Can’t do the shopping because of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ)? Well, there’s a newly-launched mobile app to take care of your needs now. It’s Citimuber.
With the ECQ now in its second week, many among us have probably consumed most of the groceries that we stocked up before our movements were severely restricted. Now, with two more weeks to go, we’re seeing social media posts of our friends taking hours just to get into a supermarket, and wondering how we’ll manage when we run out of sardines, corned beef, chips, etc.
If you’re in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, Citimuber can actually do your groceries for you. All you have to do is download the Citimuber User app on the Google Play Store for Android devices and the Apple App Store for iOS devices.
Now take note that the Citimuber app is Intended to be a one-stop app for your transport and other personal needs, there are icons for various services. With the current restrictions, however, only the Food Delivery, Grocery Delivery, and More Delivery services are available.
Clicking on the Food Delivery option gives you the list of available restaurants in your area, although actual store hours/operations may be limited by the quarantine conditions. Some outlets previously open have been closed due to operational constraints.
Citumuber Grocery Delivery
With Grocery Delivery, you can choose from the list of available supermarkets near you. Fill up your shopping cart with your selection of grocery items and then proceed to checkout. Packing as well as handler/pabili charges will be added to your total bill. Only credit card payments are currently available, and you will have to allow 1 to 3 days for delivery.
Citimuber Driver For Rent
One unique service offered in the Citimuber app is the Driver For Rent. If you need someone to do run specific errands, you can click on this button to hire a Driver or a Rider in a motorcycle on an hourly or daily basis. You can then instruct the Driver/Rider to buy multiple products in different stores of your choice.
Citimuber Founder
Citimuber caters to OFWs as the founder, Rommel Villaroman, is himself a Hong Kong-based overseas Filipino worker. He says that Citimuber riders are currently kept busy by orders from Filipinos abroad who want to provide for their family’s needs during the current crisis. To date, they have been able to serve grocery delivery packages ordered from Hong Kong, the Middle East, and even Canada. The app accepts foreign-denominated credit card payments.
According to Villaroman, “Through Prizesmart, our chain of Filipino convenience stores here in Hong Kong, we have been serving the needs of the OFW community for many years. We understand that in the present situation, it may be impractical for them to remit money to their families in the Philippines. With the Citimuber grocery delivery service, they can continue to provide for their loved ones’ basic necessities while keeping them safe at home. We also offer them a more favorable exchange rate, so they are getting more value for their hard-earned money.”
Although Citimuber is still in its infancy, the app hopes to evolve into a one-stop app offering a variety of services. In addition to the Citimuber User app for clients, there is also a Citimuber Provider app for riders and other enterprising service providers such as mechanics, electricians, therapists, etc. If you have a product to sell and wish to register your store, you can also sign up on the Citimuber Oneshop app.
Citimuber is preparing its operations and software infrastructure to gear up for the anticipated legalization of motorcycle taxis and hopes to get government approval to offer the moto-taxi option as part of its services.
Prior to the community quarantine, it set up a 1,600sqm training facility in Caloocan City, where safety riding seminars and rider skills assessments were held for their riders. It has a complement of about 10,000 riders already enrolled and plans to resume recruitment and screening of new rider-applicants once conditions normalize. They now have a presence in Metro Manila and the adjoining provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon. Those interested may visit their website www.citimuber.com or their Facebook page CitimuberPhilippines.
