Palawan Group of Companies honors loyal employees who helped build its legacy; celebrates 40 years of growth

The Palawan Group of Companies, one of the leaders in financial services, kicked off the celebration of its 40^th anniversary by honoring its most loyal and dedicated employees.

Recognized as the heroes who laid the foundation of the Palawan Group, individuals who have reached their 20^th, 25^th, and 30^th year of service were celebrated for their contributions and their commitment to upholding husay na Tatak Palawan at serbisyong Pusong Palawan all these years. Awardees and their families were flown to the company’s headquarters in Puerto Princesa City and were given a much-deserved red carpet treatment.

The heartfelt ceremony, dubbed as ‘Gintong Lingkod Awards’, was attended by the company’s founders, leaders, and partners. It was intended to honor the awardees not only for their role in the growth of the business but also for living out the Palawan Group’s core values of humility and service.

In her welcome remarks, Palawan Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Korina Castro-Fernando, thanked the awardees for being “the founding ates and kuyas, ‘nangs and ‘nongs (big sisters and brothers) who lived out the Kulturang Palawan of integrity and sincere service – to sukis and to co-associates” as she emphasized that it is this culture that serves as the solid foundation that led the company to where it is today. She also reiterated her appreciation, on behalf of the Castro family, of the awardees’ faith in the company as it evolved from a single pawnshop in Puerto Princesa City to a globally recognized financial services provider known for its serbisyong Matataag, Maaasahan, at Mapagkakatiwalaan (enduring, dependable, trustworthy).

This appreciation was echoed by co-founder and Deputy Chairman Angelita M. Castro, who remarked, “our awardees are not just witnesses to our history – they helped build it.” She further expressed, “kami man [ni Sir Bobby] ang nagsimula, 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. Salamat, maraming salamat sa inyo.”

Select awardees delivered speeches – personal accounts of how being part of the Palawan Group impacted their lives – which earned a harmony of laughter, tears, and cheers from the audience.

Flora Mae Salarzon, a 25-year service awardee, remarked, “If I weren’t well-compensated, I would’ve left a long time ago. But when I say ‘compensated’, I don’t just mean in terms of salary. At Palawan, we are enriched mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. The company takes care of us as people—not just as employees. We are trained, guided, and equipped not just for work, but for life. [Our mentors in Palawan] help us grow as professionals, as parents, as members of the community. We learn how to balance our careers with our responsibilities at home, and how to prepare for our future. That kind of support is rare, and I’m truly grateful.”

Another 25-year service awardee, Ma. Criselda Emnace, emphasized how genuinely “malasakit” (care) to our Sukis served as the glue that holds the business together. She shared, “My job felt less like a job but more like a purpose. I discovered more profoundly that the key business acumen in a business like ours is Customer Love. I do my best to extend my services to customers the best way I know how.”

Each awardee received a 24K Palawan Gold coin as a token of appreciation. They were each called to the stage, accompanied by a loved one to receive the token, and received a warm embrace from the company’s leaders. Many also shared their personal journeys with the company, offering reflections that were both inspiring and moving.

The Gintong Lingkod awards is part of the Palawan Group of Companies’ efforts to nurture a workplace where employees are valued, empowered, and celebrated. It reflects the company’s commitment to upholding Tatak Palawan – the spirit of bayanihan and service.