PH launches first Asenso Center for AI-enabled livelihoods

The Philippines' first 'Asenso Center,' a livelihood hub aimed at boosting AI-enabled earning opportunities, has been launched in Marikina.

This initiative is a collaboration between Grab Philippines, Move It, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

The one-hectare facility seeks to enhance the onboarding process for platform workers and entrepreneurs, and accelerate access to AI-powered earning tools.

It will also streamline enrollment in social protection programs like SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth, complemented by micro-insurance and welfare protection from Chubb and AXA.

Grab Philippines Country Managing Director Ronald Roda stated that the center addresses the needs of Filipino platform workers and micro-entrepreneurs by providing dignified, digitally powered livelihoods and AI co-pilots.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda underscored the importance of digital enablement in the agency's bid to create 8 million digital livelihoods.

The Asenso Center is also described as the first of its kind in Grab's Southeast Asia network and is poised to support Grab's commitment to generate 500,000 livelihood opportunities.

Grab Philippines has already delivered new livelihoods equivalent to 73% of its five-year target, with merchant participation also growing by 30% year-on-year.