RIDE-hailing app Grab Philippines, in partnership with Microsoft, launched the GrabAcademy online platform that will provide its drivers and delivery partners 'free and equitable access to new learning and development opportunities to help them become more competitive in the digital-first economy.'

'Our driver- and delivery-partners have spent many years providing essential services to all our kababayans, and as a community partner to our Ka-Grab, we are committed to supporting their everyday needs and their long-term success,' said Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz in a virtual media briefing on Wednesday.

The ride-hailing app said the online platform will introduce new learning and development courses such as proper food handling and delivery, proper sanitation of vehicles and gears, refresher courses on the general code of conduct, driver-cancellation policy, and service quality standards among others. GrabAcademy will also offer courses on entrepreneurship, baking, farming, and milk tea-making.

Driver-partners can also access Microsoft's Digital Literacy certification program via the Grab driver app. It will have six basic courses on computer basics, online communication, and creating and managing digital content. They will be awarded a Microsoft certification for free, upon completion of the course.

Microsoft Philippines Country Manager Andres Ortola said, 'Building digital skills and literacy is critical for us at Microsoft, especially today. Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) has made digital transformation critical, and accelerated a global wave of technology adoption. But embracing digital opportunities requires having the necessary digital skills.'

Grab driver and delivery partners who finished the program can access their Certificate of Completion through the Grab Driver app.