Marking its longstanding mark of dedicated service, the Palawan Group of Companies celebrates its 40th anniversary as a steadfast partner in every Filipino’s financial journey, championing affordability, reliability, and accessibility with heart. From its modest beginnings to becoming a nationwide name trusted by millions of sukis, Palawan Group’s story is one of enduring commitment to progress, people, and meaningful service. To reach 40 years is to triumph over time, challenges, and change, proof of a legacy built on trust, purpose, and service to the Filipino people.
The Foundation: Humble Beginnings, Bold Vision
In 1985, a small pawnshop opened in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most trusted names in financial services in the Philippines. Founded by spouses Bobby L. Castro and Angelita M. Castro, Palawan Pawnshop began with a simple vision: to provide affordable and reliable financial services to Palawenos. What started as a single-branch pawn brokering grew through word of mouth, fueled by the couple’s passion to uplift communities through fair, accessible, and customer-centered service.
“We didn’t start this journey with big capital or grand ambitions; we simply wanted to help,” recalled Bobby L. Castro, Founder and Chairman, during the 40th anniversary presscon. “Every suki who walked through our doors was family. That mindset guided us then, and it still guides us now as we continue to grow.”
Reaching 40 years is no easy feat, it is a rare achievement built on decades of grit, sacrifice, and commitment. Behind this milestone are countless challenges weathered, obstacles overcome, and moments when perseverance mattered more than convenience. From its single-branch beginnings, the business grew steadily through a loyal customer base and meaningful community engagement. The couple’s deep understanding of the needs of ordinary Filipinos, especially in far-flung areas, helped shape a service culture grounded in fairness, empathy, and customer-first values. Over the years, the once-small pawnshop transformed into a trusted partner in financial empowerment, offering not just services but also instilling trust and dignity in the lives of millions.
“This anniversary is deeply personal for our family. It reminds us of every challenge we’ve faced and every Filipino we’ve served. At the heart of it all is love—love for our people, our sukis, and our country. We will continue to serve with passion and humility in the years to come,” said Angelita M. Castro, Co-founder and Deputy Chairman during the event.
Building a Legacy: Growth, Milestones, and Innovation
Over the past four decades, the Palawan Group has grown from a single pawnshop into a powerhouse multi-service brand with over 70,000 branches, outlets, and money shops nationwide. What began with pawning and domestic remittance has evolved into a robust ecosystem of financial services including international remittance, money changing, insurance, jewelry retail, microloans, and digital solutions.Palawan Pawnshop remains the most trusted leader in pawning, known for its fast, affordable, and reliable service. Palawan Express Pera Padala is the country’s number one remittance brand, helping millions send support to loved ones across the Philippines. Palawan Pawnshop Jewelry leads in retail, offering elegant, high-quality pieces at accessible prices, while Palawan Gold brings genuine, investment-worthy gold closer to everyday Filipinos. Together, these brands reflect Palawan Group’s commitment to trust, inclusion, and uplifting lives through accessible financial solutions.
Palawan ProtekTODO furthers this mission of financial accessibility by offering affordable microinsurance products tailored to the needs of everydayFilipinos. Whether for health, accidents, or daily security, it empowers individuals and families to protect what matters most without added burden. Through its B2B (Palawan for Business) arm, the Palawan Group has deepened its impact through strategic collaborations with government institutions, banks, and fintech platforms. These partnerships allow the company to expand its reach and help more Filipinos achieve financial security, whether in remote provinces or major cities. Palawan Credit, meanwhile, was created to empower small and medium enterprises with accessible financing solutions. It offers secured loans with low interest rates, a streamlined application process, and the trusted reliability that comes with the Palawan name.
In April 2022, the launch of PalawanPay marked the company’s bold entry into the digital era. Now, it is the fastest-growing e-wallet in the Philippines with over 21 million users nationwide that delivers trusted services like pera padala, bills payment, and e-loading straight into the hands of users through their smartphones. Powered by the company’s signature “BrickTech” model, PalawanPay seamlessly connects on-ground presence with digital convenience, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the country’s shift toward financial technology.
“Innovation is key to staying relevant, but our foundation will always be trust, affordability, and service with heart. As we expand into digital platforms like PalawanPay, we remain focused on making sure every Filipino, even those in underserved areas, feels seen, supported, and empowered,” said Karlo M. Castro, Chief Executive Officer of the Palawan Group.
This balance between innovation and tradition, bound by compassion, is key to Palawan Group’s enduring appeal. While embracing new tools and platforms, the company ensures that services remain affordable, simple, and secure. Whether a customer prefers to transact online or in person, they receive the same level of care and convenience that has defined Palawan Group for 40 years. The brand’s strength lies in its ability to adapt while staying true to its promise: Mura, Mabilis at Walang Kuskos-Balungos na Serbisyo (affordable, fast, and hassle-free service).
Looking Ahead: Charting the Next Chapter
As Palawan Group celebrates 40 fruitful years, it looks to the future with optimism and renewed purpose. The company envisions a more digitally connected ecosystem, where every Filipino, regardless of their location or status, can access financial services that empower them. Plans are underway to strengthen PalawanPay further, develop new customer-centric features, and introduce advanced solutions for businesses.
“We’re looking beyond today and investing in the future of financial empowerment in the Philippines. We aim to expand our ecosystem with technology that not only makes transactions easier, but also makes lives better. We continue to grow our services and embrace innovation because our goal is clear: to champion financial inclusion and empower those in the grassroots,” added Karlo M. Castro.
With digital inclusion as a cornerstone, Palawan Group is committed to continuing its legacy of affordability and trust in the fintech space. Innovations may change the way services are delivered, but the heart of the business remains the same: putting the Filipino first. “Ikaw pa rin ang No. 1, Matatag, Maasahan at Mapagkakatiwalaan” (You are No. 1, Steadfast, Reliable, and Trustworthy) is a promise that Palawan Group will keep delivering for its sukis.
“Though we come from very different backgrounds, we all share the same mission: to serve our kababayans. As you empower Filipinos to make informed decisions by delivering the news, we at the Palawan Group empower our sukis by making reliable financial services accessible,” said Lilian Castro-Selda, Chief Finance Officer of Palawan Group.
From one pawnshop in Palawan to a nationwide network of services, the Palawan Group’s journey is marked by purpose, progress, and people-first values. As it looks to the future, the company remains steadfast in its mission: to champion financial inclusion and uplift lives – one suki, one community, and one generation at a time.
