Palawan Group, JCI Manila partner to widen financial inclusion

Insider Spotlight

• Palawan Group of Companies and JCI Manila formalized a partnership to advance financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and community development
• The collaboration comes ahead of the JCI World Congress 2026 in Clark, Pampanga, which is expected to draw more than 6,000 delegates
• Both organizations aim to explore initiatives that connect financial services with entrepreneurs and community leaders beyond the international gathering
  
  
  
  

The Palawan Group of Companies is strengthening its financial inclusion efforts through a partnership with JCI Manila, seeking to expand access to financial services and support entrepreneurship through a network of young business and community leaders.

The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of agreement, will explore programs in financial inclusion, leadership development and community empowerment, with the JCI World Congress 2026 serving as a platform for collaboration.

The Philippines is hosting the JCI World Congress from Nov. 11 to 15 at the Clark Expo & Convention Center in Pampanga, bringing together more than 6,000 delegates from over 120 countries and territories.

The gathering provides an opportunity for the Palawan Group to connect its financial services network with entrepreneurs, professionals and community advocates who could help extend financial inclusion initiatives to underserved communities.

Financial services to underserved communities

Through its pawnshop, remittance, e-wallet and microinsurance businesses, the Palawan Group provides financial services that support household needs, small businesses and livelihood activities.

"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," Palawan Group of Companies chief business development officer Lisa Castro-Sabado said in a press statement.

Lisa Castro-Sabado

Chief business development officer, Palawan Group

Leadership development

The company operates more than 70,000 branches, remittance outlets and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide, while its e-wallet platform, PalawanPay, serves 23 million Filipinos.

JCI Manila, meanwhile, is part of Junior Chamber International, a global organization focused on leadership development, entrepreneurship and community initiatives.

The organizations intend to explore opportunities that could translate connections established during the congress into longer-term programs supporting local entrepreneurs and financial access.

"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.”  Palawan Group of Companies COO Bobbit M. Castro said.

“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," he added.—Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma