UnionDigital Bank is strengthening efforts to advance financial inclusion among Filipino micro-entrepreneurs through continued community-based support programs aimed at sari-sari store owners, a sector widely regarded as a backbone of local economies.

The digital bank’s initiatives are carried out in partnership with Hapinoy, one of the country’s largest networks supporting neighborhood retailers. The collaboration focuses on providing practical tools, incentives, and exposure to digital banking for store owners who often operate outside the formal financial system.

UnionDigital Bank said the partnership is anchored on meeting micro-entrepreneurs at the grassroots level and addressing their everyday financial realities. Sari-sari store owners, many of whom rely on daily cash flow and informal savings methods, are encouraged to gradually adopt digital banking through simple and accessible platforms.

According to UnionDigital Bank president and chief executive officer Danilo Bong Mojica II, the goal is to translate financial inclusion into tangible benefits for communities that need it most. He said the bank’s programs are designed to reward resilience and everyday enterprise while helping micro-entrepreneurs build confidence in managing their finances through digital tools.

A key component of the partnership is the “Hakot Papremyo”  with UD program, conducted during Hapinoy Caravans nationwide. The initiative allows participating sari-sari store owners to win grocery shopping sprees worth up to P50,000, providing both immediate inventory support and firsthand experience with digital banking transactions.

For Joveliza Arojado, a sari-sari store owner and program winner, the incentive translated directly into business growth. 

“It was a big help because we were able to add more inventory without spending capital. It gave our store an advantage and helped us earn more. My savings also increased from the sales generated by the items I won,” she said in Filipino. 

Another beneficiary, Marjorie Sandoval, said the program had ripple effects beyond her business. 

“The ‘Hakot Papremyo’ from UD helped me a lot because the total value of what I took home was nearly P46,000,” she noted. 

“It was a big help to my store, and I was also able to share with my neighbors. I gave some to almost everyone who bought from my store.”

Marilyn Llanes, also a program winner, said the experience provided both relief and renewed optimism. 

“UnionDigital Bank has been a huge help to us, and I am truly grateful. I was very happy to be able to share the blessings with my neighbors, friends and family,” she said. 

Hapinoy founder Mark Ruiz said the continued partnership reflects a shared goal of empowering sari-sari store owners beyond short-term assistance. He noted that the program helps strengthen small businesses while encouraging confidence and sustainability at the community level.

As UnionDigital Bank moves into 2026, it said it will continue rolling out community-led initiatives aimed at promoting financial literacy, responsible digital banking use, and sustainable livelihood growth among micro-entrepreneurs nationwide.