With food prices fluctuating, rent climbing, and salaries struggling to keep up with inflation, many Filipinos are finding it harder to make ends meet. While some look to government assistance for relief, Kaunlad Pinoy (#133) believes that the most sustainable solution is simple: empower more Filipinos to start their own businesses.

“Businesses will strengthen families so they can meet their daily needs. If our only solution is government aid or financial assistance, it’s not sustainable,” said Kuya Choi Napoles, first nominee of Kaunlad Pinoy, in an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE.

The struggles of today are not new. Napoles recalled that Kaunlad Pinoy was founded five years ago, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses were shutting down and unemployment was at an all-time high.

“Back then, the situation was even worse. Many people lost their jobs, and many businesses closed. That’s why when we started Kaunlad Pinoy, we knew we had to teach people not to rely solely on employment. They needed to learn how to start their own businesses,” Napoles explained in Filipino.

A long-term solution

Kaunlad Pinoy’s approach is straightforward: help Filipinos increase their household income by starting businesses that are easy to launch, require minimal capital, and can provide immediate earnings.

“The point is that it adds to a family’s income. It’s for everyone — men, women, whether they have jobs or not. What matters is that they have an opportunity to earn extra to help cope with inflation, rising costs of goods, and rent,” Napoles said.

Unlike traditional employment, which often comes with strict qualifications, Kaunlad Pinoy ensures that anyone — regardless of background — can start a business. The group provides training, financial literacy programs, and direct capital support to help people manage and grow their small enterprises.

Fast-tracking business launches

When asked how Kaunlad Pinoy can address immediate financial needs — such as rent due at the end of the month — Napoles stressed that their business programs are designed to provide fast income opportunities.

“This isn’t something where you wait two months before you can start. Our program, after training and seminars with industry leaders, presents 20 business options they can choose from. They can start right away and begin earning immediately,” he assured.

A future where Filipinos control their finances

For Kaunlad Pinoy, the goal is long-term financial independence. While government assistance can provide temporary relief, real progress means giving people the ability to generate their own income, build their own businesses, and ultimately, secure their own future.

“We’ve been doing this for years. We train, we equip, and we empower. Because true progress isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you create,” Napoles emphasized.