In a bold step toward the future of logistics, Grab Philippines has teamed up with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and real estate giant Megaworld Corporation to launch a pioneering drone delivery pilot in Metro Manila.
This landmark initiative is set to explore how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can redefine last-mile delivery in one of Southeast Asia’s most congested urban landscapes. The study aims to test the efficiency, safety, and scalability of drone logistics within controlled environments, offering a glimpse into how cities might soon beat the traffic—by flying above it.
The pilot introduces a hybrid delivery model: Grab’s delivery-partners will manage the initial pick-up and final drop-off, while drones will handle the mid-point aerial journey, slashing delivery times and potentially transforming the way essential goods move through the city.
“Drone delivery isn’t just about speed—it’s about smarter, more inclusive logistics,” said Ronald Roda, Managing Director of Grab Philippines. “This pilot helps us understand the role drones can play in bridging service gaps in both urban and underserved areas. Our goal is to co-create solutions that benefit everyone—customers, merchants, and delivery-partners alike.”
Urban Air Mobility for a Smarter Philippines
The Philippines, with its archipelagic geography and rapidly growing e-commerce sector, presents an ideal proving ground for drone-based logistics. By sidestepping ground traffic and navigating urban corridors from the sky, drones could usher in a new era of logistics that is faster, more efficient, and more sustainable.
The initial pilot will take place between two Megaworld townships in Metro Manila, providing a controlled environment to evaluate the technical, operational, and regulatory considerations. For now, participation will be limited to select consumers and merchants in those areas.
“If we want to fix traffic and improve connectivity, we have to think beyond the roads,” said DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon. “Drone logistics offers a way to move smarter and more sustainably. This pilot is exactly the kind of forward-thinking innovation we want to encourage—one that aligns with a modern, multimodal transport strategy.”
The project is also backed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Grab, DICT, DOTr, and Megaworld, committing all parties to jointly explore use cases, generate insights, and raise public awareness on drone-enabled services.
“This initiative is about more than innovation for innovation’s sake,” added DICT Undersecretary Christina Faye Condez-de Sagon. “Our role is to ensure that emerging technologies like drones are deployed responsibly—serving people, improving access, and supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda.”
Smarter Cities, Future-Ready Communities
For Megaworld, the pilot aligns with its vision of building smart, sustainable communities.
“We’re not just building properties—we’re building future-ready cities,” said Tyrone Tan, Cluster General Manager of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. “Drone logistics opens the door to more efficient services for our residents, tenants, and stakeholders. It’s innovation with immediate, real-world impact.”
As delivery demand continues to surge across the country and urban traffic shows no signs of slowing, this drone pilot could be a game-changer. If successful, Grab and its partners plan to expand the initiative to other locations and create drone corridors that ease the burden on the country’s overtaxed roads.