Leading online food and grocery platform foodpanda is ramping up its efforts to provide its “Ka-panda” delivery partners access to government benefits and social protection through a series of government agency partnerships, with the Pag-IBIG Fund as its latest partner.
foodpanda recently joined fellow industry players as well as top transport network & app-based courier companies in entering a partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund to encourage membership to approximately 420,000 delivery freelancers in the country today, per the government agency’s estimates.
With the agreement, Ka-panda delivery partners and the delivery freelancers of other online platforms will have better access to Pag-Ibig benefits, including the Regular and MP2 Savings programs and affordable home loans.
“We are delighted to welcome delivery riders as part of Pag-IBIG Fund’s growing membership,” said Pag-IBIG Fund Chairman Jose Rizalino Acuzar. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta added, “We believe that our delivery riders, whose service and perseverance have been vital in our daily lives, particularly during the pandemic, deserve the best that Pag-IBIG Fund can offer.”
During the ceremonial launch of the “Pag-IBIG Asenso Rider Raffle Promo,” foodpanda Logistics Philippines President Lhecks De Castro urged Ka-pandas to take advantage of the initiative. “This is a good opportunity for our Ka-pandas and all delivery freelancers to realize the importance of securing their future and retirement.” De Castro also commended Pag-IBIG for recognizing and reaching out to the freelance delivery service sector – a relatively new sector that has grown exponentially over the years.
Linda Gonzales, who is among the Ka-pandas who attended the ceremonial launch, expressed his optimism with the initiative. “Kahit pa kamo freelancer, dapat nag-iipon pa rin para sa sarili naming kinabukasan. Kung kailanganin man naming mag-loan o maisipang kumuha na ng bahay, may matatakbuhan kami sa Pag-IBIG.”
She also explained that since delivery freelancers have different working set-ups, voluntary membership will allow them to pay the contribution according to their own capacity. “‘Yung iba kasi samin part-time lang at may iba pang trabaho, ‘yung iba naman ay full-time talagang delivery partner. Sa ganoon, pwede kaming makapili kung kailan at paano magbabayad ng monthly contribution kesa maging compulsory ito.”
Better access to gov’t benefits and social protection for Ka-pandas
Aside from Pag-IBIG, the leading online food and grocery platform has been working with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure that Ka-pandas have access to affordable house financing, health insurance, and availment of other government services & benefits, despite being individual contractors.
“Last year, we partnered with PhilHealth to help Ka-pandas gain access to the government’s mandated healthcare benefits, in line with the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Program. Earlier this year, we also teamed up with DTI and PSA to prioritize the registration of delivery partners to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) that will serve as an additional valid proof of identity for various government-related programs, such as claiming subsidies, among others.”
Nationwide roadshow for Ka-panda riders’ hub
De Castro shared that all of the partnerships they entered are significant steps towards the goal of providing a one-stop shop that will see all government-mandated benefits accessible to their Ka-panda delivery partners.
Recently, foodpanda unveiled its pandaPatrol: Hub on Wheels, a foodpanda-branded bus that will be making stops at select gas stations nationwide and will include fun and exciting games and activities that Ka-panda partner riders, bikers, e-scooters, and walkers can enjoy.
“We are excited to explore more opportunities with this partnership, including introducing this to our Ka-pandas through pandaPatrol, where we visit different cities and provinces to engage with our delivery partners and present the benefits afforded to them,” de Castro said.
