na pagkain sa Maynila (There are a lot of delicious food in Manila). Not just the big restaurants, we also have small ones who serve great food. We want to help those merchants get into the digital world and boost their sales,” he said.
Under the agreement, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) will aid around 2,000 riders in securing the necessary documents for their application as delivery partners for Grab Philippines.
Aside from this, the said offices will help the applicants get rapid passes and cross boundary permits, if necessary.
The city government will also conduct an information drive to convince MSMEs in the city to reopen and continue doing business through food delivery.
The hired riders will reportedly receive the same benefits and advantages given to independent contractor riders of Grab Philippines.
The ride-hailing and delivery company will also submit a monitoring report of the riders’ performance and serviced merchants to the Manila PESO.
(Photos from Manila PIO)
