For many Filipinos, the word “utang” carries a mix of hope and hesitation. It can mean a chance to start a small business or pay for a child’s tuition, but it can also bring fears of scams, high interest rates, and unending debt. According to TransUnion’s 2025 Credit Perception Index, the Philippines scored 73 out of 100: proof that while caution remains, trust in credit is gradually taking root.
What’s encouraging is that Filipinos are becoming increasingly financially aware and optimistic about the opportunities responsible borrowing can unlock. And behind every lending app or platform are real people working to make that experience safer and easier to understand.
Addressing Trust Through People, Not Just Platforms
At JuanHand, employees are at the heart of building that trust. Take Maria Terrado, who started her career in the banking sector and is now a Collection Assistant Manager. For the past six years, she has been helping borrowers navigate financial challenges while also growing in her own career. “JuanHand has been instrumental in helping me discover new aspects of my work and fostering my career growth,” Maria shares.
For her, collections isn’t just about payments, it’s about treating every customer with fairness and respect, while ensuring full compliance with regulations. “Knowing that my work helps people avoid abusive loan sharks and access safer, more transparent options is deeply fulfilling. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact on their lives,” she adds.
By upholding fairness as a guiding principle, Maria and her team help Filipinos stay on track financially while keeping access to practical financial solutions they need to participate confidently in the economy.
Communicating Credit Responsibly
The TransUnion report also pointed out a drop in credit messaging receptivity, with Filipinos showing more hesitation despite increased trust scores. For brand specialists, this highlights the importance of clear and transparent communication.
Mark Baetiong, a Senior Brand Expert at JuanHand, describes his role as bridging that gap. “Branding shapes perception. By building credibility and relatability, our work helps more Filipinos feel confident exploring financial solutions they might otherwise avoid, opening doors to greater financial inclusion.”
Since joining JuanHand, the way he viewed credit has changed, helping him realize that loans, when used responsibly, can empower people rather than burden them. This personal shift has influenced his professional approach: prioritizing clarity over marketing gloss, making sure campaigns feel like conversations with Filipinos, not just messages at them. For Mark, every project is a chance to spark confidence in responsible borrowing and highlight credit as a tool for opportunity.
Guarding Against Fraud at the System Level
Trust is something we continually work to build, and a big part of that is reinforcing safeguards that give borrowers confidence. Tackling concerns like fraud isn’t just about compliance, it demands consistency, vigilance, and systems built to protect people at every step.
For Jeffry Pascua, Business Support Manager for Quality Assurance and Testing, the journey began with a simple motivation: seeking new opportunities and discovering how his skills could make an impact. That drive eventually grew into a career milestone: establishing lasting processes that continue to shape how JuanHand’s collections department operates today.
“By continuously enforcing our operational standards, we ensure services are delivered with integrity and reliability, while also educating clients on financial literacy,” Jeffry shares. For him, the real reward comes from knowing these safeguards don’t just protect the company. They empower Filipinos, giving them the confidence that their financial journey is built on security.
People Powering Progress
While trust in credit is improving, meaningful adoption requires strong assurances of fairness, security, and transparency. For platforms like JuanHand, this goes beyond technology; the human element makes all the difference.
For Maria, Mark, and Jeffry, their passion for financial inclusion turns work into purpose. Together, they embody what JuanHand calls “Every Juan”; Filipinos helping fellow Filipinos navigate their financial journeys with confidence. It’s this blend of professionalism, teamwork, and genuine care that continues to shape safer, more accessible financial solutions for millions across the country.
