The Palawan Group of Companies celebrates its 40th anniversary as a steadfast partner in every Filipino’s financial journey

 

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.

Palawan Group of Companies marks 40 years of dedicated service to the Filipino people, celebrating a legacy of trust, resilience, and meaningful progress in every financial journey.

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.”

 (L-R) Palawan Group of Companies' COO Roberto Ben “Bobit” Castro; CFO and Control Director Lilian Castro-Selda; Founder and Chairman Bobby L. Castro; Co-founder and Deputy Chairman Angelita M. Castro; Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando;  Chief Business Development Officer Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado; and President and CEO Karlo M. Castro.

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.