By Alithea De Jesus
In this time when pandemic remains to threaten our health and life while trying to adjust and live under the new normal, there are many who are still wary of dealing with the current situation.
However, two companies wanted to do their share to the country and community, and formed an alliance to bring convenience and safety to the people’s new way of life such as commuting. Thus, DiskarTech, the first and only Taglish financial super app in the Philippines powered by RCBC (Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation) and ParaHero, a community-centered ride-hailing app based in Paranaque City.
Parahero was founded in August 2019 by Nino Duque, an information technology entrepreneur, and app developer, to cater to the ride-hailing and delivery needs of the residents of BF Homes Paranaque, the largest subdivision in Asia. There are 1,500 strong members of the tricycle association and about 700 tricycle units. Parahero was derived from the phrase “Para sa Pasahero” (for the Passengers). Hero, stands for Honest, Efficient, Reliable, On demand.
At the onset of the pandemic and community lockdowns in the metro, the app came in handy for the residents in providing convenient services for deliveries and transportation within the community. This opens up the opportunity for partnership with DiskarTech.
The partnership aims to empower the displaced tricycle drivers due to the pandemic with additional opportunities. It also helps to create cashless transactions for the community as part of a continued effort to prevent the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 virus. It also allows the community online sellers who use Parahero as their delivery service provider to utilize DiskarTech’s QRPh capabilities for faster, efficient transactions.
Downloading the app automatically turns the tricycle drivers into “NegosyanTechs”. It is a coined word referring to an entrepreneur who embraces technology. Through the app, they can earn on top of their daily earnings by extending the “pakisuyo” services to their families. “Pakisuyo” refers to a Filipino culture of requesting another person to do a favor on one’s behalf. These services include bills payment, prepaid smartphone loading, money transfers, insurance, telemedicine and more. The Negosyantech provides the services on one’s behalf for a fee.
“What I like about DiskarTech is the insurance that it offers. Aside from the additional earnings that our tricycle drivers will get through the app, it gives our tricycle drivers security and protection at a very low price”, said Nino Duque, founder and developer of Parahero.
Parahero aims to extend its reach to other municipalities and provinces like Calamba, Cavite, Muntinlupa, Clark in Pampanga, Canlubang in Laguna and Lipa City in Batangas.
Through this partnership with DiskarTech, RCBC, remains strong in its commitment to financial inclusion for the 70% unbanked and underserved sector especially those in the periphery or grassroots communities including tricycle drivers.
The Diskartech inclusion super app has a life-changing impact in easing the financial burden of the Filipinos, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. It continues to grow by leaps and bounds as it positions to be the preferred financial app of the masses.
Diskartech has recorded more than three million downloads since it launched in July 2020. For its massive digital push, RCBC has merited three global awards in three months during the pandemic and being named as the Philippines’ best digital bank.
“We continue to discover ways on how Diskartech could be more accessible and beneficial to our clients. More than the business side we want to build a strong and sustainable digital ecosystem across communities”, said Lito Villanueva Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer.