Angkas CEO: Recognition crucial for MSME growth

Angkas CEO George Royeca shares his insights during the Asian Innovative Forum (AIF) at the Bellevue Hotel, Alabang.

MANILA, Philippines — With over six years of operations as the nation’s top Motorcyle Taxi service, Angkas CEO George Royeca recently shared insights at the Asian Innovative Forum (AIF) Bellevue Hotel, Alabang.

Bringing together local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for discourse on best utilizing the latest technological innovations to tackle the daily hurdles these businesses face, Angkas was a seasoned participant with the knowledge to share.

During his speech, Royeca explained how recognizing an abundance of micro-entrepreneurs all around is crucial; from the neighborhood sari-sari store owners to barbers and drivers, each is a micro-entrepreneur with the potential to develop into an MSME.

This would lead to the possibility of collaborations with the private sector, government and community wherein the business thrives.

“We didn’t invent motorcycle taxis…we formalized an informal sector [habal-habal]” Royeca stated.

By taking an already existing form of micro-entrepreneurship, recognizing it, and creating a formal system, those involved became empowered, as Royeca witnessed firsthand at a party with Angkas rider-partners years ago.

He was constructing a home for his family and a motorcycle repair shop, thanks to his work as an Angkas biker.

Royeca added that technology, while an important tool, wasn’t the secret to Angkas’ success. Instead, it was making “the macro into the micro” by focusing on the needs of the individual riders.

“It’s not about the tech, but the people behind it.”

During a Q&A portion, when asked how Angkas innovates its platform, Royeca spoke of how the service is focused on establishing an ecosystem that caters to the needs of its riders and the community that relies upon the service.

“Startups can even create a new ecosystem by means of various partnerships. You can partner with the brightest and best people out there so that you can offer good services to everyone,” he suggested.

Over its six years in operation, Angkas has achieved 18 million app downloads and has 30,000 rider-partners well-trained in safety, under its fleet.

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