The Palawan Group of Companies is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades of steadfast service to Filipinos through affordable, reliable, and accessible financial solutions.
From a single pawnshop in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, to a nationwide household name, the group’s journey reflects a legacy built on trust, compassion, and community empowerment.
Founded in 1985 by spouses Bobby L. Castro and Angelita M. Castro, Palawan Pawnshop started with a simple mission: to provide affordable and reliable financial services to Palawenos.
“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.”
Today, the company operates more than 70,000 branches, outlets, and money shops across the country.
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 helps make financial protection easier for everyday Filipinos by offering affordable microinsurance for health, accidents, and daily needs. It allows families to safeguard what matters most without extra cost. Through its B2B arm, Palawan Group works with government, banks, and fintech partners to reach more communities nationwide. Meanwhile, Palawan Credit supports small and medium businesses with easy-to-access, low-interest loans backed by the trust of the Palawan brand.
In 2022, the Palawan Group entered the digital age with the launch of its PalawanPay e-wallet, which now has over 21 million users. The platform offers remittance, bill payments, and e-loading, bridging traditional services with digital convenience through the company’s signature “BrickTech” approach.
“This anniversary is deeply personal for our family. It reminds us of every challenge we’ve faced and every Filipino we’ve served,” said Angelita M. Castro, Co-founder and Deputy Chairman during the event.
“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,” she added.
“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.
Looking ahead, the company aims to deepen its digital offerings, expand financial access through strategic partnerships, and empower small businesses through Palawan Credit. “We aim to expand our ecosystem with technology that not only makes transactions easier, but also makes lives better,” Karlo added.
