Southeast Asia’s everyday everything app GrabFood has reached Iloilo as part of its operations expansion in the Philippines. The super app intends to create socio-economic impact among Ilonggos by bringing livelihood opportunities through food delivery and culinary tourism promotion.
“As we expand operations in the Philippines, we recognize that our job doesn’t end after delivering meals to our consumers. We are inspired by our deeper goal of delivering positive impact into the lives of our partners and the people who take pride in the development of their city,” said EJ Dela Vega, Head of GrabFood Philippines.
Its entry to the Iloilo market this 2020 is a timely boost for the region is now experiencing rapid economic growth as an investment hub in the Visayas. Grab’s mission jives well with Iloilo considering that it underscores the use of technology for good, an element supportive of Iloilo’s growth areas, such as tourism, digital technology, and development of a smart city.
GrabFood is now in 37 cities in the Philippines and its entry in Iloilo is aimed to expand economic opportunities for local businesses by having merchants. It also intends to offer inclusive livelihood opportunities through jobs creation among delivery-partners.
“In Iloilo alone, our initial operations will need around 400 employees,” shared by Jo-ann Yoshida – Grab Philippines Operations Manager for Western Visayas.
“GrabFood will open a lot of opportunities among Ilonggos who are seeking other revenue streams to ease long standing socio-economic pains,” added Yoshida at the sideline of GrabFood’s launching held in Richmonde Hotel last January 23.
GrabFood’s operations is also anticipated to bring positive social impact because it will democratize food access making Iloilo’s best cuisines reachable to different market segments who will use internet technology for food delivery.
Through GrabFood, Ilonggos and travelers to Iloilo will now have easy access on its array of fresh Ilonggo dishes from seafoods like talaba (oyster) up to its famous and La Paz Batchoy.
Its number of partners is also expected to grow together with the progression of its operations.
It introduced its initial partners during the launch and which includes some of Iloilo’s famous food chains and iconic restaurants. By far among them are Jo’s Chicken Inato, Lechon House, Loco Local Coffee, Netongs, Lar’s Buko Batchoy Eatery, Kucho, Harry’s Seafood Bistro, Floyd Famous BBQ, JD Burger Project, and MYO Cafe.
It can be recalled that Grab also introduced GrabTaxi in Iloilo City in 2015. It has since become a reliable transportation option among Ilonggos. As an everyday everything app, Grab hopes to introduce more daily services to the Ilonggos outside of transport and food delivery.
According to a Q32019 Kantar market research, 76% of Filipino respondents choose GrabFood over other app-based food delivery brands making it the #1 food delivery platform in the country today.
GrabFood continues to be a trusted partner to the country’s biggest brands, and a growth enabler for small to medium-sized businesses across the Philippines.