A legacy of service: Palawan Group marks 40 years of uplifting Filipino lives

Palawan Group of Companies marks 40 years of dedicated service to the Filipino people, celebrating a legacy of trust, resilience, and meaningful progress in every financial journey.

From a single pawnshop in Puerto Princesa to a trusted financial partner for millions of Filipinos nationwide, the Palawan Group of Companies is celebrating a remarkable 40-year journey marked by heart, trust, and service.

Founded in 1985 by husband-and-wife team Bobby and Angelita Castro, the Palawan Pawnshop began as a humble venture with a simple goal: to provide affordable and accessible financial services to ordinary Filipinos. Fast forward to today, that single branch has evolved into a multi-service powerhouse with thousands of outlets across the country — a testament to four decades of dedication, resilience, and a customer-first mindset.

“We didn’t start with much, just the desire to help,” shared founder and chairman Bobby L. Castro during the company’s 40th anniversary celebration. “Every suki who came through our doors was treated like family — and that same principle still guides us today.”

Rising from the roots: From pawnshop to nationwide leader
The early years were far from easy, but the Castros’ belief in fair, honest service carried them through. By understanding the real needs of underserved communities — especially those in far-flung provinces — they built a business grounded in empathy and practical solutions.

Their approach worked. Over the years, the Palawan Group expanded from pawning and domestic remittances to a broad portfolio of services, including international money transfer, currency exchange, jewelry retail, microloans, and insurance. Each new offering was carefully tailored to improve financial accessibility for the everyday Filipino.

“This milestone is deeply personal for us,” said co-founder and deputy chairman Angelita M. Castro. “It reminds us of every challenge we’ve overcome, and every Filipino we’ve served with love and humility.

Palawan Group of Companies’ COO Roberto Ben “Bobit” Castro; CFO and Control Director Lilian Castro-Selda; Founder and Chairman Bobby L. Castro; Co-founder and Deputy Chairman Angelita M. Castro; Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando;  Chief Business Development Officer Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado; and President and CEO Karlo M. Castro.

Evolving with the times: From counter to click
Today, the Palawan Group stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. In 2022, it entered the digital arena with the launch of PalawanPay, a mobile wallet app that now serves over 21 million users nationwide. Whether sending money, paying bills, or reloading mobile credits, users can now access Palawan’s trusted services anytime, anywhere.

PalawanPay is built on the company’s unique “BrickTech” model — a combination of physical presence and digital reach. This ensures that even in the country’s most remote areas, no one is left behind in the shift to fintech.

“Innovation is crucial, but we never forget our roots,” said CEO Karlo M. Castro. “Our digital platforms are guided by the same values that built our company — trust, simplicity, and service with heart.”

Alongside PalawanPay, the company continues to grow its other brands:

• Palawan Pawnshop – the go-to name for fast and reliable pawning
• Palawan Express Pera Padala – the leading domestic remittance provider
• Palawan Pawnshop Jewelry – elegant, affordable accessories for every Filipino
• Palawan Gold – offering authentic gold items made accessible
• Palawan ProtekTODO – budget-friendly insurance for health, accidents, and emergencies
• Palawan Credit – loans designed to support MSMEs with low interest and easy application
• Palawan for Business – B2B solutions in partnership with government and financial institutions

Together, these services form a unified ecosystem aimed at financial inclusion and long-term empowerment.

Looking ahead: Powered by purpose, driven by people
As it celebrates four decades of impact, the Palawan Group is not resting on its achievements. Plans are underway to enhance PalawanPay with new features, expand loan offerings for small businesses, and strengthen its digital infrastructure. The goal: to make financial tools more inclusive, relevant, and user-friendly for every Filipino.

“We’re not just building a business — we’re building a future,” said Karlo M. Castro. “Everything we do is driven by our mission to empower communities and uplift lives, one suki at a time.”

“Like you who deliver vital news to inform and empower the public,” added CFO Lilian Castro-Selda, “we aim to empower our customers through reliable, affordable, and trustworthy services they can depend on.”

The road forward: One community at a time
From one pawnshop in Palawan to a national network of financial solutions, the Palawan Group’s success story is rooted in sincerity and service. As it looks toward the future, the company remains firmly grounded in its founding principles: to uplift Filipinos through accessible, compassionate, and dignified financial services.

“Ikaw pa rin ang No. 1 — Matatag, Maasahan at Mapagkakatiwalaan.” That’s not just a tagline. It’s a promise the Palawan Group has kept for 40 years — and one it fully intends to carry into the next generation.