In the bustling streets of the Philippines, a remarkable metamorphosis is underway, reshaping the urban transport scene and, in turn, the lives of countless habal-habal drivers. At the forefront of this transformative wave stands MOVE IT, an innovative motorcycle taxi company. Beyond merely revolutionizing commuter travel, MOVE IT is fundamentally altering the trajectory of informal drivers by infusing professionalism into their craft and bolstering their livelihoods.
Placido Parallag Jr., a 58-year-old former habal-habal rider, embodies the profound impact of this shift. His narrative serves as a testament to the tangible changes wrought by MOVE IT. Since joining the company’s ranks in 2019, Placido’s unwavering commitment and stellar service have earned him acclaim as one of MOVE IT’s Top Riders in 2023. This notable achievement was celebrated amidst fanfare at the recent MOVE IT Year-End Festival hosted at the Philippine Sports Arena.
58-year-old Placido Parallag Jr. is a former habal-habal rider who now plies the busy thoroughfares of Metro Manila as a professional moto-taxi serviceman – even becoming one of MOVE IT’s top riders in 2023
Placido’s journey symbolizes the rise of a new breed of professional riders. For a decade, he maneuvered through the frenetic thoroughfares of Metro Manila as a habal-habal operator. However, his decision to align with MOVE IT marked a pivotal juncture in his career. “There are myriad reasons why former habal-habal riders like myself gravitate towards MOVE IT. Foremost among them is the assurance of insurance coverage. The knowledge that both we and our passengers are safeguarded daily instills a profound sense of confidence,” Placido shared. He also noted a substantial uptick in his earnings, doubling his income compared to his erstwhile informal practices. This financial windfall has empowered him to provide better for his family, with aspirations of realizing a long-held dream of constructing a home in Tuguegarao.
Central to MOVE IT’s ethos is a vision and mission geared towards uplifting the habal-habal community. Wayne Jacinto, MOVE IT’s General Manager, elucidates the company’s ethos, stating, “We are steadfast in our commitment to aiding the government in professionalizing habal-habal riders. At MOVE IT, our focus lies in furnishing a livelihood that is not only safe, legal, and reliable but also fosters trust among passengers, all while catering to the fundamental desire of riders to provide for their families.”
The essence of MOVE IT’s approach lies in empowerment through comprehensive training and support mechanisms. The company’s initiatives, such as the ‘Habal-Habal to Legal’ program, are designed to ease the transition of habal-habal riders into the formal sector. Through these programs, adherence to stringent safety protocols and legal standards is ensured, thereby enhancing the overall quality of service.
Yet, for MOVE IT to fully realize its vision of professionalizing the habal-habal industry, collaboration with governmental bodies is imperative. By championing and aligning with such initiatives, governmental agencies can play a pivotal role in fostering a safer, more efficient, and empowered transport sector.
Looking towards the horizon of 2024, MOVE IT’s steadfast dedication to its cause portends continued growth and positive change for scores of riders akin to Placido. This initiative not only empowers individuals but also catalyzes the evolution of urban transportation in the Philippines. It presents an undeniable case for governmental collaboration in propelling this socially impactful endeavor forward. As MOVE IT continues to chart its course, the promise of a brighter, more professionalized future for habal-habal drivers beckons on the horizon.
