Grab’s everyday heroes prove it's never too late, or too early, to deliver hope

Ronald “Roni” Petterson and Mary Joy Flores couldn’t be more different on paper. One is 63 years old, a former corporate trainer still behind the wheel. The other is 22, a young mother cycling her way through Manila’s traffic. Yet they both embody the same spirit: perseverance powered by purpose.

In the second year of Grab’s “Itatawid, Ihahatid” campaign, stories like Roni’s and Mary Joy’s take center stage. Their journeys reflect a shared truth among thousands of Grab driver- and delivery-partners that age doesn’t limit ambition, and impact knows no single form.

This year’s campaign features two viral short films based on their experiences, reminding the public that behind each ride or delivery is someone carrying far more than just passengers or food. Often, it’s the hopes of a family, the weight of responsibility, and the determination to push forward despite the odds.

A new chapter at 63

Roni Petterson’s road to becoming a GrabCar driver wasn’t a straight path. A man of many roles, from television extra to trainer, he now finds fulfillment in the driver’s seat, proving that life after retirement can still be purposeful.

“I get to meet people, help them get where they need to be, and still provide for my family. At my age, that’s a gift,” he shares.

Grab has become more than a source of income for Roni. Through GrabAcademy’s in-app lessons, he’s kept up with customer service skills and digital know-how. “The videos are there anytime I need them. That’s important, especially for someone like me still catching up with the digital world,” he adds.

He’s also benefited from financial tools like the GrabAsenso Loans, which offer flexible repayment by deducting from daily earnings. “You hardly notice it, but before you know it, you’re done paying,” he says.

In 2025, Roni earned Ka-Grab Rewards for top-performing drivers, gaining access to discounts and health essentials. It’s a recognition he says brings pride, not just perks.

A 22-year-old on a mission

On the other end of the spectrum is Mary Joy Flores, who pedals through the city as a GrabFood cyclist while supporting her child and four younger siblings. Her age belies the gravity of her responsibility.

“After December, I was finally able to buy shoes, school bags, and uniforms for my siblings,” she says.

Mary Joy turned to GrabAsenso Loans when options were slim. Without a traditional credit record, she found validation in how the platform assessed her earnings and performance instead.

“I wouldn’t qualify for traditional loans. But Grab sees the work I do,” she says.

With every delivery, she carries more than orders. She carries hope.

Built on support and malasakit

Grab’s ecosystem of support runs deep. In 2024, emergency aid through programs like GrabCare and MOVE IT Malasakit helped driver-partners weather medical emergencies and calamities. The GrabScholar Program provided over 900 grants and 18 full-ride scholarships for partners’ children.

The company also helps subsidize Pag-IBIG contributions for thousands, offering a path to housing and stability many thought unreachable.

These are not one-off projects. They’re structural commitments that show how platform work, when backed by compassion, can create real mobility not just in traffic, but in life.

Beyond the road, beyond age

“Itatawid, Ihahatid” is more than a slogan. It’s a promise carried out by people like Roni and Mary Joy who prove that no matter the stage in life, it’s possible to keep moving, to keep giving, and to keep delivering something meaningful.

For seniors continuing to provide and for youth rising above circumstance, their stories show that strength has no age and that when platforms like Grab invest in their people, the journey benefits everyone on board.