In the bustling city of Marikina, a new kind of hub is changing the game for delivery riders, drivers, and small entrepreneurs. The Grab and MOVE IT Asenso Centers, launched in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), are more than just offices—they’re symbols of a new era in Filipino work.
For the first time, gig workers can walk into a place where they’re not just treated as contractors but as professionals—trained, insured, and supported.
This is the story of how technology, government, and private sector collaboration are redefining livelihood in the Philippines.
What Are Grab and MOVE IT Asenso Centers?
The Asenso Centers are one-stop livelihood hubs created to professionalize gig work and empower Filipino platform workers. They combine digital innovation with social protection, making them the first of their kind in Southeast Asia.
Key Partners
- Grab Philippines and MOVE IT – providing platform access and digital tools.
- Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) – ensuring digital inclusion and skills training.
The pilot center opened in Marikina City, with more hubs expected to follow across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Why the Asenso Centers Matter
Gig workers have long been the backbone of digital economies—delivering food, groceries, and essential goods to millions of homes. Yet many lack formal benefits, stable income, and training opportunities.
The Asenso Centers change that. They bridge the gap between informal and formal work, ensuring riders, drivers, and merchants gain:
- Social protection (SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth)
- Digital literacy and AI tools
- Professional training and certification
Every trip or delivery no longer just means earnings—it now contributes to inclusive economic growth and household security, as DICT officials emphasized during the launch.
Inside the Asenso Center: What’s Offered
- Professionalized Onboarding
What it is: Streamlined registration and orientation for new Grab and MOVE IT partners.
Why it matters: The process removes confusion and long waiting times, helping applicants quickly transition from walk-ins to active earners.
Each onboarding session includes:
- Account verification and GrabPay setup
- App installation and navigation help
- Service and safety training modules
This ensures every driver and rider understands digital processes and platform policies before hitting the road.
- Social Protection Access
What it is: Guided registration for essential government benefits—SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth—all in one place.
Why it matters: Gig workers often struggle to register independently. At the Asenso Center, staff guide them through each form and help secure benefits faster.
Extra perks include:
- Micro-insurance coverage from AXA and Chubb
- Free life insurance for top-performing riders
- Subsidized Pag-IBIG contributions for eligible members
These measures reduce workers’ vulnerability and ensure long-term welfare beyond daily earnings.
- AI-Enabled Livelihood Tools
What it is: Artificial intelligence features built to support productivity and business growth.
Why it matters: AI isn’t replacing workers—it’s empowering them.
Grab and MOVE IT introduced two innovations:
- Merchant AI Assistant – helps small businesses design marketing content, analyze sales, and forecast customer demand.
- AI Driver Companion – gives route optimization tips and performance insights in real time.
These tools allow Filipino gig workers to compete in a fast-paced, tech-driven economy.
- Financial Inclusion Programs
What it is: Support for digital payments, financial literacy, and savings programs.
Why it matters: Access to banking remains a challenge for many gig workers. Through GrabPay and partner institutions, Asenso Centers promote digital wallets and help riders manage income responsibly.
Training covers:
- Smart budgeting and savings techniques
- Using GrabPay for remittances and bills
- Building credit history through consistent transactions
The goal? To help gig workers move from paycheck-to-paycheck cycles toward financial stability and family-supporting income levels.
- Entrepreneur Empowerment
What it is: Support for local merchants joining GrabFood or GrabMart.
Why it matters: Micro-entrepreneurs gain digital exposure and AI-powered marketing assistance to expand their customer reach.
As DICT explained, community merchants grew by 30% year-on-year, proving how access to digital tools can transform local economies.
How to Apply Through the Asenso Centers
You don’t “apply” like at a job fair—the Asenso Centers act as onboarding and support hubs for Grab and MOVE IT partners. Here’s how the process works depending on your role:
For Riders and Drivers
- Visit an Asenso Center
- Walk-ins are welcome at the Marikina hub (with more centers coming soon).
- On-site staff assist with application and verification.
