Insider Spotlight
The partnership brings together financial technology and logistics infrastructure to make everyday transactions faster and more accessible for Filipinos, particularly those outside major urban centers
Why it matters
The collaboration reflects a broader push toward financial inclusion as digital payments gain traction nationwide. By embedding QR Ph services within JRS Express branches, customers can now pay bills and complete financial transactions at locations they already frequent for courier services.
The initiative leverages Palawan Group’s network of more than 3,500 branches and PalawanPay’s user base of over 23 million Filipinos, extending cashless access deeper into provincial communities and logistics hubs.
What they’re saying
“This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening the Palawan Group’s commitment to financial inclusion. By integrating QR Ph into JRS Express branches, we are making everyday financial transactions more accessible, efficient, and convenient, especially for customers in provinces and logistics centers,” Lisa Castro-Sabado, Palawan Group chief business development officer, said in a press statement.
“ What makes this alliance even more meaningful is that both the Palawan Group and JRS Express are 100 percent Filipino-owned. Tunay na gawang Pilipino, para sa serbisyong Pilipino,” she added.
JRS Express vice president John Paul Claparols described the agreement as a long-term collaboration.
“This agreement is an important milestone, but we see it as only the beginning. As the partnership grows, we look forward to exploring how JRS Express can also support Palawan Group’s logistics and distribution requirements,” Claparols said.
“Our focus is not only on what we can accomplish today, but on what we can build together in the years ahead. This marks the start of a long-term collaboration between two Filipino-owned companies serving Filipinos nationwide,” he said.
Between the lines
For small and medium enterprises, online sellers, and frequent courier users, the integration of financial and logistics services in one location reduces friction and saves time.
Customers can manage payments and shipments in a single visit, improving operational efficiency while supporting the country’s transition to a more digital economy.
PalawanPay president and CEO Third Librea said the partnership aligns with the e-wallet’s mission.
“By enabling QR Ph payments at JRS Express branches, we are meeting customers where they already are and making transactions faster, easier, and more seamless,” he said, adding that the move strengthens readiness for a digital economy. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
