foodpanda proves true sustainability is built on community
By Len Amadora
Amid intense rainfall and flooding, the spirit of community and mutual support shone through.
Last month, as our country endured the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) and successive tropical cyclones, including Crising, Dante, and Emong, thousands ofdelivery riders were stranded on flooded streets and lost valuable income in the process. Delivery service provider foodpanda Logistics redefined sustainability by placing social resilience at the forefront, providing over P2.5 million in relief aid under its Panda Pag-asa Program.
Affectionately known as "Ka-panda" riders, more than 5,000 ka-panda riders from the hardest hit areas in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and nearby provinces, received aid, with plans to extend support as far as Northern Luzon. Help kept rolling in, not in the form of orders, but in the form of solidarity.
foodpanda prioritized rider well-being by taking proactive safety measures, such as closing delivery zones in areas where conditions were dangerous. The company also offered financial assistance to riders whose homes were flooded or who were unable to work because roads were impassable.
In addition, foodpanda promoted thoughtful delivery practices by maintaining transparency with customers about delays and encouraging generous tipping.
"And for areas where the rains may be relatively lighter and customers are able to order from foodpanda's partner restaurants, we thank those customers who generously tip their riders; 100% of tips go to our partner riders, and they go a long way in supplementing their earnings, " remarked Ron Sanders, foodpanda Logistics Rider Experience Lead.
Alongside its support for riders, foodpanda extended its efforts to frontline responders from the Quezon City (DRRMO). Over 250 meals were provided to responders, volunteers, and operation staff over five days during the height of the storms. This initiative reflects foodpanda's commitment to helping those who work tirelessly to help others.
True sustainability goes beyond environmental practices; it is also about building resilient communities. By prioritizing the human side of sustainability, we help ensure that individuals and communities have the support and opportunities they need to thrive both now and in the future. An example of this is foodpanda's recent efforts to support its delivery riders and local disaster responders through relief aid and safety initiatives.