The initiative, backed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and local governments, seeks to co-build an inclusive digital economy by equipping MSMEs and transport providers with the tools and skills to thrive in a fast-digitizing marketplace.
Proven income boost
In just a year, GrabTrike has shown clear livelihood gains. Drivers say in-app bookings provide a reliable dagdag kita (added income) to their daily street-hail trips, effectively doubling completed rides and take-home pay.
“Tricycles have long been the backbone of local transport in our communities,” said Grab Philippines country marketing head and director for cities J-anne Aruta. “With Grab Asenso, we are ensuring that we are equipping them with the tools, skills, and safeguards so that they, too, can thrive in the digital economy.”
Asenso rollout
To expand access, Grab distributed brand-new smartphones to tricycle drivers who had long wanted to join but lacked devices, as well as to pioneer drivers whose units were worn out.
The launch also featured an Asenso Learning Session covering road safety, passenger care, and in-app safety features like Share Your Ride, Trip Monitoring, and Emergency SOS. The goal is to combine digital access with practical skills, embedding safety and professionalism into daily operations.
National jobs agenda
DICT Region IX Director Cheryl Ortega tied the rollout to the agency’s target of creating 8 million digital jobs nationwide. She praised Grab’s donation of mobile phones, calling them “crucial in empowering drivers and partners to work more effectively and safely.”
“We stand behind this effort as it reflects our direction under Secretary Henry Aguda to ensure that no Filipino is left behind,” Ortega said.
City-level impact
Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, represented by Rosendo Castillo, welcomed GrabTrike’s milestone. “Digitalization — in this case through the GrabTrike — truly solves many challenges on the part of tricycles, the government, and the commuting public. It promotes accountability, strengthens safety, and ultimately creates trust within the community,” he said.
What’s next
Grab is expanding partnerships with Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) to secure lasting participation in the digital economy. GrabTrike now operates from Zamboanga International Airport and the city center, with reach extending north to Lumayang, west to Sinunuc and Capisan, and east to Taluksangay and Manicahan.
One year in, Grab Asenso via GrabTrike has proven to be a practical digital diskarte (strategy): more income, safer rides, and digitalized livelihoods for Zamboanga’s tricycle drivers. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