- Prepare the Required Documents
- Valid government ID
- Driver’s license
- OR/CR of motorcycle (if applicable)
- NBI or police clearance
- Digital Setup
- Download the Grab Driver App or MOVE IT App (transitioning under Grab’s new AppSenso system).
- Staff help with GrabPay KYC verification so you can receive payments without delay.
- Training & Orientation
- Learn road safety, app usage, and customer service best practices.
- Get introduced to AI tools that help improve delivery efficiency.
- Enroll in Social Protection
- Staff will help you sign up for SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth.
- You’ll also receive access to insurance coverage and welfare programs.
For Merchants and Small Businesses
- Register at the Center
- Bring your valid ID and, if available, your DTI business registration.
- Get Onboarded to GrabFood or GrabMart
- Staff help you list products, set delivery zones, and activate cashless payments.
- Use the Merchant AI Assistant
- Learn to create promotional posts, analyze customer behavior, and track earnings automatically.
Through these steps, entrepreneurs get the same professional support once reserved for larger companies.
Broader Impact on the Filipino Workforce
The Asenso Centers have already made tangible progress:
| Area | Impact |
| Livelihood Creation | Grab has achieved 73% of its 5-year goal of 500,000 jobs. |
| Community Growth | Local MSMEs saw a 30% increase in activity through Grab’s ecosystem. |
| Government Partnership | DICT recognizes gig work as a driver of inclusive national growth. |
This collaboration shows how technology and policy can align to uplift everyday workers.
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy emphasized that every delivery completed through these platforms represents food on the table, tuition for children, or medical expenses paid. It’s a reminder that the gig economy isn’t just about convenience—it’s about livelihood.
What Makes This Initiative Unique
Unlike traditional training centers, the Asenso Hubs combine three crucial elements rarely seen together:
| Component | Purpose | Example |
| Technology | AI-driven tools and digital literacy training | Merchant AI Assistant |
| Social Protection | Welfare, insurance, and benefit enrollment | SSS, PhilHealth, AXA programs |
| Economic Empowerment | Entrepreneurship and financial inclusion | GrabPay and small business support |
This integrated model ensures Filipino gig workers don’t just earn—they grow, learn, and secure their future.
Looking Ahead
With the success of the first center, Grab and MOVE IT plan to expand the Asenso network across Metro Manila and beyond. Future hubs may include specialized areas for e-commerce sellers, logistics partners, and family beneficiaries of riders.
The DICT’s long-term goal is to replicate this model nationwide—creating digitally inclusive communities that combine innovation with compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where is the first Asenso Center located?
The pilot center is in Marikina City, with more sites planned in other NCR areas. - Do I need to apply online before visiting?
Not necessarily. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can start registration via the Grab or MOVE IT websites. - What are the requirements to join as a rider or driver?
You’ll need a valid ID, driver’s license, motorcycle OR/CR, and NBI or police clearance. - Are merchants required to have a DTI permit?
It’s encouraged but not mandatory. The center can help you process or update your registration. - Is there a fee to enroll in government benefits?
No. Assistance for SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth registration is free of charge at the centers.
Watch: GRAB and MOVEIT Launch the ASENSO CENTER for Drivers and Riders
On October 30, 2025, GRAB and MOVEIT introduced the ASENSO CENTER to strengthen their support for driver and rider partners.
The program highlighted the spirit of “sama-sama aangat,” showing how collective effort can open doors to growth and opportunity.
Through this center, partners gained access to tools, training, and guidance that helped them adapt to the fast-changing world of digital transformation.
The launch underscored the companies’ commitment to uplifting livelihoods while embracing innovation in transport and delivery services.
By creating this hub, GRAB and MOVEIT gave their partners a stronger foundation to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Final Thoughts
In a world where technology often feels out of reach, the Asenso Centers prove that progress can be both digital and human.
They remind us that every Filipino worker—whether on a motorcycle, behind a counter, or managing a small online shop—deserves dignity, protection, and opportunity.
Through partnerships like this, we’re not just building platforms.
We’re building pathways to progress.