Grab marked the first year of GrabTrike in Zamboanga by expanding its flagship public-private initiative “Grab Asenso: A Digital Diskarte Program” in the city, underscoring the role of digital tools and upskilling in modernizing one of the city’s traditional transport sectors.
The initiative, supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and partner local government units, aims to co-build an inclusive digital economy in the regions by giving MSMEs and traditional transport providers the tools and skills to compete more effectively in a rapidly digitizing marketplace.
In just a year, GrabTrike has shown clear gains for drivers’ livelihoods by efficiently providing additional earnings to their street-hail trips with in-app bookings. Highly active GrabTrike drivers and TODA leaders say the service has proven to be an effective “dagdag kita” to their regular street-hail, with daily completed rides and take-home pay rising by an average of twofold.
Grab Philippines country marketing head and director for cities J-anne Aruta shares: “Tricycles have long been the backbone of local transport in our communities. With Grab Asenso, we are ensuring that we are equipping them with the tools, skills, and safeguards so that they, too, can thrive in the digital economy. In doing so, we also raise the standard of safe, reliable transport for the riding public.”
Grab Asenso: A Digital Diskarte Program for Everyday Entrepreneurs
As part of the launch, tricycle drivers who had long been waiting to join GrabTrike but lacked access to a smartphone were finally onboarded — receiving brand-new units alongside highly active pioneering GrabTrike drivers whose devices were already worn out.
The launch included a Grab Asenso Learning Session, equipping drivers with modules on road safety, passenger handling, and the use of in-app safety features such as Share Your Ride, Trip Monitoring, and the Emergency SOS button. The program combines device access with practical digital skills, aiming to embed safety, accountability, and professional servicing into day-to-day operations.
DICT Region IX Director Cheryl Ortega framed the rollout in the context of national priorities, which she underscored as central to DICT’s goal of creating 8 million digital jobs nationwide. Ortega commended Grab for donating mobile phones “which is crucial in empowering drivers and partners to work more effectively and safely in today’s digital economy.” She added: “We stand behind this effort as it reflects our direction underSecretary Henry Aguda to ensure that no Filipino is left behind. Sa digital bayanihan, walang Pilipino ang maiiwan sa Bagong Pilipinas.” Programs like Grab Asenso, she pointed out, complement DICT’s work in building a more inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem for all.
Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, for his part, welcomed GrabTrike’s first-year milestone in Zamboanga. “Digitalization — in this case through the GrabTrike — truly solves many of the challenges on the part of tricycles, the government and the commuting public. Not only does it promote accountability, it also strengthens safety and security and ultimately creates trust with each other and thus promotes a stronger community in Zamboanga,” the mayor said through Rosendo Castillo, a representative from his executive team.
One year on, Grab Asenso via GrabTrike has proven to be the most practical digital diskarte for Zamboanga’s tricycle drivers: additional earnings, safer rides, and digitalized livelihoods for those at the frontline of the country’s transport network.