Ride Safe, a campaign begun in 2021 by leading insurance company Allianz PNB Life to push public awareness on bike safety and the benefits of active transport, has been beefed up.

Having worked with local government units and partnered with key cities such as San Juan, Taguig and Manila in building more bike-friendly infrastructure, Allianz now expands the initiative with a program that promotes livelihoods in bike repair.

Ride Safe 2.0 offers specialized livelihood support to selected beneficiaries of the Family Strengthening Program of SOS Children’s Village Pilipinas, who wish to pursue bike-related enterprises. 

It is designed to empower the participants, particularly women, with the necessary skills in setting up their own bike shops, and is aimed at addressing their daily needs while providing a pathway to establish a sustainable income source.  

The project’s core components include technical entrepreneurship skills development through training programs on business management, financial planning, and bike maintenance and repair at the Hermann Gmeiner National Training Center in Lipa City. The participants are able to gain knowledge through apprenticeship opportunities with experienced bike mechanics and entrepreneurs. 

Ride Safe 2.0 also grants successful participants seed capital to cover essential start-up costs.

“Our aim with Ride Safe 2.0 is to establish a solid foundation on economic independence and sustainability through bike-related ventures,” says Ramon Lee Cualoping III, the national director and CEO of SOS Children’s Village Pilipinas.

Ride Safe 2.0 was launched in partnership with SOS Children’s Village with family participants in certain cities in the Visayas. 

In Barangay 97-Cabalawan in Tacloban City, three beneficiaries of SOS Children’s Village became bike-repair entrepreneurs after undergoing comprehensive training. They were supported in their learning journey with allowances to cover food and transportation.

In Purok Avocado, Barangay Tawason, Mandaue City, aspiring entrepreneur Joseph Salonoy received technical and entrepreneurship skills training, plus P120,000 in two tranches as his capital for his bike-repair business. 

The Ride Safe 2.0 grant also empowered Jeram Tubongbanua, Regen Rubin, Renato Gadot Jr., Ricky Natalio, and Fermin Lintuco Jr. to establish thriving bike shops in Iloilo. Armed with initial seed capital, essential tools, and comprehensive training, they not only secured additional income to support their families but also became vital contributors to their communities. By offering essential bike-repair services and affordable bike parts, they have filled a critical gap in the market while promoting sustainable transportation.

“Their success stories underscore the power of collaboration, skills development, and community engagement in driving progress,” Allianz CEO Joe Gross said, adding: 

“The Ride Safe 2.0 grant has empowered them, ignited a ripple effect of positive change, inspired others to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, and contributed to the betterment of their communities. This is aligned with Allianz’s global strategy and commitment to investing in communities to foster resilience and confidence for a better tomorrow.” 

Allianz PNB Life is a joint venture between Allianz Group headquartered in Munich, Germany, and the Philippine National Bank. It was established in the Philippines in 2015 and currently operates 12 business centers in key cities nationwide.

For more information on Allianz PNB Life and the Ride Safe 2.0 campaign, visit www.allianzpnblife.ph.