Grab Asenso expands GrabTrike in Zamboanga to boost digital livelihoods
Grab marked the first anniversary of GrabTrike in Zamboanga with the expansion of its flagship public-private initiative, Grab Asenso: A Digital Diskarte Program. The move highlights the role of digital tools and skills training in modernizing tricycle transport in the city.
The initiative, supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and local government partners, aims to build a more inclusive digital economy by equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and traditional transport operators with tools to thrive in a fast-digitizing marketplace.
In just one year, GrabTrike has boosted drivers’ livelihoods by supplementing street-hail income with app-based bookings. Active GrabTrike drivers report doubled daily earnings and more completed rides. TODA leaders say the service offers a reliable “dagdag kita” for drivers while enhancing safety for commuters.
Grab Philippines country marketing head and director for cities J-anne Aruta noted that tricycles remain the backbone of community transport. “With Grab Asenso, we are ensuring that we equip them with the tools, skills, and safeguards to thrive in the digital economy. This also raises the standard of safe, reliable transport for the public,” Aruta said.
As part of the program, drivers who had been unable to join GrabTrike due to lack of smartphones received brand-new units. Grab also replaced worn-out devices of pioneering drivers. Alongside this, drivers attended a Grab Asenso Learning Session covering road safety, passenger handling, and in-app safety features like Share Your Ride, Trip Monitoring, and the Emergency SOS button.
DICT Region IX Director Cheryl Ortega tied the program to the agency’s mission of creating 8 million digital jobs nationwide. She emphasized Grab’s donation of smartphones as “crucial in empowering drivers to work more effectively and safely.” She added that the initiative reflects the agency’s vision under Secretary Henry Aguda to ensure no Filipino is left behind in digital bayanihan.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso also welcomed GrabTrike’s milestone, noting how digitalization promotes accountability, safety, and trust among tricycle drivers, government, and the commuting public.
For pioneer driver Mark Anthony Balasabas, app-based bookings have increased his daily trips by nearly twofold depending on his online hours.
One year since its launch, Grab Asenso through GrabTrike continues to provide Zamboanga’s tricycle drivers with digital opportunities, higher earnings, and safer livelihoods.
