In a rapidly evolving labor landscape where flexible, tech-enabled work is becoming increasingly vital to millions of Filipinos, Grab Philippines and its motorcycle taxi partner MOVE IT came together at the Saludo Partner Appreciation Concert to celebrate their platform communities — and to reaffirm their role in shaping a safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable future of work in the country.
For over a decade, Grab has not only been the most robust and most trusted platform for gig work in the Philippines — it has also been a responsible leader in setting the standards and best practices for the sector. As the gig economy gains traction and attention, Grab Philippines’ message is clear: it is committed to continuously elevating the gig experience through strong welfare safeguards, inclusive innovation, and partnerships that empower Filipino workers.
Speaking before an arena full of thousands of driver-, rider-, and merchant-partners, Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda emphasized that the company’s role extends far beyond platform operations — it is a nation-building institution helping define the future of work — what dignified, progressive gig work should look like in the Philippine setting.
“Grab has always viewed gig work as a vital pathway toward decent livelihood and a more inclusive and equitable participation to the economy,” said Roda. “We recognize that it plays an increasingly critical role in the Philippine economy — and with that comes the responsibility to lead,” said Roda. “We’re proud to be a pioneer in creating meaningful livelihoods on our platform, but even prouder to help raise the bar towards a fairer, safer, inclusive, and future-ready gig work that provides dignity and protection for all workers.”
“The landscape of work is dynamic and constantly evolving, but every worker’s right to social protection, fair opportunities, and dignity remains unchanged,” said Roda. “We are helping prove that even outside traditional employment, gig workers can access protection, opportunity, and dignity. This is what we mean when we say that Grab is committed not just to being part of the gig economy — but to improving it.”
A Local Model Built for the Filipino Worker
Grab’s gig economy framework is purpose-built for the Philippine context — rooted in local insights, economic realities, and a deep understanding of the Filipino partner’s journey.
From providing on-trip insurance and emergency medical coverage, to embedding long-term financial and social protections through SSS, Pag-IBIG, and customized life insurance and safety funds, Grab continues to redefine what responsible platform work looks like.
The company also offers livelihood tools and career development opportunities, including the recently launched AI Merchant Assistant, which empowers MSMEs to scale their operations using smart, accessible tech.
A Celebration of Community, A Commitment to Progress
The Saludo Concert, which gathered thousands of partners and featured performances from Yeng Constantino, Gloc-9, Martin Nievera, Parokya ni Edgar and Flow G, is more than an annual celebration — it’s a symbolic reaffirmation of Grab’s values: respect for labor, recognition of effort, and shared prosperity.
MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto shared how the company’s entry into the motorcycle taxi space is transforming informal labor into formal opportunities:
“MOVE IT is here to professionalize the motorcycle taxi sector, and that starts with valuing our rider-partners as professionals, not just workers,” said Jacinto. “Together with Grab, we are proving that technology and care can go hand in hand — that platforms can be both scalable and socially responsible.”
The Future of Work is Filipino
As conversations around platform worker protection continue, Grab and MOVE IT stand firm in their mission to build a Filipino-first gig work model — one that goes beyond compliance and aims for compassion, inclusion, and upward mobility.
“The Filipino gig economy experience deserves its own playbook — and we are proud to be writing it alongside our partners. This is what the future of work looks like — built with empathy, designed for resilience, and grounded in respect,” Roda concluded.
