As financial institutions increasingly focus on digital expansion and scale, the Palawan Group of Companies is placing the spotlight on a different growth driver: employee loyalty.
The company recently honored 61 employees who have served for 20, 25, and 30 years, recognizing their contributions to building what has become one of the Philippines’ largest and most trusted non-bank financial services providers.
The recognition ceremony, dubbed “Gintong Lingkod: Pinagtibay ng Panahon, Pinakinang ng Dedikasyon,” was held on April 15 at Princesa Garden Island Resort, bringing together awardees and their families for a red-carpet celebration at the company’s headquarters in Puerto Princesa City.
The event was attended by company founders, members of the board, and senior executives, underscoring what Palawan Group described as its continuing commitment to a people-first workplace culture as it scales its nationwide financial services footprint.
Recognizing the people behind the growth
Palawan Group CHRO Korina Castro-Fernando expresses gratitude to the awardees for living out Kulturang Palawan, highlighting how their service uplifts communities.
The awardees were recognized not only for their years of service but for embodying what the company calls Tatak Palawan and Serbisyong Pusong Palawan — principles centered on humility, service, and customer care.
Speaking during the ceremony, Korina Castro-Fernando highlighted the broader social impact of employees’ work across the company’s financial service network.
She noted that beyond supporting their own families, employees contribute to financial access for underserved communities across the country.
The sentiment was echoed by co-founder and deputy chairman Angelita Castro, who emphasized that the company’s success has been shaped by employees’ integrity, dedication, and commitment to serving Filipino communities.
“What makes me most proud is not just how long you have stayed, but how you have carried yourselves through the years,” Castro said during the event.
Stories of growth from within
Grace Balolong, a 20-year service awardee and now Finance Head, shared that despite setbacks and challenges, each experience shaped her growth and strengthened her commitment to excellence.
Several honorees shared personal stories about their journeys within the organization, offering insights into Palawan Group’s internal development culture.
Among them was Grace Balolong, a 20-year service awardee who rose through the ranks to become the company’s finance head.
Balolong reflected on the challenges she faced throughout her career, describing setbacks as key learning experiences that helped strengthen her resilience and professional growth.
Her story reflects a broader narrative that the Palawan Group of Companies has increasingly highlighted as it expands — one centered on internal mobility and long-term employee development.
Symbolic rewards for years of service
Each awardee received a certificate and commemorative Palawan gold tokens corresponding to their tenure: a one-gram 24-karat gold coin for 20-year awardees, a two-gram gold token for those marking 25 years, and a three-gram gold bar for employees celebrating three decades with the company.
Awardees were accompanied onstage by loved ones, adding a personal dimension to the recognition ceremony.
A people-first approach amid rapid fintech expansion
The recognition comes as Palawan Group continues to expand its hybrid “bricktech” strategy, combining its extensive physical branch network with digital financial services through PalawanPay.
The e-wallet platform now serves 22 million users, complementing the group’s established businesses in pawning, remittance, credit, and financial protection.
With more than 70,000 branches, outlets, and money shops nationwide, Palawan Group has emerged as a major player in the Philippines’ alternative financial services sector.
The company said initiatives such as Gintong Lingkod reflect its effort to preserve its service-oriented culture even as it scales.
For Palawan Group, honoring long-serving employees is more than a ceremonial gesture — it is part of reinforcing the values it sees as foundational to sustaining growth in an increasingly competitive financial services landscape.
