How Maya’s Paleng-Kita Helps Market Vendors and Drivers Grow

Maya is stepping up to help small business owners with a new credit program called Paleng-Kita. This service is made especially for market vendors and public transport drivers who often struggle to get loans from banks.

Paleng-Kita is built on a government-backed program called Paleng-QR Ph, which encourages vendors to use digital payments through QR codes. By using the Maya app and QR Ph regularly, small entrepreneurs can now get access to loans without needing collateral or complicated paperwork. This means more financial support for those who need it most.

“Many small vendors and transport drivers have never had access to formal credit,” said Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder. “By using their cashless payment history, we can offer them fair, transparent credit and help them build a stronger financial future.”

From Digital Payments to Credit
Under the Paleng-QR Ph program, the government and financial institutions are helping market vendors and drivers adopt the national QR payment system, QR Ph. When merchants sign up for Maya QR, they build a record of their transactions.

This transaction history is key to qualifying for Maya Advance, the credit service offered through Paleng-Kita. Maya uses an AI system to analyze payment data and other factors, so borrowers don’t need to provide collateral or a traditional credit history.

Approved users can borrow starting from ₱3,000. The whole process is fast, digital, and designed to be easy for everyday business owners.

Making Credit Accessible for Small Businesses
Small and micro businesses make up 99% of all businesses in the Philippines, but only about 4% of bank loans go to this group. This shows how hard it is for small entrepreneurs to get financial help.

Paleng-Kita changes that by letting vendors and drivers prove their creditworthiness through their regular business transactions.

"Market vendors and transport cooperatives are vital to our local economies,” Baidwan said. “They deserve financial solutions that are simple, fair, and designed around how they live and work. Digital transactions, including QR Ph, provide a credible, scalable way to extend credit responsibly."

Real Stories, Real Change
At Cadiz City Public Market, fish vendor Jovelyn Abordo got her first formal loan after starting to accept QR Ph payments with Maya. “Satisfied po ako. Magaan ang pera sa Maya,” Jovelyn shared. “Ginamit ko ito sa aming business.” (I’m satisfied. Access to money is easy with Maya. I used the credit for our business.)

Another vendor, Jocelyn Solivio, also from Cadiz, recently took another loan through Maya. “Mas madali ang Maya,” she said. “Ginamit ko po sa pag-loan para ma-continue ‘yung business ko.” (It’s easier with Maya. I used the loan to continue my business.)

Their stories show how digital credit is opening doors for small entrepreneurs who often get left out by traditional banks.
Supporting More Small Businesses Through Technology

Maya’s combination of digital payments and smart lending fits into a bigger plan to help more small businesses join the formal economy. By linking credit access to QR Ph use, Maya supports the government’s push for digital payments and financial inclusion.

Paleng-Kita isn’t just about loans—it’s about building a stronger future for market vendors, drivers, and micro-entrepreneurs across the Philippines.

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