Palawan Group of Companies Marks 40th Anniversary, Continues Mission to Empower Filipinos

The celebration kicked off on August 5 with a spotlight on Palawan’s B2B arm.

In a heartfelt celebration of enduring partnerships that help empower four decades of trusted service, the Palawan Group of Companies hosted its highly anticipated Partners’ Night on August 5 and 6, 2025, at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Bridgetown, Quezon City. The two-day gathering brought together key business partners, sub-agents, suppliers, agencies, affiliates, senior leaders, and valued stakeholders for recognition, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the company’s mission of empowering Filipinos through accessible and reliable financial services.

The Palawan Group honored its outstanding partners who have consistently embodied the brand’s core values of being “Matatag, Maaasahan, at Mapagkakatiwalaan” (dependable, reliable, and trustworthy), recognizing their significant contributions to uplifting Filipino communities. Awards such as Loyalty, Outstanding Service Partners, Growth Driver, Breakthrough Sales Award, to name a few, were awarded to key partners. The event also proudly reflected the company’s mission of uplifting Filipino identity on a global stage, with guests donned in Modern Filipiniana, helping champion “Gawang Pinoy, para sa Pinoy” (made by Filipinos, for Filipinos).

A Celebration of Heritage, Service, and Collaboration
The celebration kicked off on August 5 with a spotlight on Palawan’s Business-to-Business (B2B) arm—officially rebranded as Palawan for Business—alongside its ProtekTODO partners. A key moment of the evening was the unveiling of a teaser for the much-anticipated Palawan for Business, an innovative rebrand that marks the company’s next chapter in meeting the evolving needs of enterprises and institutional partners.

Chief Business Development Officer Lisa Castro-Sabado opened the evening with a heartfelt message: “As we celebrate 40 years of Serbisyong Palawan, we want to honor you, our business partners, for being with us in this journey. At B2B, we serve not just as a channel but a catalyst, developing scalable, efficient solutions that are rooted in reliability and Pusong Palawan.”

She emphasized that in just three years, the B2B team has worked with over 1,700 partners, delivering services like disbursement, bills payment, QRPH, and microinsurance through ProtekTODO, which has already insured nearly 5 million Filipinos.

On August 6, the celebration entered its second day with a powerful tribute to Palawan Group’s partner network, recognizing the essential groups that have fueled its 40-year journey of service and innovation. The morning opened with the Suppliers Recognition program, honoring the behind-the-scenes champions who help ensure Palawan Group’s daily operations run with excellence. From logistics and equipment to IT, creative and media agencies, printing, and security services, these long-time partners have provided the company with the infrastructure needed to grow consistently and serve over 10,000 branches and authorized agents nationwide.

In his welcome remarks, Chief Operations Officer Roberto Ben “Bobbit” Castro emphasized the irreplaceable role that suppliers play in sustaining Palawan Group’s excellent standards: “Hindi po namin maaabot ang tagumpay na ito kung wala ang inyong suporta at pakikiisa (We would not have achieved this success without your support and solidarity),” he said. “You are part of the backbone that keeps our operations running smoothly, our services reaching millions, and our Sukis receiving the very best. Today is your day—maraming salamat po (thank you).”

Echoing this sentiment, Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando added: “In HR, we often talk about building strong teams. But tonight reminds me that our team extends far beyond our offices. It includes all of you — partners who share our work ethic, our values, and our heart for service. Your support allows us to reach more Filipinos, especially those in the grassroots”

The afternoon shifted the spotlight to global collaboration during the International Partners Summit, a milestone gathering that brought together leaders and remittance allies from across the world. These international partners have enabled Palawan Express Pera Padala to become a trusted channel for millions of Filipinos abroad, providing secure and affordable options to send money home.

Opening the session, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer Lilian Castro-Selda shared a heartfelt message of appreciation: “This gathering brings together key leaders across the global remittance landscape. Your collaboration has been instrumental to our growth and to the impact we have made in the lives of millions of Filipinos worldwide. Your work makes the distance feel shorter, and for that, we are truly grateful.”

The day culminated with recognition for internal teams across four key divisions: International Remittance, Domestic Remittance, Marketing Communications, and Regional Sales Agents. These teams were honored for their on-the-ground execution, creativity, and regional outreach efforts that have strengthened the brand and brought its services closer to the communities that need them most. The event also served as a platform to unveil forward-looking innovations aimed at shaping the company’s future.

In his speech, President and CEO Karlo M. Castro set the tone for the years ahead, introducing initiatives that will define Palawan Group’s next phase of transformation: “Innovation is our constant,” he affirmed. “We are proud to introduce Pera Padala Abroad, Project Voyager, and VISA Direct, solutions designed to integrate the digital and physical, and respond to the evolving needs of Filipinos wherever they may be. These are bold steps we take with you—our partners—because true success is shared.”

A Tribute from the Founders
The event also featured a heartfelt series of documentaries that traced the Palawan Group’s journey from its humble beginnings in Puerto Princesa in 1985. Anchored in the event’s central message, “Ikaw Pa Rin, No. 1 sa Palawan,” the series offered a nostalgic glimpse into the company’s roots, from the design of its very first Palawan Pawnshop signage and the founders’ hands-on efforts scouting branch locations by motorcycle, to the creation of its iconic jingle, the selection of celebrity endorsers, and most importantly, the dedication of employees who have helped shape the brand into what it is today.

The evening’s most heartwarming moment came with speeches from Palawan Group’s founders, Mr. Bobby Castro and Ms. Angelita Castro. Mr. Bobby Castro compared the company’s 40-year journey to a man’s life which begins at 40. Mr. Castro remarked, “Turning 40 is a sign that you have passed through childhood and adolescence.  At this age, you would have surely faced many trials and challenges. You would have realized your strengths and weaknesses, and by now, you would have been surely shaped by time. Companies go through the same process – infancy, adolescence, then maturity. Palawan Pawnshop – now Palawan Group of Companies – has weathered its fair share of storms similar to other entities, or perhaps even more. But we did not only survive – we brought this company to where it is now: the market leader in most of our business lines.”

Mrs. Angelita Castro followed with a message grounded in heart, legacy, and partnerships: “Over the years, I have watched our humble beginnings evolve into a nationwide movement of service — built on more than just business decisions, but on compassion, trust, shared purpose and a deep love for our people and our country. Our journey has been shaped by many incredible individuals: loyal customers, dedicated associates, and trusted partners like you.”

As the event concluded, one truth resonated above all: Palawan Group’s 40-year legacy is defined not only by growth but by the strength of its partnerships and its unwavering dedication to every Filipino it serves. With its partners beside it, the Palawan Group is poised to grow stronger, serve better, and reach farther in the years to come.