Grab marked the first anniversary of GrabTrike in Zamboanga by expanding its flagship public-private initiative, Grab Asenso: A Digital Diskarte Program, highlighting how digital tools and skills are modernizing one of the city’s most traditional transport sectors.
Backed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and partner local governments, the program aims to co-build an inclusive digital economy across the regions by equipping MSMEs and traditional transport providers with resources to thrive in a rapidly digitizing marketplace.
In just one year, GrabTrike has delivered tangible benefits to drivers’ livelihoods — supplementing their street-hail trips with in-app bookings and boosting earnings. Highly active GrabTrike drivers and TODA leaders report that the service has effectively doubled their completed trips and daily take-home pay.
“Tricycles have long been the backbone of local transport in our communities. With Grab Asenso, we are ensuring that drivers are equipped with the tools, skills, and safeguards to thrive in the digital economy. In doing so, we also raise the standard of safe, reliable transport for the riding public,” said Grab Philippines Country Marketing Head and Director for Cities J-anne Aruta.
Empowering Drivers Through Digital Tools
As part of the launch, tricycle drivers who previously lacked access to smartphones were finally onboarded to GrabTrike, receiving brand-new devices. Long-time GrabTrike drivers with worn-out phones also received replacements to sustain their operations.
The rollout included an Asenso Learning Session covering road safety, passenger handling, and in-app safety features such as Share Your Ride, Trip Monitoring, and the Emergency SOS button. By combining device access with digital training, the program embeds safety, accountability, and professionalism into day-to-day tricycle services.
DICT Region IX Director Cheryl Ortega lauded the initiative as aligned with national priorities: “We stand behind this effort as it reflects our direction under Secretary Henry Aguda to ensure that no Filipino is left behind. Sa digital bayanihan, walang Pilipino ang maiiwan sa Bagong Pilipinas.” Ortega further noted Grab’s donation of mobile phones as “crucial in empowering drivers and partners to work more effectively and safely in today’s digital economy.”
Building Safer and Stronger Communities
Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso likewise welcomed GrabTrike’s first-year milestone. Through his representative Rosendo Castillo, he said: “Digitalization — in this case through the GrabTrike — solves many challenges for tricycles, government, and commuters. It promotes accountability, strengthens safety and security, and ultimately builds stronger trust and community in Zamboanga.”
For drivers on the ground, the benefits are clear. Zamboanga TODA Leader and GrabTrike Driver-Partner Hermogenes Awid shared: “Malugod naming ginagampanan ang tungkulin na magsilbi sa mga kababayan naming pumapara sa kalsada. Ngunit malaking bagay para sa amin na may GrabTrike na ngayon bilang katuwang — hindi lang para dumami ang pasahero, kundi para masiguro rin na ligtas ang bawat biyahe at may dagdag na kita kami sa araw-araw.”
Currently, GrabTrike services Zamboanga International Airport and the city center, with routes expanding north to Lamisahan, Tolosa, Cacao, Lanzones, and Lumayang; west to Baluno, Cawit, Malagutay, Sinunuc, and Capisan; and east to Arena Blanco, Taluksangay, Cabaluay, and Manicahan.
One year on, Grab Asenso via GrabTrike has proven to be a practical digital diskarte for Zamboanga’s tricycle drivers—delivering additional earnings, safer rides, and future-ready livelihoods for those at the frontline of the country’s transport network.