Grab, MOVE IT launch AI livelihood hub

Grab Philippines and MOVE IT, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), have opened the Asenso Center in Marikina City to train and equip platform workers with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and link them to social protection programs.

Grab Philippines Country Managing Director Ronald Roda said Thursday the project will improve the livelihoods of gig workers through technology.

“The Asenso Center turns that insight into action. It opens dignified, digitally powered livelihoods, equips our partners with practical AI co-pilots, and helps families convert opportunity into income at scale,” he said.

The one-hectare hub will support onboarding for drivers and merchants, provide digital skills training, and assist in enrollment with SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth. It will also offer access to insurance products from Chubb and AXA.

For MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto, the facility will make gig work more sustainable.

“Professionalization and protection go hand-in-hand. From safety training and service standards to modular benefits and on-trip coverage, the Asenso Center helps driver-partners build sustainable, future-proof livelihoods,” he said.

Grab said the center will help it meet its goal of creating 500,000 livelihood opportunities for the government, having already achieved 73 percent of its target.

Community merchant participation rose 30 percent year on year.

The hub also integrates AI features such as the Merchant AI Assistant for managing promotions and store operations, and the AI Driver Companion for route optimization.