The awardees sporting the iconic “Happy To Serve You” pose.
As the Palawan Group of Companies marks its 40th year in the industry, the spotlight isn’t on profits or milestones—it’s on people.
The company, a powerhouse in financial services, kicked off its anniversary celebration by honoring the true architects of its success: its most loyal and dedicated employees. These are the individuals who have given 20, 25, even 30 years of their lives to building the Palawan brand into what it is today—respected, trusted, and deeply rooted in service.
Dubbed the Gintong Lingkod Awards, the emotional tribute was held at the company’s headquarters in Puerto Princesa City. Awardees, together with their families, were flown in and treated to a red-carpet welcome, in true Palawan fashion. It was more than a celebration—it was a homecoming.
The leaders of the Palawan Group of Companies. Standing behind, from left: Korina Castro-Fernando; Chief Human Resources Officer; Roberto Ben M. Castro, Chief Operations Officer; Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer; front row, from left: Karlo M. Castro, Chief Executive Officer; Angelita M. Castro, co-founder and Deputy Chairman; Bobby L. Castro, Founder and Chairman; Lilian Castro-Selda, Chief Finance Officer.
The event brought together the company’s founders, leaders, and partners to honor these unsung heroes. Far from a typical corporate awards night, this ceremony pulsed with warmth and sincerity. The air was filled with laughter, tears, and cheers as stories were shared—not just of careers, but of lives changed and communities uplifted.
In her opening remarks, chief human resources officer Korina Castro-Fernando described the honorees as “the founding ates and kuyas, ‘nangs and ‘nongs” of the company—pillars of Kulturang Palawan, who embodied integrity and heartfelt service. She spoke of how this culture has become the company’s foundation, carrying it from a modest pawnshop in Puerto Princesa to an internationally recognized financial services brand known for being matatag, maaasahan, at mapagkakatiwalaan.
Korina Castro-Fernando, chief human resources officer, called the awardees the ‘nangs and ‘nongs (big sisters and brothers) who lived out the Kulturang Palawan of integrity and sincere service – to sukis and co-associates – passing down the culture to the younger breed of Palawan Group associates
Her sentiments were echoed by co-founder and deputy chairman Angelita M. Castro, who shared: “Our awardees are not just witnesses to our history—they helped build it. Kami man [ni Sir Bobby] ang nagsimula, pero hindi tayo aabot ng 40 years kung wala ang inyong sipag, pagmamahal, at dedikasyon. Salamat, maraming salamat.”
Several awardees took the stage to share deeply personal reflections—accounts of how their time at Palawan shaped not just their careers, but their lives. One such moment came from Flora Mae Salarzon, who’s been with the company for 25 years.
“If I weren’t well-compensated, I would’ve left a long time ago,” she said. “But when I say ‘compensated’, I mean more than money. At Palawan, we’re cared for—mentally, emotionally, spiritually. We’re not just employees; we’re people. We’re mentored not just to perform, but to thrive—as parents, as citizens, as human beings.”
Holding back tears, co-founder and Deputy Chairman Angelita (fondy called Ma’am/Nanay Angie), remarked: “Hindi tayo aabot sa 40 years at sa tagumpay na tinatamasa natin ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyo, sa inyong sipag, at sa inyong pagmamahal sa ating kompanya”
Ma. Criselda Emnace, another 25-year awardee, highlighted the company’s deep-rooted culture of malasakit—genuine concern for others. “My job felt less like work, more like purpose,” she shared. “I discovered that our greatest business skill is Customer Love. That’s what keeps this company going. That’s what keeps us going.”
As part of the ceremony, each awardee received a 24K Palawan Gold coin, handed to them onstage by company leaders, alongside their loved ones. These moments were touching symbols of gratitude—gold for gold-hearted service.
The Gintong Lingkod Awards aren’t just a look back—they’re a statement of who Palawan is and what it stands for. The company’s 40th anniversary is a celebration of its people, its culture, and its unwavering commitment to Tatak Palawan—a legacy of bayanihan, humility, and heartfelt service.
And as Palawan looks toward the next 40 years, one thing is clear: the heart of the company will always be its people.