They’re in every barangay across the country — the taho vendor on the corner, the sari-sari store owner at the end of the street, the tricycle driver weaving through traffic, and the home-based seller juggling orders on her phone. These are the faces of the informal sector — millions of Filipinos keeping the economy moving, often without contracts, titles, or protections.

For years, they’ve quietly carried the weight of running a business without the safety nets that formal enterprises enjoy. No access to government loans. No legal protection when scammed. No seat at the table when policies are made.

Kaunlad Pinoy (#133) wants to change that. It is more than a partylist — it’s a growing movement built on one belief: Every entrepreneur matters. Whether you’re selling pan de sal from your kitchen or running a roadside stall, your work is valid, your contribution matters, and you deserve recognition and support.

“This isn’t just about formal businesses,” says Kaunlad Pinoy’s first nominee, Kuya Choi. “It’s about the mom selling baked goods to feed her family. It’s about dignity in work — with or without the paperwork.”

Kaunlad Pinoy is stepping up through public forums, legislative proposals, and grassroots organizing to bring visibility — and protection — to this silent economic force.

Yes, there are government programs, but many in the informal sector can’t access them — blocked by complicated requirements, lack of internet access, or fear of taxes. Kaunlad Pinoy doesn’t want to force formalization. Instead, it aims to create an environment where informal workers can grow at their own pace, on their own terms.

The group is pushing for things like easier microloans, simplified business registration, and basic legal protections to keep small entrepreneurs from being exploited or left behind.

“We’re not here to drown them in bureaucracy,” says Kuya Choi. “We’re here to shield them from abuse and help them find a clear path forward.”