beneficiaries established a new income stream to support their families.
Active transport, particularly bike commuting, has become a popular option for avoiding traffic in the Philippines. A 2023 survey from the Social Weather Station found that more than a third of Filipinos own a bicycle. As departments of the national government and local government units work towards expanding bike lanes and building more bike-friendly infrastructure, Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) supports this growing movement towards a healthier, more environmentally friendly lifestyle with its Ride Safe Campaign.
AZPNBL launched its Ride Safe advocacy in 2021, through awareness campaigns on bike safety and the benefits of active transport, working closely with local government units and partnered with key cities such as San Juan, Taguig, and Manila. Recently, the leading insurance company expanded the initiative with the Ride Safe 2.0 program which seeks to support individuals and their families through livelihoods in bike repair.
Sustainable livelihood
showcases his bike shop using the mechanic skills he learned from the program.
Ride Safe 2.0 is an innovative program designed to offer specialized livelihood support to selected beneficiaries of the Family Strengthening Program (FSP) of SOS Children’s Village Pilipinas, who are interested in pursuing entrepreneurship. The project aims to address daily needs while providing a pathway to establish a sustainable income source through bike-related enterprises.
Its core components include technical entrepreneurship skills development through training programs on business management, financial planning, and bike maintenance and repair at the Hermann Gmeiner National Training Center. The participants were also able to gain knowledge through apprenticeship opportunities with experienced bike mechanics and entrepreneurs. To support their entrepreneurship journey, Ride Safe 2.0 also granted successful participants seed capital for bike mechanic hubs to cover essential start- up costs.
“Our aim with Ride Safe 2.0 is to establish a solid foundation on economic independence and sustainability through bike-related ventures,” says Ramon Lee Cualoping III, SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas National Director & CEO.
Inclusive growth
Natalio, happily pose with SOS Children’s Village Iloilo Team at his newly opened bike
shop.
Ride Safe 2.0 was launched in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas, with family participants in Tacloban, Iloilo, and Cebu villages. The program is designed to empower the participants, particularly women, with the necessary skills in establishing their own bike shops.
Three beneficiaries from SOS Children’s Village in Tacloban became bike repair entrepreneurs after undergoing comprehensive training. To support their learning journey, they received allowances for food and transportation. They opened their Bike Repair Shop in Barangay 97-Cabalawan, Tacloban City.
From Cebu, aspiring entrepreneur Joseph Salonoy has received Ride Safe 2.0 technical and entrepreneurship skills training, plus P120,000 in two tranches as his capital for his bike repair business. He was able to open his own bike repair shop in Purok Avocado, Bgy. Tawason, Mandaue City.
The Allianz-Ride Safe 2.0 grant also empowered Jeram Tubongbanua, Regen Rubin, Renato Gadot Jr., Ricky Natalio, and Fermin Lintuco Jr. to establish thriving bike shop businesses in Iloilo. Armed with initial seed capital, essential tools, and comprehensive training, these entrepreneurs have not only secured additional income streams to support their families but became vital contributors to their communities. By offering essential bike repair services and affordable parts, they have filled a critical gap in the market while promoting sustainable transportation.
“Their success stories underscored the power of collaboration, skills development, and community engagement in driving progress. The Allianz-Ride Safe 2.0 grant has empowered these individuals, ignited a ripple effect of positive change, inspired others to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, and contributed to the betterment of their communities. This is aligned with Allianz’s global strategy and commitment to investing in communities to foster resilience and confidence for a better tomorrow,” says Joe Gross, Allianz PNB Life Chief Executive Officer.