The City Government of Davao, through the Davao City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgrO), in partnership with Grab, officially launched Grab Asenso on August 12, 2026, at Seda Hotel, providing Dabawenyo agripreneurs with practical skills to thrive in the digital marketplace and improve their livelihoods.
Grab Asenso is a flagship public-private partnership program under the Digital Diskarte Program, aimed at accelerating the digitalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Philippines.
City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre emphasized that the initiative goes beyond simply selling products, as it helps uplift Dabawenyo agripreneurs by increasing their visibility, creating direct connections between farmers and consumers, and promoting healthier and more sustainable choices.
“Galing talaga ito sa grassroots, yun ang pinaka maganda doon. The problem is they don’t have the venue to sell or platforms to sell the products. So, right now we are very happy na on board na sila sa Grab application, and this is one of the trainings that Grab taught and equipped them with. That’s very important (This is from the grassroots, that’s the best part about it. The problem is they don’t have the venue or platforms to sell their products. So, right now, we are very happy that they are already on board the Grab application, and this is one of the trainings that Grab provided to equip them, which is very important),” he said.
The event was attended by 50 women agripreneurs from the Rural Improvement Club (RIC), who actively participated in training sessions covering how to start selling online, establish online channels, build online branding and visibility, and use digital marketing strategies to ensure that they are not only digitally prepared but also competitive and sustainable.
Meanwhile, RJ Cabaluna, Vice President for Cities of Grab Philippines, said that by embracing digital platforms, Dabawenyo agripreneurs can reach customers beyond traditional boundaries, making their products accessible across the city with just a few taps.
“It’s all about creating a digital presence and pathway for them. That means giving them the right access to the market. Before, our farmers would be restricted by distance and physical presence in markets to make their products available in different parts of the city. Today, with GrabMart, once they are available on the platform, they will have a digital storefront. So, that enables them to sell virtually anywhere within Davao,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marissa Jaleco, President of the Rural Improvement Club, emphasized that the training sessions not only broadened their knowledge but also strengthened the confidence of women agripreneurs to pursue sustainable livelihoods and thrive in the digital marketplace.
“Dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa amoa kay tungod diri gyud namo nakita namo pod kung unsa ang pamaagi sa pagnegosyo, ilabi na sa kababaihan nga kinahanglan nga naay diskarte sa kinabuhi. Thankful kaayo mi ron kay nadungagan among kaalam sa pagnegosyo (This is a huge help for us because here we really learned how to do business, especially for women who need to be resourceful in life. We are very thankful because our knowledge in business has also increased),” she said. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar