Each day, commuters in Metro Manila must contend with the heavy traffic amid the lack of efficient mass transportation, the growing population, and increased economic activity.

While the government works frenetically to get a slew of train, elevated road and modernization flagship projects into shape, Angkas, the country’s largest motorcycle taxi provider, has increased its number of drivers to over 30,000 to serve passengers in 22 cities.

In an interview with Daily Tribune, Angkas founder and chief executive officer George Royeca said the revolutionary company will not stop in carrying out its dual mission of providing  alternative transportation and helping Filipinos gain financial security.

Over seven million Filipinos, who mostly belong to the low and middle-income classes, have downloaded the Angkas app since lawmakers in 2019 legalized two-wheeled vehicles as a form of public transport.

While road accidents are unpredictable, Royeca said the firm’s customer growth reflects the trust it has established with its customers which stems from the strict driving tests with a required passing rate of 99.997 percent it conducts for its drivers.

Angkas data showed the ride-hailing firm maintains a strict standard for riders with 70 percent of applicants failing the test on average.

Royeca has become a prominent figure in the field of business and entrepreneurship, and among toiling Filipinos who want a decent income for their families through the revolutionary Angkas initiative.

As the CEO of Angkas, he has made significant contributions to the transportation industry and has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in uplifting Filipinos’ lives.

In 2020, he was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men, a testament to his exemplary leadership and impact on society.

Under his leadership, Angkas has emerged as a trailblazer in the ride-hailing industry, providing a safe and efficient motorcycle taxi service that benefits thousands of rider-partners and millions of commuters.

Royeca’s vision and strategic acumen have been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success, earning him widespread acclaim as a dynamic leader in the business community.

Beyond his role at Angkas, Royeca has been a vocal advocate for improving and modernizing the country’s transportation infrastructure.

He has been actively involved in promoting road safety and advocating for the rights of motorcycle riders, contributing to meaningful policy discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall transport ecosystem in the Philippines.

Royeca’s recognition as a TOYM award is a prestigious honor that celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of young Filipino leaders across various fields.

With the accolade, Royeca has been acknowledged for his outstanding accomplishments and his unwavering dedication to driving positive change in the business and transportation sectors.

His commitment to innovation, social responsibility, and ethical business practices exemplifies the qualities of a true leader and serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers.

His visionary leadership, entrepreneurial prowess, and advocacy for positive change have positioned him as a trailblazer and role model for young leaders in the Philippines and beyond.

Angkas has become a model for responsible mass transport operations with the use of modern technology.

Along with a focus on hiring responsible drivers, Royeca said Angkas aims to further increase its supply of drivers through affordable motorcycle financing, both in-house and through business partners.

“Only a few have availed of our in-house loans so far. They’re less than a hundred but we want this to expand,” he said.

“We have started offering loans this year for small amounts. But we are partnering with other firms, such as banks and motorcycle dealerships to provide loans,” he said.

Livelihood vehicle

Applications to become an Angkas driver are open to men and women. With a keen eye for business but also compassion for the less privileged, Royeca and his team have  helped at least 50,000 low-income workers escape poverty.

“Angkas has provided jobs to 19.2 million motorcycle riders. Most of them or 99 percent belong to the low-income class and informal sector,” he said.

“We will continue to help small workers, identifying the needs of their families,” he added.

 Aside from motorcycle loans, he said Angkas also offers financial aid to drivers who want to start a small business.

“We also help riders put up a small business like a carinderia, paresan or sari-sari stores,” Royeca said.

In this way, he said more Filipinos can develop financial independence and ensure a comfortable life for their families.

Through partnerships between firms led by certain advocacies, Royeca said “opportunities will further abound for the micro, small and medium enterprises.”

Market researcher Statista said 11 million more Filipinos will have smartphones by 2028, which could encourage higher demand for app-based motorcycle taxis.

“Because of technology, we are able to provide livelihood to the less privileged. But technology is only a tool. The key to our success is our recognition of the basic needs of the informal workforce,” Royeca said.

 Owning a house is a dream for many Filipinos which he said Angkas is also helping realize through its partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund, a mutual fund assistance for buying a home.

“In Angkas, we also advocate for the welfare of the informal workers or those who lack government requirements and benefits,” he said.

“Probably, for the first time in the history of public transport drivers, Angkas drivers now have Pag-IBIG contributions. We promise them they can have their homes in five years,” Royeca said.

Bayanihan era

All these programs of Angkas, Royeca said, are anchored on the Filipino spirit of bayanihan which was highly evident during the pandemic.

“The first thing we learned from the pandemic is the spirit of bayanihan or collaboration. All the businesses in the private sector, along with the government, were focused on helping the public,” he said.

Royeca said the desire of Angkas to diversify its services and its optimism that more Filipinos will have brighter futures also come from its recognition that Filipinos are “talented and hardworking.”