Juggling studies, a demanding delivery job, and the responsibility of supporting your family. Brenda Isederio, a working college student, knows this struggle firsthand. As a delivery partner for foodpanda logistics, she’s balancing her academic pursuits with providing for her loved ones. But Brenda’s story is one of resilience and empowerment, thanks to the Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels (WoW) program.
Launched during Women’s Month, Ka-pandaBIZ: WoW aims to empower women in the delivery fleet by providing them with the tools and skills to start their own businesses. Brenda was one of six women selected for the program and received a substantial cash grant to kickstart her venture.
“We’re all helping each other run the sari-sari store,” Brenda shared. “As long as sales keep coming in and the store runs smoothly, we have enough for daily expenses.” She expressed immense gratitude for the business training, saying, “While the cash benefit is important, learning how to grow our business is invaluable.”
The program’s culmination was a recent commencement ceremony attended by beneficiaries from Metro Manila and joined remotely by Ka-panda women from other regions. Ron Sanders, Rider Experience Lead of foodpanda logistics, expressed his pride in the graduates, emphasizing their dedication and hard work.
A Viable Livelihood for Ka-panda Women
Each of the six women who completed the program received a Php 100,000 business capital to start their own small businesses. They underwent comprehensive training, covering financial literacy, personal leadership, sari-sari store planning, and business growth strategies. The training was conducted in partnership with HAPINOY, a program dedicated to empowering microentrepreneurs.
Lheniefer Dumo, a Davaoena Ka-panda for four years, shared how the program helped her. “Since becoming a WoW beneficiary, I’ve had additional income from the store to supplement my delivery earnings.” She also praised the training, saying, “I learned valuable techniques for running a successful sari-sari store. Thanks to the program, I now know how to properly manage inventory, identify unique selling propositions, and implement effective strategies.”
Jiemelyn Cortez, another beneficiary, echoed Lheniefer’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the knowledge gained from the program. She and her partner, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, are now managing their own sari-sari store with the newfound skills and capital.
Pay-it Forward
Beyond business training, the program also emphasized community leadership. Each beneficiary was given an allowance to conduct outreach activities, such as community clean-ups, feeding programs, and back-to-school support. Over 300 individuals, including children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, benefited from these initiatives.
Sanders commended the beneficiaries for their commitment to giving back, saying, “It’s inspiring to see them not only supporting their communities but also taking the lead in organizing their own outreach activities.”
The Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels program is a testament to foodpanda logistics’ commitment to corporate social responsibility and gender equality. By empowering women in the delivery fleet, the program not only enhances their livelihoods but also contributes to the economic growth of their communities.
