Palawan Group of Companies' 40-Year Journey, Fueled by Employee Loyalty

 The Palawan Group of Companies, one of the leaders in financial services, kicked off the celebration of its 40thanniversary 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 20th, 25th, and 30th 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).

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

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

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.”

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"

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.

Palawan Pawnshop has redefined the pawning industry with its commitment to fair and affordable services

 

Pawnshops have long been an essential source of financial assistance for many Filipinos. They provide quick access to cash without the hassle of dealing with stringent requirements imposed by banks. Despite their significance, pawnshops have carried a negative reputation since most were seen as taking advantage of people's financial difficulties. However, this is all changing with Palawan Pawnshop.

Palawan Pawnshop, established in 1985, has redefined the pawning industry with its commitment to fair and affordable services. The company offers very low interest rates with high appraisal rates, giving customers the advantage of saving more. They have a tiered interest rate system with only 1% for a loan of 11 days, 2% for 22 days, and 3% for 33 days. Moreover, Suki card holders can enjoy discounts of up to 5%.

Palawan Pawnshop customers receive automated notifications on their cellphones to remind them of their due and renewal dates, preventing them from incurring additional fees. They can also opt to renew their pawned items at any Palawan Pawnshop branch. 

 

What sets Palawan Pawnshop apart is its brand of service – Matatag, Maaasahan at Mapagkakatiwalaan. People are guaranteed excellent customer service thanks to the approachable and friendly employees. Palawan Pawnshop is renowned for its VIP treatment of its customers, wherein all staff from the associates down to the guards, are accommodating and respectful. They handle your items with the utmost care to ensure their safety at all times.

 

With over 3,300 branches and authorized agents nationwide, Palawan Pawnshop continues to grow as one of the most reliable and leading pawnshops in the Philippines. From its beginnings as a pawn brokering business, Palawan Pawnshop has expanded its services to include money remittances, microinsurance, bills payment, electronic mobile phone loading, cash-in of e-wallets, money exchange, ATM withdrawal, and cash disbursements.

 

"At Palawan Pawnshop, we are dedicated to providing fair and affordable services to Filipinos in need of financial aid. Our commitment to excellence in customer service, combined with our low interest rates and high appraisal rates, sets us apart as a leading pawnshop in the Philippines." Said Karlo Eugene Josef M. Castro, Palawan Pawnshop Sr. Vice President & Chief Operations Officer.

 

For those who are looking to pawn their items, Palawan Pawnshop is currently offering a special promotion of "Libreng Interest" for one (1) month with a 2.5% loan interest rate. This offer is open to all new, lapsed, and existing Suki customers who wish to pawn their items at any Palawan Pawnshop branch nationwide. The promo is available from February 1 to April 30, 2023. Details can be found on their website and Palawan Pawnshop’s Official Facebook Page.

Palawan Pawnshop is transforming the way Filipinos perceive pawnshops by offering low interest rates, high appraisal rates, excellent customer service, and an extensive network of branches, which make them a reliable source of financial aid for those in need. Additionally, the company's commitment to excellent customer service and its wide array of multiple services beyond pawning which include money remittances, bills payment, cash-in and cash-out of e-wallets, and microinsurance, make it a one-stop-shop for all financial transaction needs. Palawan Pawnshop's services prove that pawnshops can provide a reliable and convenient option for Filipinos in need of financial assistance. Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express, and PalawanPay are supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.