We salute these modern-day heroes
Looking back on all the madness that happened the past months, we all owe food delivery riders as much as medical workers in keeping us protected from the pandemic. These riders alleviate our fears of going out and running out supplies by risking their lives as they brave the streets to bring us our needs.
As the country continues to adapt to new behaviors, delivery companies must continue to ensure the safety and well-being of their delivery riders, who many people now consider as modern day heroes. Among the many companies that secure the lives of their delivery riders is Foodpanda, as it makes sure that every rider has everything he or she needs to do their job as best as they can.
Shouldering cancellation expense
Even though the demand for food deliveries skyrocketed, this also came with a steady rise in order cancellations and no-show customers. Some netizens even took it into their own hands to help out them by building a Facebook page where riders could sell canceled orders.
But even before the issue of canceled orders came to light, the riders are never expected to shell out any money—the company itself shoulders these expenses.
Keeping them connected
To make sure that they can always stay connected, the food delivery app partnered up with telecommunications providers Globe, PLDT-Smart, and Cherry Prepaid for exclusive deals to help its riders save up on their data consumption and communications expenses. This is one of the many benefits that make riders like Maria Nazareth Gepayo proud of her pink panda shirt.
“Foodpanda provides us with postpaid plans, meron ring discount sa gasoline station, tires, at iba pa! Ang dami!," she says.
Providing safety gears
With the pandemic having a major impact on people’s health and safety, the brand’s riders have been thoroughly trained in new practices such as contactless delivery and sanitation. It is very important to ensure the safety and health of its riders, that’s why rain or shine, riders are provided with weather gear for the season. Rider Stefhaniel Ong, who has been riding with Foodpanda for a year and a month, testifies, “Complete gear! And the most important para sa akin, na nakakatulong lalo't ang panahon ay weather-weather, ay ’yung poncho. Besides that, merong thermal bag. Small bags para sa drinks at big box bag for bulk orders.”
Covering their insurance
Lastly, to make sure that their riders are secured no matter what happens, the company has their insurance covered through its partnership with Manulife and Cebuana Lhuillier.
“Para sa akin, accident insurance ang pinaka-importante sa lahat,” says rider Jemar Villocillo. “Kasi hindi ko alam, at walang makaka pagsabi, nasa araw-araw kong pagbiyahe ay ligtas akong makaka uwi. Kaya ano man ang mangyari, alamkong may makukuha akong tulong ditto sa insurance na may roon sa Foodpanda.”
That said, you can be sure that the Foodpanda riders delivering your favorite food and essentials are enjoying not just the job, but all the perks and benefits that come with it.
Even though we bid goodbye to National Heroes Month, the superhero treatment will never end for these riders especially during these times. After all, not all heroes wear capes—some of them wear pink.