PalawanPay Marathon Run with a Purpose, Race for a Cause

“The Palawan Group has always been rooted in the core value of malasakit (compassion). Every kilometer conquered in the PalawanPay Marathon is a symbol of how far we are willing to go to be of service to Filipinos – to Palawenos. As we celebrate 40 years of service, it is our greatest honor to go back to our roots and give back to the communities that journeyed with us since the beginning.” ~Korina Castro-Fernando, Chief Human Resources Officer

As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) recently hosted the popular PalawanPay Marathon in Puerto Princesa City, which was made possible by its rapidly expanding e-wallet platform, PalawanPay.  More than 2,100 runners participated in the race, the most since it was renamed the Palawan Express Marathon in 2015.  Enthusiastic and resilient, runners from all over the Philippines, as well as a few from abroad, including Australia and the USA, signed up for the marathon.

The PalawanPay Marathon is more than just a marathon; it is a symbol of PGC's strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, as the event's revenues were used to buy an ambulance unit for El Nido Community Hospital.  It is expected that this donation will improve emergency response to medical emergencies in one of Palawan's most popular and visited municipalities.

PGC’s Secret to Success: Staying True to Its Core Values

This sentiment is echoed by PGC Chief Operations Officer and 2025 PalawanPay Marathon Overall Committee Head, Roberto Ben Castro,

“This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Palawan Group of Companies. Ang Palawan Group po ay nagsimula dito sa Palawan, at kasama namin kayo sa paglago. Ang tinatamasa nating tagumpay ay dulot ng ating mga Suki. Kaya naman sa ating pagbabalik-tanaw, itong ginawa nating pagtakbo ay hindi lamang para sa ating sariling kalusugan, kung ‘di para rin sa kalusugan ng isang komunidad. Ang PalawanPay Marathon 2025 ay nagbunga ng isang ambulansya na ido-donate natin sa El Nido Community Hospital.” (The Palawan Group of Companies traces its roots here in Palawan, and you, Palawenos, have been with us through the years. We owe you, our Sukis, the success we enjoy today. Now as we look back to our humble beginnings, we hosted this meaningful marathon not just to boost the health of our runners, but also the health of an entire community. The proceeds from PalawanPay Marathon 2025 will be used to purchase an ambulance unit that we will donate to El Nido Community Hospital). Minsan, kailangan pa ng pasyente na maghintay ng isang araw para mailipat sa mas malaking ospital dito sa Puerto Princesa. Umaasa tayo na ang ambulansyang ito ay makatutulong para mas maalagaan ang kalusugan ng ating mga kapwa Palaweno sa El Nido. (There have been cases where patients had to wait an entire day just to be transported to a larger hospital here in Puerto Princesa. We hope this ambulance will ensure better healthcare for our fellow Palawenos in El Nido).” ~Roberto Ben Castro, PGC Chief Operations Officer and 2025 PalawanPay Marathon Overall Committee Head

Hospital Administrator Ms. Rosana Sanoy and Chief of Hospital Dr. Robert Angelo A. Arrieta were present for the ceremonial key turnover.  The brand-new Toyota Hi-Ace, which will now be the hospital's very own ambulance, was symbolized by the ceremonial key.

40 Years, One Vision

As a component of the "Ikaw Pa Rin ang Number One: Palawan at 40" celebration, the PalawanPay Marathon honors forty years of devotion to their Sukis (loyal customers), founded on compassion, trust, and service.

More than just a commercial accomplishment, it underscores the company's goal to improve the lives of the communities we serve by providing Filipinos with dependable and easily available financial solutions.  As more than 2,100 runners crossed the finish line, they represented not only physical stamina but also the resilience of a business that is proudly running alongside its Sukis, para sa Pilipino (by Filipinos, for Filipinos), empowering communities and reaffirming that, despite its 40 years of existence, PGC is only just getting started.

ABOUT PALAWAN GROUP OF COMPANIES: 

The Palawan Group of Companies includes products and services such as Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Credit, and PalawanPay. A brand trusted by Filipinos for almost four decades, PGC is one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country. With its strength in remittance and pawning services, the company is the market leader in the industry and has over 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide.

PGC offers a wide range of services, including pawning, domestic and international remittances, microinsurance, bill payment, electronic mobile phone loading, cash-in and cash-out of e-wallets, money exchange, ATM withdrawal, and cash disbursements. Additionally, the company sells jewelry and gold bars, catering to customers looking to invest in valuable assets. 

