To support and protect the nation’s most essential yet vulnerable workforce, the Palawan Group of Companies and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to formalize their strategic partnership. This collaboration is designed to enhance the delivery of crop insurance payouts and expand financial access for millions of Filipino farmers.
Despite being the backbone of our food system, Filipino farmers face constant risks, ranging from typhoons and droughts to pests and crop diseases. While crop insurance is available to offer protection, claiming benefits quickly and conveniently remains a significant challenge, especially for those in geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged areas. In 2024, PCIC reinforced its commitment to inclusivity and sustainability by insuring over 4.2 million farmers, a 7.76% increase from 2023, with total coverage reaching ₱141.561 billion. However, many of these farmers continue to face difficulties when accessing their payouts due to limited banking infrastructure in rural communities.
To help close this gap, Palawan Group’s nationwide network of more than 3,500 Palawan Pawnshop–Palawan Express Pera Padala branches, which remain open even on weekends and holidays, offers farmers convenient locations to claim their benefits. The group’s digital wallet app, PalawanPay, extends this access even further by enabling farmers to receive funds, pay bills, and manage transactions from their mobile devices, without the need for traditional bank accounts.
Atty. Jovy C. Bernabe, President of PCIC, highlighted how the partnership will ease long-standing burdens for Filipino farmers: “This will reduce delays, burdens, and ensure that our farmers receive their benefits in a faster, cheaper, and more convenient way. They save on transportation costs to reach the nearest bank, and more importantly, they will no longer be forced to rediscount their checks at unreasonable rates.”
Through its “BrickTech” approach, blending physical accessibility with digital convenience, the Palawan Group is helping modernize the way government services reach the people. This initiative streamlines the distribution of insurance payouts, making them faster, safer, and more accessible, especially for farmers in rural and remote areas. More than a payout channel, this collaboration marks a shift toward more responsive, technology-driven public service delivery, bridging the gap between government support and the communities that need it most.
Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of the Palawan Group, expressed heartfelt appreciation for farmers and emphasized the more profound significance of the partnership: “We believe that farmers are the backbone of our nation. Because of their hard work, we enjoy nutritious meals every day. Yet many remain vulnerable to the threats of nature without adequate protection. This partnership is much more than a business agreement. It is a shared commitment to uplift and empower our agricultural sector.”
Moving forward, Palawan Group aims to strengthen its role in promoting financial inclusion by continuing to grow its services and digital innovations designed for farming communities. By leveraging insights from this partnership, the group plans to explore new collaborations, make transactions easier, and offer financial tools that match the changing needs of Filipino farmers.
“Our farmers work tirelessly to feed the nation, yet their livelihoods remain among the most fragile. With PalawanPay, we’re building a bridge that connects farmers to the fast, reliable disbursement of insurance claims — serbisyong matatag, maaasahan, mapagkakatiwalaan nasaan man sila sa Pilipinas (reliable, dependable, and trustworthy service that reaches every corner of the Philippines),” added Third Librea, CEO of PalawanPay.
Angelita M. Castro, Co-founder and Deputy Chairman of Palawan Group, added her support and vision for long-term impact: “We’re proud to partner with PCIC and serve our underserved communities. We believe this collaboration marks the beginning of a broader rollout of meaningful, inclusive solutions that benefit Filipino farmers everywhere.”
As climate-related risks and financial inequality continue to affect the agricultural sector, this partnership between the Palawan Group and PCIC is a timely and crucial step forward. This initiative makes it significantly easier for farmers to claim and manage their crop insurance benefits, which promotes transparency, reduces waiting times, and empowers farmers to focus on productivity rather than paperwork. Together, they aim to create inclusive, resilient, and accessible systems that protect and empower the farmers who sustain the nation.
