AFTER nine years in the Philippines, Foodpanda-brand operator Delivery Hero Philippines Inc. (formerly Foodpanda Philippines Inc.) announced it would encourage its “delivery freelancers” to become members of the Home Mutual Development (Pag-IBIG) Fund.
A statement issued last Monday by Delivery Hero read it recently joined other industry players as well as transport network and app-based courier firms in entering into a partnership with the Pag-IBIG Fund.
According to Delivery Hero, the agreement prompts the local business of Germany-based company Delivery Hero SE to encourage its “delivery freelancers” to also engage in the Pag-IBIG Fund’s regular and MP2 savings programs.
“We are delighted to welcome delivery riders as part of Pag-IBIG Fund’s growing membership,” Pag-IBIG Fund Chairman Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar was quoted in the statement as saying.
Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene C. Acosta was also quoted as saying that 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,” Delivery Hero Philippines Director for Finance Leopoldo De Castro Jr. urged Foodpanda delivery riders to “take advantage” of the initiative.
“This is a good opportunity [for] all ‘delivery freelancers’ to realize the importance of securing their future and retirement,” De Castro said. He also commended Pag-IBIG “for recognizing and reaching out to the freelance delivery service sector.”
The executive said aside from the Pag-IBIG Fund, they have been working with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) “to ensure that delivery riders have access to affordable house financing, health insurance and availment of other government services and benefits, despite being individual contractors.”
De Castro said they asked PhilHealth last year for help so its riders gain access to the government’s mandated healthcare benefits, in line with the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Program.
Earlier this year, Delivery Hero Philippines asked the PSA to prioritize the registration of “delivery freelancers” to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).
