Angkas has gone a long way toward shaping and changing public perception of motorcycle taxis. The company's efforts have not only raised awareness, but also generated significant advocacy, which has contributed to the industry's success. According to WR Numero, a leading research firm in the Philippines, 48% of Filipinos recognize the Angkas brand. Furthermore, the study found that 45% of Filipino participants now use habal-habal for transportation, with 14% reporting regular use and 11% using it two to four times a week.
According to a recent study published by WR Numero, 58% of Filipinos "agree with or strongly support" the legalization of habal-habal, an unregulated motorcycle transportation service. Furthermore, 78% of Filipinos believe having an advocate in Congress is critical, highlighting the importance of MC Taxis in the lives of Filipino commuters. The WR Numero Philippine Public Opinion Monitor, a pioneering and innovative public opinion research initiative, polled people aged 18 and up nationwide about habal-habal. These findings emphasize Angkas' critical role in raising national awareness and advocating for the motorcycle taxi industry.
Since its inception in 2016, Angkas has worked tirelessly to dispel the myth that using motorcycles to transport passengers is dangerous, demonstrating that with proper training and education, motorcycle taxis can be a viable and safe mode of transportation. The company has set new industry standards, demonstrating its commitment to safety and dependability. By 2019, Angkas had established its safety credentials with an impressive 99.997 percent safety record, as evidenced by multiple court and congressional hearings. Following this success, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) established a technical working group (DOTr-TWG) to conduct a feasibility study on MC Taxis, in which Angkas and two other players participated.
Following Angkas' achievements, George Royeca, co-founder and current CEO, has emerged as a leading transportation advocate. Royeca has been advocating for job opportunities for habal-habal riders and providing legitimate two-wheel transportation options for commuters for nearly ten years. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in Angkas' success and the growth of the motorcycle taxi industry.
Angkas was threatened with termination several times in its early years due to regulatory challenges and concerns about the safety of MC Taxis. Royeca addressed these concerns by instituting rigorous biker training and emphasizing excellent service delivery to ensure safety and sustainability. To date, over 50,000 motorcycle drivers have been lifted out of poverty by Angkas, thanks to Royeca's biker welfare initiatives such as dependable loan programs, benefits, and incentives that formalized the previously informal habal-habal sector.
Royeca's commitment to the motorcycle taxi industry and advocacy efforts have paved the way for significant progress. The strong support (58%) for legitimizing habal-habal riders demonstrates Royeca and Angkas' success in advocating for the inclusion of the informal sector in the country's labor force while also providing commuters with a safe, quick, and comfortable transportation experience. Congress is currently working on regulatory laws for MC Taxis that are structured in accordance with the TWG recommendations. Royeca and Angkas' faith in habal-habal riders has paved the way for this watershed moment in the local transportation industry.
Angkas' success in raising national awareness and advocating for the motorcycle taxi industry has been critical to its growth. George Royeca's leadership and unwavering advocacy have earned him the respect of the industry and the 18 million-strong motorcycle riding community. Angkas and George Royeca continue to drive forward the industry, ensuring a better future for millions of motorcycle riders in the Philippines.
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