As the country continues to adapt to the so-called new normal, foodpanda, the on-demand food delivery service in the Philippines, has been continuously ensuring the safety and well-being of its delivery riders whom many now consider modern-day heroes especially during this pandemic.
Amid the steady rise in order cancellations and no-show customers as demand for food deliveries skyrocketed during the community quarantine, foodpanda shouldered these expenses instead of passing them on to its riders.
And to ensure that every rider has everything he or she needs to do their job as best as they can, foodpanda partnered with telecommunications providers Globe, PLDT-Smart, and Cherry Prepaid for exclusive data and communication deals.
"foodpanda provides us with postpaid plans. Meron ding discount sa gasoline station, tires, and many more. Ang dami," said rider Maria Nazareth Gepayo, who wears her pink panda shirt proudly.
foodpanda riders have likewise been thoroughly trained in new practices such as contactless delivery and sanitation.
Stefhaniel Ong, who has been riding with foodpanda for a year and a month, said the company has also provided weather gear to ensure the health and safety of its riders.
“Complete gear — and the most important [gear] para sa akin na nakakatulong lalo't ang panahon ay weather-weather is yung poncho. Besides that, merong thermal bag (small for drinks and milktea, etc.), at big box bag for bulk orders," Ong said.
Lastly, foodpanda has covered the insurance of its riders through its partnership with insurance companies Manulife and Cebuana Lhuillier.
"Para sa akin, accident insurance ang pinaka importante sa lahat," said Jemar Villocillo. "Kasi hindi ko alam, at walang makakapagsabi na sa araw-araw kong pagbiyahe ay ligtas ako makakauwi. Kaya ano man ang mangyari alam ko may makukuha akong tulong dito sa insurance na mayroon sa foodpanda.”
By taking care of its modern-day heroes in pink, foodpanda customers are also assured that riders are safe and secured — and in an overall state of good vibes — while delivering their favorite food and essentials.