PGC introduced PalawanPay, an e-wallet app that allows users to send and receive remittances anytime, anywhere. PalawanPay is the company’s latest digital solution, offering faster, safer, and more convenient transactions. In addition to remittances, the app provides access to other financial services, including bill payments, mobile load top-ups, and scan-to-pay QR Ph codes. The app also features integrated functionality for pawn renewal, purchasing jewelry and gold items, ProtekTODO personal insurance, and claiming international remittances.

The Palawan Group of Companies is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.

Stronger Together: RAFI Microfinance and the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) have announced an expanded partnership

“Since day one, our mission has been to make financial services more accessible to Filipinos from all walks of life. This partnership with RAFi strengthens that mission by extending meaningful support to our micro-entrepreneurs, especially those working hard in underserved areas.” ~Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, PGC Chief Business Development Officer

The RAF Microfinance Team was given a tour of the PGC headquarters, including the rooftop where views of Palawan beaches can be enjoyed.

The Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), owner and operator of one of the Philippines' leading pawnshop and remittance services, is deepening its support for grassroots entrepreneurship through an enhanced collaboration with RAFI Microfinance, Inc. Through this partnership, RAFI Microfinance’s services will be made available across PGC’s extensive network of more than 3,500 PEPP branches nationwide.

By establishing a closer relationship with RAFI Microfinance, Inc., the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), the proprietor and operator of Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP), one of the most reputable and well-known pawnshop and remittance brands in the Philippines, is demonstrating its dedication to grassroots entrepreneurship.  A concerted effort to empower and promote micro-entrepreneurs nationwide was demonstrated by the contract signing, which took place at the PGC Head Office in Puerto Princesa.

“We’ve always believed that inclusive finance is a foundation for social progress. This partnership ensures that even micro-entrepreneurs in the most remote barangays can access the resources they need to build better futures for their families and communities.” ~Bobby L. Castro, PGC Chairman

By establishing a closer relationship with RAFI Microfinance, Inc., the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), the proprietor and operator of Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP), one of the most reputable and well-known pawnshop and remittance brands in the Philippines, is demonstrating its dedication to grassroots entrepreneurship.  A concerted effort to empower and promote micro-entrepreneurs nationwide was demonstrated by the contract signing, which took place at the PGC Head Office in Puerto Princesa.

PGC’s partnership with RAFI Microfinance Inc. bridges the gap in financial access for underserved MSMEs by combining nationwide reach with inclusive financial services to empower grassroots entrepreneurs.

As of 2023, small firms in the Philippines made up 99.59% of all registered businesses, contributing over 65% of all jobs in the nation, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.  Many of these, particularly those in rural or low-income communities, still face barriers to formal credit, business development assistance, and scalable financial tools, despite their critical role in the economy.

“At RAFI Microfinance, we are committed to breaking barriers that limit the growth of micro-entrepreneurs. Partnering with PGC allows us to deliver our services more efficiently and reach more Filipinos who deserve access to financial opportunities and security. And since our companies share the same values, I can say that this partnership is both strategic and virtuous.” ~Thomas Kocsis, Representing RAFI Microfinance, President and CEO

PGC continues to grow its position in providing millions of Filipinos with dependable, inclusive, and trustworthy financial services by maintaining its strong leadership in both physical and digital financial services.  By helping micro-entrepreneurs on their journey to greater financial stability and independence, this partnership further expands PGC's customer base, especially in rural and underserved communities, while offering services that are “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos” (affordable, quick, and hassle-free).

ABOUT PALAWAN GROUP OF COMPANIES:

The Palawan Group of Companies includes products and services such as Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Credit, and PalawanPay. A brand trusted by Filipinos for almost four decades, PGC is one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country. With its strength in remittance and pawning services, the company is the market leader in the industry and as over 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide.

The Palawan Group of Companies offers a wide range of services, including pawning, domestic and international remittances, microinsurance, bills payment, electronic mobile phone loading, cash-in and cash-out of e-wallets, money exchange, ATM withdrawal, and cash disbursements. Additionally, the company sells jewelry and gold bars, catering to customers looking to invest in valuable assets.

