Insider Spotlight
The digital wallet arm of the Palawan Group of Companies said the partnership aims to strengthen athlete development while reinforcing shared values of excellence, integrity, and service.
Why it matters
The tie-up positions sports as a core driver of nation-building within the Palawan Group’s corporate social responsibility agenda, framing athletics as a platform for shaping disciplined, values-driven Filipinos.
Through the collaboration, PalawanPay will provide resources designed to let players focus on training, competition, and holistic growth, while helping address daily operational needs and long-term program sustainability.
What they’re saying
In a press statement, Palawan Group chief marketing officer Bernard V. Kaibigan said, “As a UP alumnus and a volleyball enthusiast, I am proud that PalawanPay will continue supporting the team for many seasons to come.”“UP has always represented the best of Filipino talent: intelligence paired with integrity, excellence grounded in service. The UP Women’s Volleyball Team embodies this spirit. You ladies are strong, determined, disciplined, and you deserve to be supported and celebrated,” Kaibigan added.
UPWVT head coach Benson Bocboc added, “We would like to sincerely thank the Palawan Group for being one of our valued sponsors and steadfast partners. Three years ago, we started this program with a simple but powerful vision: ‘To grow, to compete, and to win.’ It’s something sustainable for our student-athletes. Today, that mission continues to come to life because of partners like you who believe in developing talent, character, and excellence.”
The backdrop
The partnership builds on the Palawan Group’s long-standing support for UP athletics. Since 2019, the company—led by founders Bobby and Angelita Castro and their five UP-alumnus children—has backed various UP teams across different sports.
Recently, PalawanPay also supported the Men’s Basketball, Judo, and Swimming Teams in UAAP Season 88, alongside hosting initiatives such as a Champions’ Thanksgiving Dinner to honor Fighting Maroons victories.
By the numbers
PalawanPay is part of a financial services group trusted by 22 million Filipinos, with more than 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide
The bottom line
For PalawanPay, the alliance with the UP Women’s Volleyball Team is more than brand visibility. It is a strategic bet that sustained investment in collegiate sports can cultivate leadership, resilience, and national pride—on and off the court. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
