GrabCar launched in Iloilo City; eyes to create more jobs for Ilonggos

By John Noel E. Herrera

Grab Philippines officially launched its mobility service, GrabCar, for the Ilonggo community on Friday, March 24, 2023, as part of their campaign to create more livelihood opportunities within the transport sector across the country and to assist in providing better access to transport services in the city.

“We aim to delight our Ilonggo locals and tourists, and deliver the very best services to our consumers, as well as to our driver and merchant partners,” Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz said.

Grab earlier said that there were initially 100 units of Grab cars in Iloilo City, which were mostly stationed in the vicinity of the Iloilo International Airport to serve the transport needs of arriving tourists.

Cruz added they will increase the number of units as soon as possible, noting that Iloilo is one of the high-growth areas outside Metro Manila.

Through the launch of GrabCar in the city, the company hoped to contribute to the growth of the local economy, both as a provider of transport services and as a livelihood partner.

“This is a strategic opportunity to further drive domestic productivity in Iloilo by utilizing the convenience offered by GrabCar. By simplifying the everyday demands for mobility, we hope to provide a better transport service for everybody,” Grab Philippines said.

Cruz also assured the safety of the public while availing the service, as they made sure that the system has security features, all the drivers have undergone road safety training, and are knowledgeable of traffic rules.

“Our drivers undergo training. Almost every two months, we undergo training both physically and digitally. We always give them reminders kung ano ang dapat gawin, ano yung service na dapat i-deliver sa consumers. We make sure that all the drivers and passengers are safe,” Cruz stressed.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who attended the launch, noted that having improved transportation would promote growth in the city and “directly benefits people and the economy.”

“[This is] important to the livelihood aspect as more jobs are generated. This is consistent with your mission of encouraging economic, social, and financial activity as an equal-opportunity employer,” Treñas said.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-6 director Richard Osmena said they will release an initial offering of 1,700 franchises for Grab cars in the region, including 1,000 for Iloilo City, which would translate to more job opportunities for the public.

“In the foreseeable future, we will witness the opening of more Grab car franchises in Region VI, and Iloilo City car owners and drivers will be preferential beneficiaries,” Osmeña added.

Grab noted that they are planning to introduce its app-based transport service to Legazpi City and Davao City as part of plans to expand operations.