WINNING | Grab nears livelihood goal with digital push

Insider Spotlight

• Grab says it has delivered 73 percent of its 500,000-livelihood target, putting it on track to exceed the goal ahead of schedule
• The company is expanding MSME digitalization through its Grab Asenso program, which includes AI-powered merchant tools and mobile-first training
• The DICT recognized Grab for advancing digital inclusion through last-mile services that connect consumers, merchants and delivery-partners
  
  
  

Grab Philippines is on track to exceed its commitment to generate 500,000 livelihood opportunities for Filipinos ahead of schedule, having already achieved 73 percent of its five-year target through its platform. 

The milestone highlights the superapp’s expanding role in supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and platform workers as the country accelerates its digital transformation.

Why it matters

The progress comes as Grab was recognized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) as one of its “Bayani sa Last-Mile” awardees, citing the company’s contribution to bringing digital services closer to Filipino consumers, merchants and delivery-partners. 

The recognition also underscores Grab’s support for the government’s digital transformation and livelihood agenda.

Grab said its last-mile delivery network has evolved beyond logistics into a platform that helps consumers access goods more conveniently, enables MSMEs to reach broader markets and provides flexible earning opportunities for delivery-partners.

“Last-mile delivery is where digital transformation becomes real for many Filipinos. It is when a small business can serve more customers, when a family can receive what they need more conveniently, and when a delivery-partner can access livelihood opportunities through technology,” Grab Philippines managing director Ronald Roda said in a press statement. 

“We are honored by this recognition from DICT, and we remain committed to working with the government in building a more inclusive digital economy that creates opportunities for consumers, merchants, and our delivery-partners,” Roda added. 

Ronald Roda

Managing director, Grab Philippines

By the numbers

 Grab’s flagship Grab Asenso: A Digital Diskarte Program supports MSMEs through mobile-first digital marketing, financial planning and responsible AI training. 

The initiative, endorsed by the DICT and partner local governments, also integrates tools such as the Grab Merchant AI Assistant for creating promotions, improving product descriptions and responding to customer trends, alongside digital payment solutions for small businesses.

The big picture

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda said digital transformation should deliver tangible opportunities for communities, emphasizing that collaboration among government agencies, local governments and private sector partners is essential to achieving the country’s Digital Bayanihan goals.

“Technology is not just about the internet or connectivity. It is about people and the opportunities it creates for them,” Aguda said. 

“With every connection we deliver, more children are able to go to school, more businesses are able to grow, and more families gain greater opportunities,” he added. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma