Empowering Every Juan: “Kaya Mo” Delivers Financial Tools for Life’s Real Moments

UnionDigital Bank (UD), the digital banking subsidiary of UnionBank of the Philippines, introduces the Kaya Mo Movement to help address the financial inclusion gap in the country. By offering low-barrier savings products, behavior-based credit, and upcoming digital tools like virtual debit card and microinsurance, the bank aims to support sari-sari store owners and informal workers in managing their finances more easily through their mobile phones—no branch visit required.

Rooted in empathy, scale, and sustainability, Kaya Mo is UD’s commitment to reimagining banking for the 37.6 million Filipino adults who remain unbanked. Those located in the geographically dispersed Visayas region experience challenges that are compounded by their unique realities whether that’s a sari-sari store owner in Leyte, a farm worker in Bohol, or a tricycle driver in Capiz who manage their daily incomes without access to any formal banking.

Many Visayan communities, especially in remote islands and rural areas, face significant hurdles like limited physical access to traditional bank branches, unreliable internet connectivity, and the high cost and time involved in traveling to financial hubs. Their livelihoods, often reliant on agriculture, fishing, or informal trade, are characterized by irregular incomes and vulnerability to natural disasters, making traditional banking requirements and access to emergency funds and saving tools more challenging. UD’s commitment to accessibility and simplified processes addresses these specific barriers, offering a lifeline to those who have historically been excluded.

UnionDigital Bank’s Bold Vision for 2025
The Kaya Mo Movement was launched during a recent event which brought together UD’s ecosystem partners, digital inclusion advocates, fintech leaders, and grassroots community representatives. Attendees heard compelling stories from microentrepreneurs whose experiences reflect the everyday financial challenges faced by underserved Filipinos.

“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.”

Financial Products Designed for Real People
Enabling the Kaya Mo Movement is a growing suite of financial products designed to meet the real needs of underserved Filipinos. UD’s basic savings account, UD Save, is a fully digital, no-maintenance savings account ideal for remote or hard-to-reach areas—removing common barriers that discourage first-time savers. Meanwhile, UD Time Deposit encourages long-term savings with a low starting requirement of ₱1,000, making it the only digital bank in the country offering this low-entry option. UD Loans and the upcoming UD Cash Loans are credit offerings designed for first-time borrowers without the need for traditional documentation. Soon, UD will also offer Microinsurance, which can be a lifeline for families vulnerable to climate-related risks. Together, these innovations are meant to give everyday Filipinos the confidence and tools to move forward financially.

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

The event culminated with UD representatives and partners coming together to express a unified commitment, symbolizing that the Kaya Mo Movement is about uplifting real people together, not just delivering products. “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.”