Photo from Angkas
MANILA, Philippines — Homegrown motorcycle ride-hailing app Angkas has proposed to empower the 18 million motorcycle owners in the Philippines to become “nanopreneurs” or small business owners.
Their innovative concept, known as the Motorcycle Nanopreneur Digital Jobs Platform, opens up new opportunities for motorcycle owners to utilize their vehicles for entrepreneurial ventures.
Angkas Chief Executive Officer George Royeca was among the resource persons from the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) during the meeting, which other PSAC proponents also attended.
Inspired by Angkas’ proposal, the PSAC-Job Sector Group (PSAC-JSG) has taken the initiative to propose the creation of a Motorcycle Micro Business Program.
This program aims to support and empower motorcycle owners interested in utilizing their motorcycles for business purposes. The program’s success relies on the support of PSAC-JSG members and drivers in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector, such as Go Negosyo Chair Joey Concepcion.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself welcomed the proposal during a recent meeting with the PSAC-JSG on May 18, demonstrating the government’s commitment to strengthening public-private collaboration and promoting job creation in the country.
Providing dignified jobs for Filipinos has been one of the President’s top priorities, and the Motorcycle Micro Business Program is seen as means to achieve this objective.
The Motorcycle Micro Business Program aims to empower the informal sector, particularly motorcycle nanopreneurs, by creating one million job opportunities for habal-habal riders while ensuring the highest safety standards.
Additionally, the program addresses the financial exclusion of individuals without access to banking services by offering secure cash handling and easier motorcycle loans. This promotes financial inclusion and provides safety and financial protection for riders and passengers.
Royeca, a strong advocate for informal workers, thanks President Marcos for supporting the Motorcycle Micro Business Program. He hopes the President can expedite the program’s development and the empowerment of motorcycle nanopreneurs.
Royeca emphasizes that this progressive initiative, supported by the present administration, aims to generate over a million job opportunities and uplift numerous families out of poverty. The focus goes beyond job creation, as the program is dedicated to cultivating a resilient force of nanopreneurs within the informal sector, particularly among dedicated motorcycle riders.
“By harnessing our locally developed technological platforms, we aim to propel the Philippines onto the global startup technology stage, with ambitions that extend beyond international recognition. We aspire to foster a vibrant nation filled with innovative employers. Our goal is to build a locally empowered, inclusive, and sustainable economy that serves all Filipinos, by Filipinos,” asserts Royeca.