UnionDigital Bank launches “Kaya Mo” movement to drive real financial inclusion for unbanked Filipinos

Kaya Mo! UnionDigital Bank is breaking down barriers to financial inclusion with the launch of the Kaya Mo Movement — designed to empower underserved Filipinos with accessible, intuitive digital banking solutions. From sari-sari storeowners to daily wage earners, Kaya Mo helps every Filipino believe in their financial potential.

Highlights from the launch event included real-life stories from microentrepreneurs, insights from wealth coach Chinkee Tan, and new product reveals like low-entry savings, digital loans, and more!

Because when banking is built around real people, financial inclusion becomes true empowerment.

UnionDigital Bank (UD), the digital banking subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines, has officially launched the Kaya Mo Movement—a bold initiative aimed at breaking financial barriers and empowering every Filipino to realize their economic potential.

Partners and changemakers affirm their commitment to empower underserved Filipinos through the UnionDigital Bank-powered Kaya Mo Movement. From L-R: Sid Bada, Head of Clients, VISA Philippines; Florencia Pacia, Commercial Lead and Consumer Head of mWell; Mike Magpily, Chief Marketing Officer, UnionDigital Bank; Danilo “Bong” Mojica II, PhD, President & CEO, UnionDigital Bank; Wealth Coach Chinkee Tan; Community Representatives Telly Moreño and Marjorie Sandoval; and Mark Joaquin Ruiz, Co-Founder & President, Hapinoy.

Rooted in empathy, scale, and sustainability, the Kaya Mo Movement represents UD’s commitment to reimagining banking for the 37.6 million Filipino adults who remain unbanked. With a mission to humanize technology, the movement focuses on delivering simple, intuitive, and empowering digital banking experiences—especially for first-time users such as sari-sari storeowners, ride-hailing drivers, daily wage earners, and informal workers.

Empowering Through Real-Life Stories

The movement was officially unveiled at an event that gathered UD’s ecosystem of partners, digital inclusion advocates, fintech leaders, and grassroots community leaders. The highlight? Real stories from microentrepreneurs who shared the everyday financial hurdles they face—underscoring the relevance of accessible financial services in helping Filipinos bridge the gap between survival and progress.

Wealth coach Chinkee Tan led an interactive segment that brought budgeting, saving, and borrowing principles to life using relatable scenarios. His session emphasized the importance of financial education as a stepping stone to long-term empowerment.

Danilo “Bong” Mojica II, PhD, President & CEO of UnionDigital Bank, unveils the Kaya Mo Movement, highlighting UD’s commitment to inclusive digital banking and uplifting underserved communities.

“At UD, financial inclusion isn’t just a mission—it’s the lens through which we grow and serve our communities,” said Danilo “Bong” Mojica II, PhD, President and CEO of UD.

“We design technology around real people, helping every Filipino—regardless of income or background—access tools that empower them to take charge of their financial journey. Through the ‘Kaya Mo’ movement, we’re not just providing banking—we’re partnering with our customers and communities to help them start, recover, and thrive. Because when people are truly empowered, inclusion becomes transformation.”

Banking Designed for Real Needs

To enable Kaya Mo, UD has developed a suite of financial products tailored for underserved sectors—designed to be accessible, realistic, and empowering:

• UD Save: A basic savings account with no minimum balance and zero maintenance fees, removing entry barriers for new savers.
• UD Time Deposit: The country’s only digital time deposit with a ₱1,000 minimum, enabling long-term savings even for low-income earners.
• UD Loans: Currently available to select UnionBank payroll clients and pensioners via a microsite, this offering comes with easy loan application and lower interest rates compared to traditional banks, making it a practical solution for healthcare and daily needs.

Soon, UD will roll out UD Cash Loans—a simplified digital loan product accessible via the UD app. It’s designed to support first-time borrowers by eliminating common barriers such as collateral or complex documentation.

Additionally, the bank is launching a virtual VISA card for secure online shopping and financial transactions, broadening access to the digital economy. Coming soon are features like early wage access and microinsurance, both aimed at improving financial flexibility and resilience for everyday workers.

Community representatives—TNVS driver Telly Moreño and sari-sari store owner Marjorie Sandoval—shared how access to digital banking can empower their livelihoods, bringing the promise of financial inclusivity to life through the Kaya Mo Movement.

“Kaya Mo is our promise to make financial inclusion real,” said Mike Magpily, Chief Marketing Officer of UD.

“We're not just offering hope, we’re introducing products that help Filipinos take control of their money: from getting a loan when it matters, to saving for emergencies, to managing everyday expenses through a digital bank built for real life. It's simple, accessible, and built around how Filipinos actually live, earn, and spend. Just to prove that kaya talaga ng Pilipino na umasenso.”

From Selling More to Earning More

With the Kaya Mo Movement, UD positions itself as more than just a digital bank—it aims to be an enabler of growth. For microentrepreneurs, access to smart financial tools means they can earn more while selling more, turning daily hustles into long-term financial progress.

A panel discussion featuring partners such as mWell, the country’s leading digital wellness platform, and Hapinoy, a social enterprise supporting thousands of sari-sari store owners, further emphasized the importance of inclusive ecosystems.

“Access to finance is one thing—but the gift of seeing a brighter future and having the agency to make it happen is what truly changes lives,” said Mark Joaquin Ruiz, Co-Founder and President of Hapinoy.

“We’ve seen this firsthand through our work with sari-sari store owners—some of the most hardworking, resilient Filipinos you’ll ever meet. With UD’s support, many of them are now shifting from day-to-day survival to longer-term financial planning. That’s the kind of transformation we believe in. When technology and empathy come together, communities don’t just survive—they thrive.”

Through the use of alternative data, UD is also extending credit to individuals with little to no formal credit history—people often left out by traditional banks. By refining its credit models, the bank aims to responsibly serve more customers while effectively managing risk.

The event concluded with UD and its partners reinforcing their shared commitment to building a financially inclusive Philippines—one where technology is made human, and banking truly serves the people.

“We’re not just refreshing how we look; we’re refreshing how we serve,” Mojica added. “We want to continue to be a true partner in every Filipino’s journey—from meeting daily needs to securing the future. With UD, Kaya Mo.”