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

“Businesses will strengthen families so they can meet their daily needs. If the 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.

Kaunlad Pinoy is taking bold steps to support small businesses in Negros Occidental, aiming to eliminate the biggest obstacle for aspiring entrepreneurs — capital. During a recent visit to Kabankalan, Hinoba-an, and Dumaguete, Kuya Choi emphasized the organization’s mission to provide risk-free funding alongside financial literacy programs to ensure long-term success.

“In every community we visit, we hear the same concern: people want to start businesses, but they don’t have the capital,” Kuya Choi said in Filipino. “That’s where Kaunlad Pinoy comes in. We’re here to make sure no one is left behind just because they don’t have the initial funds to take the first step.”

A long-term dolution

Kaunlad Pinoy’s approach is simple: help Filipinos increase their household income by starting businesses that are easy to launch, require minimal capital and can generate 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, and rent,” Napoles explained.

Unlike traditional employment, which often has 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.

Education and Training

The organization integrates business education, mentorship, and hands-on training, ensuring that beneficiaries are equipped with the skills necessary to sustain and grow their enterprises.

“We don’t just hand out capital and leave people to figure it out,” Kuya Choi explained. “We provide guidance from day one — training, financial literacy, and direct mentorship from successful entrepreneurs. Our goal is to create sustainable businesses, not just short-term gains.”

People-based approach

In Hinoba-an, Kaunlad Pinoy met with vendors and community leaders who shared their struggles with fluctuating incomes and limited access to financing. The initiative promises to help them scale their businesses by introducing better financial management practices and providing capital without the burdens of high-interest loans.

Meanwhile, in Dumaguete, where tourism is a significant economic driver, Kaunlad Pinoy engaged with small business owners looking to expand their ventures. “Tourism brings opportunities, but only those who can invest in their businesses can truly benefit,” Kuya Choi noted. “We want to level the playing field.”

Fast-tracking business launches

When asked how Kaunlad Pinoy addresses immediate financial needs — such as rent due at the end of the month — Napoles stressed that their business programs 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 secure their own future.

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