#CulturePH - 6 women Ka-pandas graduate from foodpanda logistics livelihood program
As a working college student, Brenda Isederio manages her time between studies and being a delivery partner for delivery service provider, foodpanda logistics. Now in her third year of college, Brenda juggles her studies with supporting her family. Her mom is a streetsweeper, and her dad is a maintenance worker.
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| L-R: Hapinoy Co-Founder and President Mark Joquin Ruiz, Ka-panda WoW beneficiary Abegail Guzman, Ka-panda WoW beneficiary Rachel Silvano, and foodpanda Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head Jerome Mangahas for the Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels Commencement Activity |
Receiving an invitation to join the Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels (WoW) program felt like an answered prayer. Brenda is one of six women from the Ka-panda delivery fleet who graduated from the Ka-pandaBIZ livelihood and training program. Launched during Women's Month, the initiative empowers women by providing tools and skills to start their own businesses.
“We help each other run the sari-sari store. As long as sales continue and the store operates smoothly, we have enough for daily expenses,” Brenda narrated. “We’re very thankful for the guidance on our business plan. Having cash benefits is important, but learning how to grow our business is invaluable.”
“Nagtutulungan po kami sa pagpapatakbo nung sari-sari store. Basta tuloy-tuloy lang po ang benta namin at maayos yung flow ng tindahan, meron po kaming pinagkukunan na gastusin sa pang-araw-araw,” Brenda narrated. “Sobrang thankful po ako sa pag-gabay sa amin sa business plan kasi kahit meron po kaming cash benefit, mahalaga rin ang maayos na pagtuturo kung paano namin mapapalago ‘yung negosyo namin.”
The commencement program was held recently which brought together beneficiaries residing in Metro Manila from Taguig and Makati, and joined remotely by Ka-panda women from Mindoro, Leyte, Cagayan De Oro, and Davao.
Ron Sanders, Rider Experience Lead of foodpanda logistics, expressed his pride in the graduates, saying, "We are very proud of the women who participated in the Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels program. Their dedication and hard work have been impressive. This initiative shows our commitment to supporting and uplifting women in our Ka-panda community, providing them with opportunities to grow and succeed."
A viable livelihood for Ka-panda women
Each of the six women has successfully completed the program and was able to receive a business capital worth Php 100,000 to kickstart their own small businesses. They were carefully selected to undergo a comprehensive training program, which included financial literacy and personal leadership lessons, sari-sari store starter plan, and running and growing the sari-sari store. This approach aims to ensure the sustainability of the business for our Ka-pandas
The training sessions were organized in partnership with HAPINOY, foodpanda logistics’ official partner organization, a program dedicated to empowering microentrepreneurs.
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| Beneficiaries of Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels with their own sari-sari stores funded by the cash grant |
Lheniefer Dumo, a Davaoena Ka-panda for 4 years, expressed how much it helped her. “Simula nang naging WoW beneficiary ako, may pang-supplement na ako sa aking pag-byahe dahil may extra income galing sa tindahan.”
“Dito ko nalaman na mayroon talagang technique para sa tamang pagha-handle ng tindahan. Kasi noon, nagka-tindahan ako pero nalugi. Ngayon, sa tulong niyo, sana ay maging successful na ito kasi alam ko na kung paano gawin yung paglilista, pag-identify ng unique selling proposition, at anong dapat gawin.”
Like Lheniefer, Jiemelyn Cortez feels she can significantly apply what she learned from the program to her own sari-sari store.” ’Yung mga hindi namin alam tungkol sa pagtitinda ay natutunan na namin.“
Jiemelyn, an active member of the LGBTQIA+ rider group in her area, receives support from her partner in managing their small business. ”Malaking tulong na may hanapbuhay bilang delivery partner ang mga nasa LGBTQIA+ community na katulad ko. Dagdag pa itong opportunity na mabigyan ng kapital at proper training para mag-start sa negosyo.”
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| Pay-it forward activity Children and elderlies alike enjoy a free haircut from one of the mini outreach activities done by a WoW beneficiary |
Aside from the business training sessions, they were also taught about community leadership. Each beneficiary was given a separate allowance to do a pay-it-forward activity through community clean-ups, feeding program and back-to-school support. Over 300 beneficiaries including children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD), and members of the LGBTQIA+ community were able to either participate in or receive the benefits.
“It is inspiring to see them not only giving back to the community but also taking the lead in organizing their own outreach activities. This reflects the strong Filipino spirit of sharing blessings with those in need,” shared Sanders.
The Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels program is part of foodpanda logistics' broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and gender equality. “By empowering women in the Ka-panda delivery fleet, this program not only enhances their livelihoods but also contributes to the economic growth of their communities.”
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