Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes, they wear helmets and ride motorcycles.
From hundreds of nominations for outstanding delivery riders nationwide, e-commerce logistics leader J&T Express Philippines recently awarded its top three “hero riders” last July 2 during the Facebook and Youtube livestream of J&T Heroes: Bayani sa Makabagong Panahon which was watched by more than 190,000 viewers.
J&T Express Philippines Vice President Zoe Chi said the event is part of the company’s bayanihan spirit that aims to uplift the dignity of delivery riders as frontliners and modern heroes by recognizing their hard work, dedication, and contributions on the field every day.
“They have shown valor, creativity, ingenuity, and resilience in every parcel delivered. We are honored to have them in our J&T family. May you continue to serve as inspirations to every person you meet on the road,” she said.
Edison Awa, a J&T delivery rider based in Muntinlupa for two years now, garnered the top spot out of the final seven nominees and was named J&T Hero of the Year. According to his branch supervisor, Awa could deliver 100-300 packages in a day, or five or sometimes six days a week, making him one of the top couriers in his branch.
“Lahat naman kami deserve na maging J&T Hero,” he said. “Napakahalaga po ng delivery riders kasi kami ang nagdadala ng pangunahing pangangailan ng mga tao sa panahon na takot pa silang lumabas. Kahit natatakot para sa sarili, tinataas ko na lang sa Diyos ang aking kaligtasan para hindi bumigay sa hamon ng buhay.”
As a breadwinner for his aging parents and siblings in the province as well as his own family of four, Awa used to rely on uncertain odd jobs in construction and agencies, but now finds fulfillment and steady income from being a J&T delivery frontliner. “Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa J&T,” he added, “Ang mensahe ko sa aking co-riders, kahit gaano kahirap ang trabaho sa araw-araw, kahit gaano karami, isipin na ginagawa natin ito para sa ating mahal sa buhay.” As J&T Hero of the Year, Awa received a brand-new motorcycle and smart phone.
Daryl Ocenar from Tacloban and Ricky Frias representing the J&T Taguig Branch won second and third place respectively. They also received smartphones and corresponding prizes to include wireless earphones, Php5,000 worth of gift certificates, and an action camera. Other J&T Heroes finalists which include Raniel Pawilan (Quezon City), Russel Agullo (Makati City), Alan Guillen (Cebu City), and Jecel Beniga (Davao City) also took home gift certificates and special items from J&T.
Aside from the awarding ceremony, the livestream engaged viewers with games facilitated by J&T’s official celebrity host Xian Lim while the performance of singer and former Tawag ng Tanghalan contestant Gigi de Lana with the GG Vibes Band was equally anticipated by fans. Local leaders also sent their special messages of support including Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, Cebu Mayor Edgardo Labella; Jaen, Nueva Ecija Mayor Sylvia Austria, and Cabanatuan Mayor Myca Vergara.
The event is supported by J&T’s brand partners HINO, FOTON Motors Philippines, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Realme, Prestone Philippines, Clorox Philippines, Gcash, Shopee, and Pocari Sweat. Secondary local business sponsors include BELO Essentials, Gfoxx International, ELITE Sales, Tink Custom Print, Seek Shine, Organic Skin, K-COOL, Leupp Watches, KUMU, and Jane Secret.
J&T’s bayanihan spirit empowers and prioritizes customers and employees. Early this year, the company released a second tranche of groceries and essentials as employee “ayuda” to help team members affected by the lockdown. J&T has also extended help through various logistics services for COVID response and immediate disaster relief. The company is also dedicated to helping local online businesses grow by providing quality delivery services.