Seeing the growing demands of online delivery services brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Labor and Employment initiated the “Free Bisikleta Project” – which aims to provide free bicycles to food and non-food delivery riders.
Free Bisikleta Project
In order to help the informal sector workers who were left unemployed in this time of coronavirus disease pandemic, DOLE will initially roll out free bicycles to individuals who are willing to be tapped as riders for food and basic essential services.
In the Laging Handa briefing done last Thursday, October 22, by the Director of DOLE Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns, Ma. Karen Trayvilla shared that they were able to conceptualize this project after seeing that many Filipinos right now are patronizing online delivery services.
These free bikes will be distributed to four cities in Metro Manila and in four regional offices from October 26 to October 28. These areas include the cities of Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Pasig, and Manila, and regional offices of Region II (Cagayan Valley), Region III (Central Luzon), Region IV-A (Calabarzon), and Region V (Bicol).
A total of 900 bikes will be given for free upon the initial implementation of this project. And they are looking at the distribution of these bikes to other regional offices in the country – like in Cebu and other areas – by November or December.
FREE Bike, Cellphone, and E-load Wallet
Aside from the free bicycle that the riders will receive, they will also receive a smartphone, e-loading wallet, isolation bag, helmet, reflectorized vest, and bicycle rack. Beneficiaries will also be enrolled into the “Group Personal Accident Insurance” program of the Government Service Insurance System.
Interested applicants of this program are advised to visit their corresponding DOLE field office or the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). They will have to undergo profiling and once they get qualified, they will be given a “social preparation training”.
Ma. Karen Trayvilla explained that for Metro Manila recipients, the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) would provide training on traffic regulations. On the business side, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board would provide training and productivity and financial literacy. In terms of occupational health and safety standards, DOLE has also tapped Occupational Health and Safety Center.
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