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.