In celebration of National Heroes Day, foodpanda recognizes its riders who are on the road and serving the public to the best of their abilities. It also gives special recognition to foodpanda riders who are performing at their peak with the super capabilities they have developed because of their physical disabilities.
Arnel Yobido, Clark Nel Garol, Christopher De Asis, and Jayson Papa have overcome their challenges as persons with disabilities and continue to ride with pride as they deliver with foodpanda in order to earn a living for their families.
Christoper De Asis used to work with a government agency and as a subcontractor of a construction company. Now he rides the streets of Negros and even with one eye visually impaired, he is able to navigate carefully and not only deliver his orders but also serve as an inspiration to his customers.
De Asis, a Marketing graduate, said he has experienced discrimination before when a security guard at an office told him outright that they do not hire PWDs.
“I’m happy that there are employers like foodpanda that offer equal opportunities. Because of my job, my partner Primalou and I are able to save for our future,” he said.
Jayson Papa was a security guard before donning the pink uniform. “Masaya rin ako sa pagiging foodpanda rider dahil sa kabila ng aking kondisyon na pagiging physically disabled, nakakapagbigay ako ng inspirasyon sa ibang tao,” he said.
Clark Nel Garol was a construction worker and “habal-habal rider” before becoming a foodpanda rider. “Na-appreciate ako nang ibang customer dahil sa kabila ng aking sitwasyon ay nagsusumikap daw ako. Tuwing narinig ko po sila na ganyan ang feedback nila sa akin, sobrang saya ko po. Mas lalo ko pa pinagbuti ang aking trabaho.”
Arnel Yobido previously worked as a family driver and is now happily delivering good service in Davao City. Despite challenges when he experiences pain in his leg while making deliveries, he is happy to be working as a foodpanda rider, especially as he and his wife are expecting a baby girl. “Kapag sumasakit ang binti ko, pinapahinga ko muna. Patuloy akong lalaban para sa aking pamilya at sa mga pangarap namin.”
According to Arnel, his prayer is his superpower. “Ang pag-pray ko araw-araw para healthy ang pangagatawan ko ay nakakatulong na maging 100 percent sa paghatid ng pagkain sa mga customer sa maayos at mabilis na paraan.”
Christopher, for his part, said he hopes to inspire other PWDs. “Natutulungan ko ang aking kapwa sa pamamagitan ng paghatid ng wastong serbisyo para mapadali ang pangangailangan ng [mga] customers. Bilang isang PWD foodpanda rider, nakakapagbigay inspirasyon ako sa iba—hindi hadlang ang kapansanan para ipagpatuloy ang buhay, tumulong sa iba, umasenso at makamit ang mga pangarap.”
In recognition of the service rendered by its riders in these unprecedented times, foodpanda awarded 99 PWD riders with P2,000 each and 500 non-PWD riders P1,000 each.
“We believe that they are truly heroes, ensuring efficient deliveries and keeping us safe as we stay home. We want to thank all our Bayaning Ka-Panda and salute their efforts to support their families. Arnel, Clark, Christopher, and Jayson are all sources of inspiration on how to overcome hardships and emerge as heroes,” said Jao Manahan, foodpanda Operations Manager for Rider Experience.