The Philippines is taking a bold step toward smarter, faster logistics with the launch of a drone delivery pilot, thanks to a new partnership between the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Grab Philippines, and property developer Megaworld.
The four parties recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in transforming how goods are delivered—especially in traffic-heavy urban centers and underserved areas. The agreement was formalized during the DICT’s Digital Bayanihan Roadshow in Dumaguete City on June 18.
Drones to Support Faster, Hybrid Deliveries
The pilot will test a hybrid model where Grab riders will handle first- and last-mile deliveries, while drones will manage the middle leg of the journey. This setup aims to bypass road congestion and speed up the transport of time-sensitive items.
“This pilot is an opportunity for us to learn and understand how drone deliveries might work in the Philippine context, from dense urban neighborhoods to underserved areas. We’re optimistic about the insights this pilot will bring,” said Grab Philippines Managing Director Ronald Roda. “
Boosting Innovation and Sustainability
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon expressed optimism about the pilot’s potential to ease traffic and modernize the country’s transport systems. “Drone logistics is one of the tools that can help us move faster, smarter, and more sustainably,” Dizon said. “This is the kind of forward-thinking approach we need to build a truly modern transport ecosystem,” he added.
Building the Future of Logistics
Through this pilot, the partners aim to raise public awareness and gather insights on drone operations in the local context. The initiative will help identify practical use cases and support future regulatory frameworks for drone-enabled services in the Philippines.
