As communities face evolving economic and social challenges, partnerships that bring together organizations with shared goals can help create opportunities and encourage meaningful change. Recognizing the value of working together, the Palawan Group of Companies and JCI Manila have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, reinforcing their shared commitment to leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
The partnership will explore initiatives in financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community development, with the upcoming JCI World Congress 2026 serving as an important platform for engagement and collaboration.
The Philippines will host the international gathering from November 11 to 15, 2026, at the Clark Expo & Convention Center in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The five-day event is expected to welcome more than 6,000 delegates from over 120 countries and territories, bringing together young leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to exchange ideas, build networks, and discuss ways to address challenges facing their respective communities.
For the Palawan Group, the partnership extends its commitment to making financial services accessible to more Filipinos and supporting their participation in economic opportunities. Through its pawnshop, remittance, e-wallet, and microinsurance businesses, the homegrown company serves individuals, families, and entrepreneurs across the country, providing financial solutions that help address everyday needs, sustain livelihoods, and offer greater financial security.
“Financial services play an important role in helping people manage their everyday needs and pursue opportunities. Whether it is sending money to family, accessing funds for a small business, or getting protection through affordable insurance, we want our services to make a practical difference in people’s lives. We see this partnership as another opportunity to contribute to that purpose,” said Lisa Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of the Palawan Group of Companies.
“As a Jaycee myself, I understand that leadership goes beyond the positions we hold or the achievements we claim. It is about taking action, working with others, and contributing to something bigger than ourselves. I look forward to seeing the connections made during the World Congress translate into initiatives that will continue to benefit communities even after the event,” said Bobbit M. Castro, Chief Operations Officer of the Palawan Group of Companies.
“Meaningful change often begins with small actions that create a ripple effect. Through our partnership with the Palawan Group, we hope to reach more people and open up opportunities for greater collaboration. The JCI World Congress brings people together to exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, and inspire more individuals to turn those ideas into action,” said Luis Angelo Sevilla, JCI World Congress Director.
JCI Manila is part of Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global network of young active citizens committed to developing leadership, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating positive change through community initiatives and international cooperation. The World Congress gives members and delegates from around the world a chance to share experiences, build connections, and explore ideas they can put into action in their countries.
Beyond the five-day gathering, the partnership provides an opportunity to connect the Palawan Group’s nationwide reach and financial services with JCI Manila’s network of young leaders and community advocates. By bringing these strengths together, both organizations can explore initiatives that support local entrepreneurs, widen access to financial opportunities, and contribute to more empowered communities.
ABOUT PALAWAN GROUP OF COMPANIES:
The Palawan Group of Companies has been a trusted partner of Filipinos for four decades. Its products and services include Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Pawnshop Jewelry, Palawan Express Pera Padala (Domestic and International), Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Gold, Palawan for Business, Palawan Credit, and its e-wallet arm, PalawanPay, which is now trusted by 23 million Filipinos.
Today, the Palawan Group is one of the country’s fastest-growing financial institutions and the market leader in pawning and remittance, with over 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide. It is trusted by millions of Sukis for services that are mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos (affordable, reliable, and hassle-free).
Staying true to its bricktech approach, the company introduced PalawanPay to give Sukis the flexibility to transact anytime, anywhere — pwede sa branch, pwede sa app. Beyond remittances, PalawanPay also provides convenient access to bill payments, mobile load top-ups, pawn renewals, QR Ph scan-to-pay transactions, and gold and jewelry purchases.
The Palawan Group of Companies operates under the supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
For more information, go to the Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.
