Grab Honored as DICT ‘Bayani sa Last-Mile’ Awardee for Driving Digital Inclusion and Livelihood Growth

Manila, Philippines – In a significant recognition of its contributions to bridging the digital divide, ride-hailing and food delivery giant Grab has been named a recipient of the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) prestigious “Bayani sa Last-Mile” award. The honor, announced on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, celebrates Grab’s role in advancing digital inclusion and creating livelihood opportunities for millions of Filipinos, particularly in underserved communities.

A Recognition Rooted in Impact

The DICT’s “Bayani sa Last-Mile” award is designed to acknowledge organizations that go the extra mile—literally and figuratively—to bring digital services and economic opportunities to the country’s most remote and marginalized areas. Grab’s selection highlights its success in leveraging technology to empower micro-entrepreneurs, drivers, and delivery partners across the archipelago.

“This award is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the digital economy,” said a Grab Philippines spokesperson in a statement. “We are honored to be recognized by the DICT for our efforts to create sustainable livelihoods and foster digital inclusion, especially in areas that have traditionally been hard to reach.”

Bridging the Last-Mile Gap

The term “last-mile” refers to the final leg of connectivity—the critical gap between digital infrastructure and the end-user. For many rural and low-income communities in the Philippines, access to reliable internet and digital platforms remains a challenge. Grab has addressed this by:

• Expanding its service coverage to provincial and rural areas, enabling drivers and merchants in these regions to earn a steady income.
• Offering digital literacy programs to help partner drivers and small business owners navigate the platform and maximize their earnings.
• Providing financial inclusion tools, such as cashless payment options and access to micro-loans through Grab’s financial services arm.

According to DICT officials, Grab’s initiatives have directly contributed to the government’s goal of achieving universal digital access by 2030. “Grab has shown that technology can be a powerful equalizer,” said a DICT representative. “Their work in the last-mile space is a model for how private sector innovation can complement public sector efforts.”

Economic Empowerment in Action

Beyond connectivity, the award underscores Grab’s impact on livelihoods. As of 2026, the platform supports over 100,000 driver-partners and tens of thousands of merchant-partners nationwide. Many of these individuals rely on Grab as their primary source of income, particularly in areas where traditional employment opportunities are scarce.

For example, in provinces like Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo, Grab has become a lifeline for small food vendors and sari-sari store owners who now have access to a wider customer base through the GrabFood and GrabMart platforms. This has not only boosted their earnings but also helped them build digital skills that are increasingly essential in today’s economy.

Analysis: A Win-Win for Public and Private Sectors

The DICT’s recognition of Grab reflects a broader trend of collaboration between the Philippine government and tech companies to accelerate digital transformation. With the national broadband program still in its rollout phase, private sector players like Grab are filling critical gaps by providing last-mile services that government infrastructure alone cannot reach.

However, experts note that such partnerships also come with challenges. “While Grab’s contributions are commendable, we must ensure that the benefits of digital inclusion are equitably distributed,” said a digital policy analyst. “This means addressing issues like data privacy, fair labor practices, and the digital skills gap, which can persist even as access improves.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Inclusion

As the Philippines continues its journey toward a fully digital economy, the “Bayani sa Last-Mile” award serves as both a celebration and a call to action. For Grab, the recognition is likely to spur further investments in rural expansion and digital literacy programs. For the DICT, it reinforces the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving national development goals.

“We are just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” the Grab spokesperson added. “Our goal is to continue innovating and expanding so that every Filipino, regardless of where they live, can participate in and benefit from the digital economy.”

With the award now in hand, all eyes will be on how Grab and other tech companies can sustain and scale their last-mile efforts—ensuring that the digital future is truly inclusive for all.