The Palawan Group of Companies has become a key gateway for Metrobank’s “Collect Anywhere” services, a significant partnership that expands the financial reach and payment convenience for Filipinos nationwide.
The official signing of the agreement took place at the Grand Hyatt Manila, where top officials from both organizations were present to solidify the collaboration.
Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado (4th from left), Chief Development Officer of Palawan Group of Companies, together with other company officials during the signing of their partnership agreement with Metrobank
Representing Palawan Group were Chief Development Officer Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Head of B2B Missy Baldemor, and Key Account Manager Rona Juan. From Metrobank, key executives included Anton Yap, Head of International Offices and Subsidiaries Group; Chippi Orlino, Head of Institutional Transaction Banking Group; Ryan Imperial, Head of Remittance Marketing Division; Gino Artillaga, Head of International Offices and Subsidiaries Support Division; and Itel Gahol, Head of Domestic Business Department.
This strategic alliance marks a shared commitment between two financial powerhouses to serve the evolving needs of Filipinos. Metrobank, the second-largest private universal bank in the country, is focused on empowering both individual and business clients with innovative financial solutions.
On the other hand, the Palawan Group of Companies, a trusted household name in remittance services, has consistently aimed to connect families and communities through seamless financial transactions.
Palawan Group of Companies: Expanding payment access anywhere
The new partnership will allow Metrobank’s merchant billers to collect payments more efficiently, utilizing Palawan’s extensive network of branches and payment outlets.
Photo shows executives of Metrobank (from left:) Ryan Imperial, Head of Remittance Marketing Division; Chippi Orlino, Head of Institutional Transaction Banking Group; and Anton Yap, Head of International Offices & Subsidiaries Group together with top executives of Palawan Group of Companies
For Palawan Group, this collaboration extends its financial services to more clients, particularly in areas where Metrobank has no physical branches. This step aligns with both companies’ goal of improving accessibility and financial inclusion across the Philippines.
Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Chief Development Officer of Palawan Group of Companies, highlighted the importance of this partnership during the signing ceremony, stating, “Over the past four decades, we have remained matatag, maasahan, at mapagkakatiwalaan (steadfast, reliable, and trustworthy) to our valued customers and sukis.”
“Rest assured that we will extend the same values to customers of Metrobank. We thank our partners from Metrobank for trusting the Palawan Group of Companies to be a gateway for Collect Anywhere,” she added.
Metrobank’s Anton Yap echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the collaboration:
“The Palawan Group of Companies has always been a strong ally in business, consistently helping us serve our clients with excellence and reliability when it comes to sending and receiving funds from their loved ones. This expanded collaboration allows us to better serve our clients, as our billers will now be able to conveniently access payments remitted to their Metrobank accounts through Palawan’s vast network.”
A wider reach for payment solutions
With the expanded agreement, Metrobank will be able to service customers in more remote areas of the country where it lacks a physical presence. For Palawan Group, the partnership enhances its longstanding mission of providing affordable, fast, and hassle-free financial services to its loyal clients, or sukis.
The company’s extensive network — over 60,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops — will now serve as additional payment points for Metrobank clients.
Palawan Group of Companies remains focused on creating win-win solutions by partnering with institutions that share its commitment to financial inclusion. The company’s strength in remittance, pawning, and financial services has made it a reliable institution for millions of Filipinos, and this latest collaboration with Metrobank only strengthens that position.
The Palawan Group of Companies is a well-established financial institution that includes Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, PalawanPay, and more. With nearly four decades of experience, the group has become a leader in remittances, pawnbroking, bills payments, and other financial services.
Recently, it introduced PalawanPay, an e-wallet app designed for faster, safer, and more convenient transactions, including remittances, bill payments, and QR-based payments. Its impressive growth is a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to constant innovation and placing the needs of its “sukis” (loyal customers) at the heart of its business, aligning seamlessly with the evolving digital finance landscape.
In February this year, the mobile wallet endorsed by PBA basketball star Benjie Paras entered the big leagues, breaking records after hitting the 15 million mark of registered users in less than 2 years. The group currently operates under the supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), ensuring the highest standards of financial service delivery.
Meanwhile, Metrobank is one of the largest private banks in the Philippines, known for empowering clients with a broad array of financial products and services. With over 950 domestic branches, 2,300 ATMs, and a robust international presence, Metrobank is committed to supporting both individuals and businesses in achieving their financial goals.
The bank maintains a strong capital position, with consolidated assets of PHP 3.3 trillion as of June 2024, making it one of the most well-capitalized banks in the country. The partnership between Palawan Group of Companies and Metrobank underscores the companies’ shared vision of bringing reliable, accessible, and convenient financial services to Filipinos, wherever they may be.
