Kaunlad Pinoy returns to its roots

Kaunlad Pinoy, listed as #133 on the ballot, is heading to Davao this week — not for politics, but to reconnect with the communities that stood by them long before they even thought about running for office.

For their team, it’s a full-circle moment. What started as a humble non-profit called “NegoNation” during the height of the pandemic has grown into a full-blown movement. Back then, Kaunlad Pinoy’s founders, led by nominee Kuya Choi, focused on one thing: helping everyday Filipinos build their own livelihoods. They provided seed capital, mentorship, and practical business training — especially to those with no access to formal support.

“This trip isn’t about campaigning,” Kuya Choi said ahead of their visit. “It’s about going home. Many of our earliest partners came from Davao. We’re here to listen, celebrate their progress, and remind them that Kaunlad Pinoy will always be by their side.”

Throughout the week, the group will hold community assemblies, small business forums, and site visits across Davao City and nearby towns. Their goal? To hear straight from local microentrepreneurs about what kind of policy support they need next.

“When people are given just a little help — whether it’s ₱500 or ₱5,000 — they make magic happen,” said one regional coordinator from Mindanao. “We’ve seen sari-sari store owners grow into small-scale suppliers, vendors turning into manufacturers. It’s inspiring.”

Still, Kuya Choi wants to make one thing clear: Kaunlad Pinoy isn’t just showing up because it’s election season.

“We were doing this long before politics,” he said. “And we’ll keep doing it, win or lose. Because Kaunlad Pinoy was built on trust — not transactions.”