Kaunlad Pinoy: Empowering Filipinos for success through entrepreneurship

Kaunlad Pinoy, an inspiring non-profit organization that has recently transitioned into a party-list, truly lives up to its name, which stands for "Kaisipang Positibo Para sa Kaunlaran ng Pilipino."

Founded on the belief that success in business begins with a core principle, the organization emphasizes the power of a positive mindset and outlook on life.

Choi Napoles, the first nominee of Kaunlad Pinoy, articulates this philosophy clearly: “You attract what you give out to the universe. If you want to start something, you have to have that principle of maintaining a positive outlook on life.”

Through its network of chapters across the Philippines, Kaunlad Pinoy has been connecting local products and producers with major distributors and corporations, all under the guiding belief that "Dapat Bawat Pilipino May Negosyo" (Every Filipino Should Have a Business).

The origin story

Kaunlad Pinoy’s journey began during the challenges of the pandemic, when Napoles recognized that every Filipino, even amid adversity, had the potential to become an entrepreneur. He observed how Filipinos, despite the difficulties, found creative ways to cope and stay resilient. From making dalgona coffee to baking and gardening, Filipinos turned adversity into opportunity, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit.

Napoles also witnessed businesses making extraordinary efforts to keep operations running — arranging transportation for employees, making sacrifices, and incurring extra costs to ensure safety. This resilience inspired Kaunlad Pinoy to harness and support this entrepreneurial energy.

As Kaunlad Pinoy initiated "Negonation" sessions, they discovered that many participants struggled to focus because they were preoccupied with basic needs like food. This led the organization to implement social programs, including rice distribution, affordable commodities, and insurance, providing a more stable foundation for members.

Initially met with skepticism by local government units (LGUs), Kaunlad Pinoy’s growing influence and successful programs eventually earned their support. One notable advocate is mayoral candidate Isko Moreno Domagoso, who recognized Kaunlad Pinoy’s potential to uplift communities by including them among his "Yorme’s Choice" in Manila.

Why enter politics?

Choi Napoles explains their decision to enter politics with a fresh perspective. “Politics often carries a stigma of negativity, which is the opposite of the positive outlook we want to promote. It’s easier to bond over common hatred, but I don’t want to be part of that. Let us be the 1 percent that talks about how we can earn, and let the other 99 percent fight over politics.”

Napoles emphasizes their commitment to sustainable development over short-term solutions: “I’m not a fan of dole-outs; they’re not sustainable. Hindi lang natin sila tuturan mangisda, bibigyan pa natin ng bangka,” (Not only are we going to teach them how to fish, we’re going to give them a boat, too). He advocates for empowering people with the tools they need to succeed, rather than offering temporary handouts.

Recognizing a lack of livelihood advocacy in Congress, Napoles saw the need for a voice that could lobby for small businesses. “If we stay as an NGO, in 20 years, people will need someone to represent their business interests. So why not us?” he said.

Kaunlad Pinoy’s legislative goals are both ambitious and practical. They propose creating a capital fund for businesses, simplifying access to community funds, and establishing a Magna Carta for Informal Businessmen. The organization envisions attracting foreign investments into the Philippines, reducing the reliance on internal capital.

What is Negonation?

At the core of Kaunlad Pinoy’s efforts is "Negonation," a movement that connects CEOs with rural communities to share business insights and match local products with industry needs. The organization provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a no-cost, no-risk platform to start their businesses, with Kaunlad Pinoy covering initial costs. Negonation also includes a business and financial education program, the Negosyo School.

The organization’s impact is already evident, such as in Dinagat Island, where a partnership led to the international sale of local insulin coffee, and in Misamis Occidental, where a street vendor transformed into a catering service.

Kaunlad Pinoy’s journey from a grassroots initiative to a political force reflects a hopeful future for the Philippines, driven by a positive mindset and entrepreneurial spirit to foster prosperity — one Filipino business at a time.