Twenty-seven-year-old Rainer Salvador defies the odds by pursuing his studies while working as a Lalamove partner driver.
The lack of formal education access in the Philippines continues to be a grave concern as part of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. But Salvador was one of those who remained determined to finish his studies.
Lalamove Partner Driver Rainer Salvador proudly poses with his motorcycle and Lalabag on the day of his graduation
Salvador used to work as a supervisor for a small beverage shop in Metro Manila. He was introduced to Lalamove through his conversations with the partner drivers who would pick up orders and deliver supplies to their shop.
Salvador was a third-year college student during that time, taking up a degree of Bachelor of Industrial Technology in Mechanical Technology. In 2021, he signed up as a partner driver with Lalamove.
Through the stories of the partner drivers he interacted with, he learned how flexible the work set-up is with Lalamove, having full control of their own time, setting up daily routines, and managing the orders they take. But it was the opportunity to earn more than his wages as an employed worker that convinced him to join the leading on-demand delivery platform.
Earning while Learning
Salvador managed to attend online classes in between deliveries in Metro Manila. He would turn off his Lalamove Driver app, and make pit stops at quiet areas, conducive enough to listen to his classes online.
“Bale ang ginagawa ko, papasok po ako sa online class at minsan, tumitigil ako sa daan at maghahanap ng tahimik na lugar para makinig ako sa mga subject ko (I would join my online class and listen to the lectures, and sometimes I would stop accepting bookings, and pull over in quiet areas to listen to my classes),” Salvador explained.
All these were made possible, according to Salvador, after he learned valuable tips and strategies from experienced partner drivers, especially the Lalamove Star Drivers.
His fellow partner drivers would advise him on how to strategize and maximize short rides and long rides with Lalamove. They also taught him how to be on the lookout for the peak hours and seasons for bookings.
Apart from this, they also advised him on days off and rest periods throughout the day.
If not for his earnings from being a Lalamove partner driver, Rainer said he would not have finished his studies, and would still be studying until now.
“Kung hindi ko siguro nakilala si Lalamove, siguro nandoon pa rin ako sa beverages [shop] or siguro hindi ko pa natapos ‘yung course na kinuha ko. Noong nakilala ko po si Lalamove talagang nakapag-fokus din po ako sa pagbalanse ng pag-aaral at trabaho (If I had not met Lalamove, I believe I would be still working at the beverages shop or I have not completed my course yet. Meeting Lalamove gave me a real opportunity to balance my studies and work effectively),” Salvador said.
After nine fruitful years of being a working student, Salvador eventually finished his bachelor’s degree at Bataan Peninsula State University.
Salvador believes that one should avoid rushing and comparing oneself in pursuing goals, he understands that each pace is different.
“Pangarap ko talaga na maitaguyod yung buhay ko, yung buhay ng magiging pamilya ko, tsaka yung mapasaya mo yung customer. Kapag may mga customer ako na nagkukwento kung paano sila umasenso, malaking bagay sa akin yun, kasi gusto ko rin siyang i-apply sa sarili ko, lalo na nag-uumpisa pa lang ako (It has always been my dream to support myself and my future family, as well as to bring happiness to our customers. during deliveries, when customers share their stories of how they’ve bettered their lives, it’s incredibly meaningful to me, because I would like to apply it to myself as someone just starting in life),” Salvador shared.
Paving the way for the future
Today, he reaps the fruits of his labor as he prepares for his dream wedding with his long-time partner, and he has also successfully invested in a piece of land in Rizal, which he plans to convert into a property for lease.
“Nung una, ang [pangarap] ko lang ay magkaroon ng degree kasi iba ‘yung tingin sa ‘yo ng tao kapag may pinag-aralan ka. Pero iba pala ‘yung feeling na naka-graduate ka gamit ang sariling sikap at pawis (At first, my only dream was to obtain a degree because people perceive you differently when you have one. However, the feeling is entirely different when you’ve already graduated, especially if it’s the result of your hard work and effort),” Salvador emphasized.
Salvador attributes these bouts of success to his hard work as a Lalamove partner driver. With his primary income centered around Lalamove, he efficiently covers his expenses for the day-to-day, earnings for his investments, and own future.
Rainer’s story is just one of the numerous stories of hard work and unwavering dedication that embody the essence of success.
He emphasized, “Para sa mga working student na katulad ko, huwag mo ipressure yung sarili niyo kasi kung ga-graduate kayo, makaka-graduate talaga kayo. Basta focus lang lagi sa mas kailangan, iyon ang laging priority (For working students, such as myself, all I can say is, don’t put too much pressure on yourself because if you work towards your goal, you will graduate. Your needs will align with your priorities).”
Lalamove continues its commitment to emphasize the importance of quality education as a means to empower partner drivers like Rainer. The on-demand delivery platform aims to contribute in different avenues to ensure its partner drivers’ personal and professional growth.
Sign up to be a Lalamove driver today and embark on your journey to success.
ADVT.