An increasing number of Filipino workers are embracing freelancing as an alternative and dependable source of income. This trend is expected to continue rising as the country gradually recovers from the severe impacts of the pandemic. According to Payoneer’s 2022 report on the freelance market in the Philippines, there are approximately 1.5 million freelance workers in the country, including delivery partners associated with online delivery platforms.
Among these freelancers are many fathers who serve as the primary breadwinners for their families. For these individuals, foodpanda has become a valuable avenue for supporting their family’s needs.
By working as delivery freelancers, these fathers can take on multiple jobs or adjust their work schedules based on their availability. foodpanda assists these exceptional dads in earning extra income, enjoying more flexible schedules, and maintaining control over their time.
On the occasion of Father’s Day, foodpanda pays tribute to the resilience and determination of these dedicated Ka-panDads by spotlighting their stories of sacrifice and hard work for their families.
The Ultimate Hustlers
Amidst the bustling streets of Quezon City, where every second counts, there is one individual who shines as a symbol of dependability and unwavering commitment. Allow us to introduce Aaron James Cas, a dedicated father of five and a valued member of the foodpanda community since 2018.
Aaron’s primary goal is to support his children and enable his wife to pursue her education as a third-year education student. Like many delivery freelancers today, he utilizes multiple delivery app platforms to provide his services. Aaron emphasizes that this arrangement allows him to maximize his earnings while maintaining optimal efficiency, as there is no obligation for delivery partners to be exclusive to a single platform.
Aaron shares being active on other app platforms allows him to adjust his schedule with that of each app’s features. “Dahil hindi pwede mamili ng booking sa ibang platform, ‘yun ang ginagamit ko sa umaga para kahit bumiyahe ako sa malalayo, okay lang. Kapag sa gabi naman at medyo delikado na sa daan, pwede sa foodpanda dahil around the area lang ang pick up at drop off.”
When asked about his earnings, Aaron emphasizes the advantages as a delivery partner at foodpanda. “Maganda at maluwag ang oras sa pagiging delivery freelancer. ‘Di tulad kapag regular na empleyado na fixed ang sahod, dito pwede mo mahawakan agad ang kita mo lalo para sa akin na araw-araw nagbibigay ng baon sa anak at asawa ko.”
“At least, pwede ako magbyahe kahit ilang oras para mas mataas pa ang kitaan. Sipag at diskarte lang talaga ang puhunan para makuha mo yung desired income mo,” he explains.
Above all, Aaron’s motivation stems from his deep love for his children and his dream to secure a bright future for them. “Ginagawa ko ito para sa aking mga anak at asawa na nag-aaral pa. Para ito sa kinabukasan nila.”
Sharing a parallel narrative, Nelson Padilla, a 47-year-old father from Bulacan, carries a story akin to many others. He has taken on the role of a Ka-panda rider to provide for his family, with a particular focus on supporting his child who requires special care and attention.
Despite having been in the food service industry for 23 years, he found the flexibility of being a delivery rider to be more suitable for his family’s needs.
Nelson also works as a part-time sales consultant for a product distribution and marketing company. To pursue his passion, he usually takes some time off from delivering to attend seminars or conferences to boost his skills as a Sales Marketing Agent. “Unlike sa 8-5 na trabaho, may schedule at responsibility ka. Dito, ikaw mamimili ng oras na papasukan na swak sa schedule mo. Kung may training ako o kailangan asikasuhin, di muna ako kukuha ng session.”
Despite this, he still appreciates the steady income he earns as a delivery partner, saying, “Dahil di stable ang income sa pagiging sales consultant, sa pagiging delivery partner ay sure na may kita araw-araw. Marunong lang dapat mag-adjust kaya may other options para kumita at masuportahan ko ang mga anak ko.”
“Dahil di naman ako tapos ng pag-aaral, kahit papano sa pagiging delivery partner, may disenteng hanapbuhay at kita. Ang puhunan ko lang ay skill sa pag-drive ng motor at sarili ko pa ang boss ko.”
What Do Delivery Partners Love About Being a Ka-panda?
Over the years, foodpanda has witnessed a remarkable expansion of its freelancer delivery fleet, encompassing riders, bikers, e-scooters, and walkers. When asked about their motivations for choosing to become delivery freelancers, a significant majority of the Ka-panda respondents cited saving and earning more money as their primary reason for opting to work as delivery partners. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of having a flexible work schedule, ranking it as the second most crucial factor that draws them to become foodpanda delivery partners. This flexibility enables them to effectively manage their time and schedule.
“We salute our Ka-panDads, our modern-day Filipino workers who are working hard to provide for their families. The stories of Aaron James and Nelson, along with those of thousands of our delivery partners, continue to be an inspiration to many, and it is only fitting that we also recognize them during the celebration of Father’s Day. They are real-life examples that being a delivery partner can be a simple and flexible option to earn a living. With this, foodpanda is always here to extend a hand to any Filipino who would like to be part of our delivery partner fleet,” according to Snehasis Despande, Operations Director of foodpanda Philippines.
Even for those who work as part-time delivery freelancers, foodpanda prioritizes their well-being and protection by providing insurance coverage. This comprehensive insurance package includes accident insurance, coverage for accidental dismemberment, medical reimbursement for essential health and wellness maintenance, hospital cash assistance, and burial assistance.