Angkas has urged the government to legalize motorcycle taxi operation in the country to create livelihood opportunities for the informal sector and augment transportation in the metro.
In a statement, George Royeca, Angkas chief executive officer, said recognizing and legitimizing motorcycle riders, especially those from the informal sector of habal-habal, a two-wheeled colorum service, is important in jump-starting the sector.
Highlighting the role of building good partnerships with the government, Royeca said all 50,000 Angkas bikers were lifted out of poverty.
“The success story underscored the strength of partnerships in creating formal livelihood opportunities that manage to augment transportation in the metro,” he said.
Royeca noted the staggering number of informal workers awaiting formal recognition, saying these individuals from different industries have been contributing to the economy but do not have the same access to benefits that members of the formal sector do.
“The informal workers, such as boatmen, masseuses, and habal-habal drivers, are already working, but without the help of the government and financial services, and proper access to a lot of these different benefits. What’s missing are policies in our economy that recognize them. (By) recognizing the informal sector, we could reinforce their work, significantly boost the economy, and uplift millions of Filipinos almost overnight,” Royeca said.
Alongside access to government benefits, he noted the need to provide avenues for economic mobility and fostering financial literacy, advocating for policies that extend beyond infrastructure development and encourage Filipinos to take charge of their financial situations.
