The gig economy grew faster in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From surveying drivers across Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, the brief finds that while flexible, self-employed delivery work helped mitigate economic shocks from COVID-19, about one-third of these workers had an accident in the past 12 months, and only 21 of the drivers are women. Encouraging greater support for workers’ welfare to improve sustainability—such as affordable medical insurance—the brief also notes potential for more gender balance in GrabFood’s workforce.

Published July 2023.
Source: Asian Development Bank.

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