In light of the growing importance of flexible, tech-driven employment in the Philippines, Grab Philippines, together with its motorcycle taxi partner MOVE IT, convened thousands of its driver-, rider-, and merchant-partners at the Saludo Partner Appreciation Concert. The event served as both a celebration of the platform community and a reaffirmation of Grab’s long-standing commitment to shaping a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable future of work.
For more than a decade, Grab has played a central role in developing the country’s gig economy, establishing itself not only as a reliable platform but also as a key advocate of best practices and responsible innovation in the space. As the nature of employment continues to evolve, Grab underscores its commitment to setting standards in worker protection, technological inclusion, and collaborative empowerment.
Addressing the audience, Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda highlighted the company’s broader role in economic development. “Gig work is a legitimate pathway to decent livelihood and inclusive participation in the economy. Grab takes this responsibility seriously and continues to lead in creating meaningful and dignified work opportunities,” Roda stated. “Our goal is to elevate platform work through strong safeguards, inclusivity, and forward-looking innovation.”
Grab’s gig model is uniquely designed for the Philippine context, informed by local economic conditions and the lived experiences of its partners. Among its key features are on-trip insurance, emergency medical coverage, SSS and Pag-IBIG integration, and tailored life and safety insurance programs. Additionally, Grab continues to expand access to tools that support small businesses, such as the newly launched AI Merchant Assistant, aimed at enabling MSMEs to grow using accessible technology.
The Saludo Concert featured performances from leading Filipino artists, including Yeng Constantino, Gloc-9, Martin Nievera, Parokya ni Edgar, and Flow G. More than an entertainment event, it stood as a recognition of labor and a reaffirmation of shared values — particularly dignity, opportunity, and social equity.
MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the professionalization of the motorcycle taxi sector. “We aim to uplift informal labor by treating rider-partners with the same respect and structure given in formal employment. With Grab, we demonstrate that scale and social responsibility can go hand in hand.”
As discussions around the future of labor intensify, Grab and MOVE IT continue to advocate for a gig economy model that prioritizes Filipino workers — not only through compliance, but through compassion, fairness, and the pursuit of upward mobility. “The future of work in the Philippines must be locally grounded, empathetically designed, and resilient by nature,” concluded Roda. “We are proud to build this vision with our partners.”
