Grab PH launches social protection program for drivers and delivery-partners

MANILA: In celebration of the Buwan ng Tagapaghatid, Grab Philippines has launched its Social Protection Program in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Social Security System (SSS), and Pag-IBIG Fund. This program aims to strengthen the social safety net for Grab drivers and delivery partners in the Philippines by assisting, educating, and connecting Grab partners to various social welfare services of the government.

Grab is the first platform in the Philippines to introduce a comprehensive, multi-agency social protection program for the welfare of drivers and delivery partners. This program is a result of months-long discussion with different government agencies, aiming to educate and connect its driver partners on the government’s various social welfare services, including but not limited to affordable social insurance that can be used for retirement, disability, death, funeral, sickness, maternity, and work-related contingencies for self-employed SSS members; availment of salary loans for active and contributing self-employed SSS members and pension loans for retirement pensioners; accessible healthcare services such as assistance on the hospital bills, room and board subsidies, medication and professional services exclusively offered to PhilHealth members; and national savings program and affordable housing financing for qualified Pag-IBIG members.

The program was launched by Grab and its government agency partners yesterday during the Buwan ng Tagapaghatid Family Day Celebration at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Along with its corporate partners, SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth educated Grab partners on the benefits of existing social protection systems and their numerous advantages for the partners and their families. SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG services will be offered on-site in the Grab Partner Center in Marikina to support more Grab partners.

The first 1,000 Grab partners who registered for the program will have their first-month contributions covered by Grab, and an additional 1,000 partners will benefit from the initiative on November 20 on the 2nd Grab Family Day in Manila.  Metro Manila will serve as the pilot region for this program before it is expanded to other Grab cities and communities throughout the Philippines.

“Platform work has presented various benefits to many industries, and has been a valued source of livelihood for many Filipinos. We have built a community of partners founded on trust, hardwork, and shared mission — to drive the Philippines forward, and we will continue doing right by our partners by creating stronger safety nets that they can rely on. Amidst a very tough economy, our Social Protection Program is a clear expression of our deep and long-standing commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of our partners, and we will continue to scale this program nationwide to help support more partners and their loved ones,” Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz stated.

“This partnership with Grab is towards SSS’ goal to reach as many self-employed workers as possible, encouraging them to register as self-employed SSS members, pay the corresponding contributions, and of course, apply for benefits/loans when the need arises,” SSS Professional Sector Department Manager and Cooperatives and Informal Sector Department Acting Head Carlo Villacorta said. “May this initiative by Grab inspire other companies to step-up and encourage their gig workers to become self-employed SSS members to avail government social protection programs.”

Pag-IBIG Makati Jupiter Branch Head Geraldine Pauig underlined the significance of making sure that the earnings of driver-partners are invested wisely. “It is undeniable that the driver-partners are one of the most hardworking members of the informal sector. It is just and right that the fruits of their labor can be directed towards tangible investments, and that is a house of their own, especially for their family,” she stated.

“Through PhilHealth, Grab drivers can get a wide range of benefits, such as help with hospital bills, room and board subsidies, medication, and professional services,” PhilHealth Chief Social Insurance Officer Rey Sulit said. “This service can also be extended to their beneficiaries, thus also protecting their families and loved ones.”

Thousands of partners and their loved ones took part in Grab's Family Day Celebration as part of Buwan ng Tagapaghatid, a month-long celebration recognizing driver-partners for their contributions to Grab Philippines. Driver-partners enjoyed a full day of relaxation at the event, which also offered free foods, haircuts, manicures, massages, and other services. Along with other events like band performances and raffles where some driver-partners won amazing prizes, Grab has also set up a Go-Kart track where driver-partners may bring their kids to spend quality time.

Aside from its social protection initiatives, Grab also offers an assistance program exclusive to all active driver-partners. The GrabCare Package includes calamity assistance, insurance, emergency top-up, hospital assistance, educational assistance, and burial assistance.

Photos from Grab Philippines and Hazel Nicole Carreon

Also read: Grab's ‘Daan ng Natigil’ gives livelihood opportunities to out-of-school youths