Palawan Group of Companies introduced PalawanPay, an e-wallet app that allows users to send and receive remittances anytime, anywhere. PalawanPay is the company’s latest digital solution, offering faster, safer, and more convenient transactions. In addition to remittances, the app provides access to other financial services, including bills payments, mobile load top-ups, and scan-to-pay QR Ph codes. The app also features integrated functionality for pawn renewal, purchasing jewelry and gold items, ProtekTODO personal insurance, and claiming international remittances.

Palawan Group of Companies is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.

Palawan Group of Companies Team Up with Xpress Money for Accessible and Efficient Remittances from UAE

“Our partnership with Money Xpress will further expand our international remittance network in the Middle East, providing our “kababayans” with greater accessibility, flexibility, and peace of mind. They can rest assured that their hard-earned money will promptly reach their loved ones through our extensive network." ~Lilian Concepcion Selda, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Palawan Group of Companies

Palawan Group of Companies executives Bernard Kaibigan, Group Marketing Head; Rebecca Badayos, Head, International Remittance; Lilian Castro-Selda, Chief Financial Officer, Kassey Lynn Policarpio, Account Specialist, International Remittance, alongside Samir Vijay Vidhate, Senior Executive Officer at Xpress Money Services Limited at the contract signing.

In order to give Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a more convenient and dependable way to send money to their loved ones in the Philippines, Palawan Group of Companies has partnered with Xpress Money Services Limited, a top international money transfer company.

Since their remittances provide millions of Filipino families with a lifeline, OFWs are essential to the Philippine economy. In November 2024, OFWs sent US$3.12 billion in personal remittances, up 3.5 percent from US$3.02 billion in November 2023, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The UAE continues to play a significant role in this expansion, highlighting the significance of this collaboration.

Palawan Group acknowledges and appreciates the priceless contributions of these contemporary heroes by providing easily accessible and trustworthy financial services. The agreement permits OFWs in the United Arab Emirates to send money to their loved ones in the Philippines through XPress Money. Palawan Pay, the company's fastest-growing e-wallet mobile app, and Palawan Pera Express Padala's vast nationwide network of more than 6,000 locations are the two ways to claim these remittances. 

Executives from the Palawan Group of Companies, including Lilian Castro-Selda, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Bernard Kaibigan, Head of Group Marketing; Rebecca Badayos, Head of International Remittances; and Samir Vijay Vidhate, Senior Executive Officer at Xpress Money Services Limited, were present when the agreement was signed.

Lilian Castro-Selda, Chief Financial Officer of Palawan Group of Companies, and Samir Vijay Vidhate, Senior Executive Officer of Xpress Money Services Limited, signed a partnership agreement to offer reliable and convenient remittance services for OFWs in the UAE.

“We are very proud to partner with the Palawan Group of Companies, one of the Philippines’ trusted institutions. Today is a milestone for our company as we look forward to servicing OFWs in the UAE.” ~Samir Vijay Vidhate, Senior Executive Officer at Xpress Money Services Limited

Palawan Group's dedication to offering Filipino OFWs "mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos na serbisyo" (affordable, quick, and hassle-free money transfer services) is strengthened by this partnership. This partnership guarantees that sending hard-earned money home will always be easy and accessible for Filipinos all over the world, acknowledging the critical role that remittances play in assisting Filipino families and communities.

For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites. 

ABOUT PALAWAN GROUP OF COMPANIES: 

The Palawan Group of Companies includes products and services such as Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Credit, and PalawanPay. A brand trusted by Filipinos for almost four decades, PGC is one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country. With its strength in remittance and pawning services, the company is the market leader in the industry and has over 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide.

Palawan Group of Companies offers a wide range of services, including pawning, domestic and international remittances, microinsurance, bills payment, electronic mobile phone loading, cash-in and cash-out of e-wallets, money exchange, ATM withdrawal, and cash disbursements. Additionally, the company sells jewelry and gold bars, catering to customers looking to invest in valuable assets. 

Palawan Group of Companies introduced PalawanPay, an e-wallet app that allows users to send and receive remittances anytime, anywhere. PalawanPay is the company’s latest digital solution, offering faster, safer, and more convenient transactions. In addition to remittances, the app provides access to other financial services, including bills payments, mobile load top-ups, and scan-to-pay QR Ph codes. The app also features integrated functionality for pawn renewal, purchasing jewelry and gold items, ProtekTODO personal insurance, and claiming international remittances.

Palawan Group of Companies is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.