Managers from across the Palawan Group of Companies gathered at the Leadership Conference to reflect, learn, and strengthen their commitment to serving millions of “Sukis” nationwide.
At the Palawan Group of Companies, leadership goes beyond corporate hierarchy—it is a duty that directly influences the lives of millions of Sukis who trust the brand daily, from bustling city hubs to remote rural communities. This guiding principle took the spotlight during the Palawan Group’s Leadership Conference held on September 26 at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan, a gathering that united over 200 executives, area managers, and corporate leaders for a day of introspection, inspiration, and strengthened purpose.
Chief Operations Officer Bobbit M. Castro opened the event with a stirring reminder of the company’s forward momentum as it marks its 40th year. “Growth doesn’t pause. Excellence doesn’t settle,” he said. “As we celebrate four decades of serbisyong Palawan, we’re not only looking back with pride—we’re preparing for something higher, something greater, and something more meaningful than all we have achieved so far.”
President and CEO Karlo M. Castro followed with an equally compelling message on the essence of leadership. “Not all heroes wear capes,” he said. “Often, they wear the badge of leadership—carrying the responsibility of guiding others toward excellence.”
Palawan Group executives (from left to right): Korina Castro-Fernando, Chief Human Resources Officer; Lilian Castro-Selda, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer; Karlo M. Castro, Chief Executive Officer and President; Bobby L. Castro, Founder and Chairman; Angelita M. Castro, Co-founder and Deputy Chairman; Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer; and Roberto Ben “Bobit” Castro, Chief Operations Officer—united in purpose and guiding the organization to new heights.
Reinforcing this mission, Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando launched the Palawan Group Leadership Development Program, an initiative that places people development at the heart of the company’s long-term growth. Group HR Head Val Santos explained that the program is built on the newly established Leadership and Core Competency Profile—a dual framework designed to strengthen the mindset, heartset, and skillset of every leader. “This is more than just a milestone,” she said. “It’s a strategic enabler of organizational growth.”
Renowned inspirational speaker Francis Kong delivered a keynote on purposeful leadership amid rapid change, urging Palawan leaders to embrace adaptability and creativity as non-negotiable habits. “In times of rapid change, agility and innovation must become daily disciplines,” Kong emphasized. “The ability to adapt while finding better ways to serve is what separates good leaders from great ones.”
To broaden perspectives, a fireside chat on customer experience brought together industry leaders Rami Chahwan, President and Country CEO of Pickup Coffee, and John Velasco, COO of Mr. DIY, Growth Advisor of Angkas, and Executive Director of Creador. Their insights highlighted how continuous innovation, empathy, and responsiveness drive lasting customer loyalty.
With the rallying cry Onward, Upward, Together, the conference captured the essence of leadership as a collective ascent—rooted in resilience, teamwork, and shared vision. For Palawan Group, the summit ahead remains clear: to make reliable and affordable financial services accessible to every Filipino.
Palawan Group leaders united for a powerful group photo symbolizing their shared journey of resilience, teamwork, and commitment to making financial services accessible to every Filipino.
More than just a conference, it was a reaffirmation of Palawan Group’s enduring philosophy—that leadership is an evolving journey fueled by collaboration, compassion, and a deep commitment to community. As the company celebrates four decades of trusted service, its leaders look confidently toward the next 40 years and beyond: investing in people, cultivating leadership, and ensuring that every step forward continues to put the Suki at the center of everything they do.