Palawan Group expands OFW financial literacy drive with JCI

Insider Spotlight

• Palawan Group partnered with JCI Manila for an OFW-focused financial literacy initiative
• More than 200 OFWs and family members attended the event in Makati City
• Discussions covered remittance management, scam prevention, gold investments, and microinsurance
• The company said the program reflects its broader push for financial inclusion
  
  
  

The Palawan Group of Companies partnered with JCI Manila to launch a financial literacy initiative aimed at helping overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families better manage their finances and protect their long-term financial security.

Held at the Department of Migrant Workers office in Makati City, the “Leading OFWs Beyond” program gathered more than 200 participants from across Metro Manila, including OFWs and their relatives. The event focused on practical money management strategies, financial planning, and scam awareness.

Why it matters

The initiative comes as remittances continue to play a critical role in supporting the Philippine economy and sustaining millions of Filipino households. Financial institutions are increasingly expanding financial literacy efforts to help OFWs maximize hard-earned income and avoid financial risks.

JCI Manila focus on projects that are designed to empower leaders to go beyond convention—driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and creating sustainable impact.

As co-presenter of the event, Palawan Group used its 40-minute session to discuss budgeting remittances, inflation protection through Palawan Gold investments, and financial safeguards through ProtekTODO microinsurance products.

What they’re saying

“This initiative is very special to us. Not only does it mark our first-ever financial literacy initiative dedicated towards OFWs and their loved ones, but it also reflects our deep commitment of serving our kababayans, wherever they are in the world,” Bernard Kaibigan, Palawan Group chief marketing officer, said in a press statement on May 6, 2026. 

The company said the partnership aligns with its broader mission of promoting financial inclusion and “serbisyong may malasakit” for Filipinos both locally and abroad.

The bigger picture

Palawan Group has steadily expanded beyond its traditional pawnshop and remittance operations into digital finance, insurance, and investment products. Its e-wallet platform, PalawanPay, now serves 22 million users, according to the company.

The firm also said it operates more than 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide, positioning itself as one of the country’s largest financial service networks.

Palawan Group said it plans to continue supporting community-based financial education programs as part of its long-term inclusion strategy. —Vanessa Hidalgo |Ed: Corrie S. Narisma