Grab honors gigsters

In a world where more and more people are turning to gig work to make a living, Grab Philippines and motorcycle taxi operator MOVE IT recently held a concert to recognize the people who keep their platforms running, who are the drivers, riders, and small business owners who show up every day.

The event, called the Saludo Partner Appreciation Concert, was Grab’s way of doubling down on its promise to make gig work in the Philippines safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable — not just for the short term, but for the long haul.

For the past decade, Grab has become one of the biggest platforms for gig workers in the country. But more than just an app, the company says it sees itself as part of something bigger, that is, helping shape what decent work looks like in a fast-changing economy.

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,” Roda said. “We recognize that it plays an increasingly critical role in the Philippine economy — and with that comes the responsibility to lead,” Roda said. “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,” Roda said. “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.”

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.

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.”

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.