The City Government of Navotas and Grab Philippines have sealed an agreement to provide livelihood opportunities to Navoteños through GrabBayanihan.
Mayor Toby Tiangco and Brian Cu, Grab Philippines President, led the virtual signing of the memorandum of agreement.
The GrabBayanihan Socio-Economic Recovery Initiative aims to provide livelihood opportunities to residents of Navotas who were adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the consequent community quarantine.
Under the MOA, the city government—through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), City Franchising and Permits Processing Unit (CFPPU), and City Business Permits and Licensing Office (CBPLO)—will help recruit tricycle drivers and work-displaced Navotenos, who own at least one motorcycle, to work as delivery riders for GrabFood and GrabExpress.
The city government will also entice owners of licensed micro, small and medium enterprises to become Grab merchants and operate their businesses digitally through the Grab app.
The CFPPU and PESO will assess and identify the qualified applicants and assist them in securing working permits and Tax Identification Number (TIN) identification cards, as well as rapid passes and cross-boundary permits, if required.
The CBPLO will assist prospective merchants in securing business permits and other requirements issued by the local government necessary in their application as partner establishments.
Grab Philippines will evaluate and accommodate qualified Navoteño drivers to be their new delivery riders until the 500 slots are filled up.
The company will provide basic training to hired riders and give them the same benefits and other advantages accorded to independent contractor riders.
“Many have lost their jobs or are now earning less because of the pandemic. MSMEs are also suffering losses due to the restrictions of community quarantine,” Mayor Tiangco said.
“This partnership with Grab Philippines is a welcome opportunity for Navoteños who strive to support their families amid the pandemic. The GrabBayanihan program not only provides livelihood to our people; it also brings hope that life will become better if we help and lift each other up,” he added.
Under the initiative, hired riders will serve as delivery partners for six months, and they have the option to continue or stop their services after that period.