Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, teamed up with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Megaworld Corp. to launch a pilot study on drone-powered commercial delivery in the Philippines.
The initiative aims to explore how unmanned aerial vehicles can transform urban logistics in one of the region’s most densely populated areas, potentially speeding up deliveries of time-sensitive items by avoiding traffic.
The pilot will explore a hybrid delivery model. Grab delivery-partners will handle pick-ups and drop-offs from dedicated drone landing stations, while drones will manage the in-between journey for faster, more seamless deliveries.
“We are constantly exploring new technologies that could help us serve our communities better, such as drone-powered deliveries,” said Ronald Roda, managing director of Grab Philippines.
“This pilot is an opportunity for us to learn and understand how drone deliveries might work in the Philippine context, from dense urban neighborhoods to underserved areas,” said Roda.
“We’re optimistic about the insights this pilot will bring, and we look forward to co-creating solutions that benefit everyone in the ecosystem – from consumers, merchant-partners, and our delivery-partners,” he said.
The Philippines’ archipelagic layout and growing reliance on e-commerce make it an ideal testbed for drone-based logistics. The pilot also represents a broader push to modernize transport and delivery systems while ensuring that new technologies are deployed responsibly.
The drone deliveries will be tested between two Megaworld properties in Metro Manila. This controlled setup allows Grab and its partners to assess the operational, technical, and regulatory considerations of drone deployment in real-world environments. Initial access to the pilot will be limited to select consumers and merchant partners within the chosen Megaworld townships.
The DICT, DOTr, Grab and Megaworld signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to begin their collaborative effort exploring the use of drone technology for deliveries. The MOU sets the stage for future pilot activities and opens opportunities to jointly examine possible use cases, assess learnings, and help build public awareness of drone-enabled services.
“If we want to solve traffic and improve connectivity in a meaningful way, we have to think beyond roads,” said Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
“Drone logistics is one of the tools that can help us move faster, smarter, and more sustainably. This pilot reflects the kind of innovation we want to encourage as we build a truly modern transport ecosystem, without compromising the safety and security of our air transport through meaningful and responsive regulatory framework,” said Dizon.
DICT Undersecretary for Special Concerns Christina Faye Condez-de Sagon noted the government’s interest in shaping innovation that fills meaningful gaps in access and logistics.
“We see this as an opportunity to guide the responsible use of drone technology. Our role is to ensure that it benefits people while also supporting the nation’s digital transformation agenda,” she said.
“We are committed to building future-ready cities,” said Tyrone Tan, cluster general manager of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.
“Partnering on drone delivery allows us to offer more sustainable, efficient, and forward-thinking services to our residents, office workers, and mall partners,” said Tan.
