PalawanPay launches marathon series for wellness drive

Insider Spotlight

• PalawanPay, RUNRIO, and UP OASD launched the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon 2026
• The three-leg race series will be held in Manila, Cebu, and Palawan
• Proceeds will fund fully equipped ambulances for hospitals in Aklan and South Cotabato
• Organizers said the initiative combines fitness, inclusivity, and community impact
  
  
  

Palawan Group of Companies is expanding its wellness and community initiatives through the launch of the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon 2026, a nationwide race series organized with RUNRIO and the University of the Philippines Office of Athletics and Sports Development (UP OASD).

The marathon series aims to promote active lifestyles while supporting healthcare programs in underserved communities. Organizers said proceeds from the races will help purchase fully equipped ambulances for partner hospitals in Aklan and South Cotabato.

The first leg will take place on Aug. 9, 2026 at UP Diliman in Quezon City, featuring 1K, 3K, 5K, 10K, and 16K categories for runners of varying skill levels. The Cebu leg follows on Sept. 27, 2026 in Mandaue City, adding a 21K half-marathon distance. The series concludes on Oct. 18, 2026 in Puerto Princesa City, where organizers will stage the full 42K marathon.

The big picture

Palawan Group executives said the collaboration reflects a broader push to combine financial services, wellness programs, and social impact initiatives under the PalawanPay brand.

“At Palawan Group, we believe that forging meaningful partnerships is essential in helping us reach more people and create a deeper, more lasting impact,”  Lilian Castro-Selda, Palawan Group CFO, said in a press statement.

“Collaborations like this allow us to extend our services, strengthen our communities, and bring our mission closer to our kababayans, whether they live in bustling cities or in remote barrios. This partnership with RunRio and the UP-OASD is born out of a shared goal: to encourage more Filipinos to be active, healthy, and well-rounded,” Castro-Selda said. 

RUNRIO founder coach Rio De La Cruz said race proceeds will directly support emergency healthcare access in local communities. Previous PalawanPay marathon events funded an ambulance donation to El Nido Community Hospital in Palawan.

Why it matters

Palawan Group Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando said the initiative goes beyond sports by creating opportunities for communities to unite around meaningful causes.

“It brings me great pride and joy to be part of this meaningful partnership for the PalawanPay Marathon Trilogy. At the heart of what we do is a deep commitment to people and community. This is more than just promoting health and wellness; it is about coming together to create real, lasting impact,” Castro-Fernando said. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma