What began as a business became a mission to uplift the country. Learn more about Angkas and the future of motorcycle ride-sharing through this interview with co-founder and chief transport advocate, George Royeca:
Angkas and its co-founder, George Royeca, put social advocacy at the core of what they do these days. Angkas, The Philippines’ leading motorcycle ride-sharing service, has revolutionised public transportation in the country by providing options, creating job opportunities, and changing perspectives. Their journey has been tumultuous yet fruitful, but they still have more to do and are eager to continue their mission to positively impact the lives of Filipinos.
With 18 million motorcycle taxi owners in the country, George has a lot to fight for. “Our mantra is to change mindsets. If you give the Filipino the proper tools, they will become productive citizens of our country. This is what we are fighting for,” he says.
You might be thinking what is this cause and why does Angkas care so much? Well, did you know that one out of three Filipinos owns a motorbike and that most low-income families depend on these two wheels for their livelihood? These staggering figures made George and the Angkas team stop in their tracks. “A motorcycle is the first thing a low-income family invests in for their future to get them out of poverty. It shocked me to the core. When we started Angkas we didn’t know the extent of how many people this affected,” he revealed.
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What Team Angkas is fighting for is the legalisation of motorcycle taxis in the Philippines in order to protect the rider, the passenger and the industry. “For every 18 motorcycles, there is one car. Can you believe that?” George asked. “With that many people on motorcycles, there is a need for laws to protect the drivers and the riders.”
With un-passed bills, there are a lot of blurred lines and grey areas when accidents or disputes happen, causing a great deal of stress for people [who are] simply trying to make ends meet. “All of that was up in the air before Angkas entered the market,” George explains, leading into why he has spent years lobbying for the Angkas Bill to be passed by the government. “We are professionalising motorcycles as a form of transport,” he says, underlining the goal.
In fact, people have been trying to legalise the habal habal for 20 years with more than 20 bills on the floor. Thankfully, the Angkas Bill has made great strides—almost going all the way. “This year, the law might be passed, legalising motorcycle taxis for the millions that need it. This is not just for Angkas. It is for many other app-based provides, local providers, co-ops, corporations, and all other groups. We are the figurehead spearheading the project, but this law will benefit millions,” George explains.
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