WINNING | Palawan, DOLE expand barangay micro-payout hubs network

Insider Spotlight

• DOLE–Palawan collaboration brings government aid closer to far-flung families
• Barangay-level micro-payout hubs slash travel time and costs for workers
• Palawan For Business earns regional recognition for scalable public-private model
  
  

A rapidly expanding network of micro-payout hubs is reshaping how government cash assistance reaches remote communities, as the Palawan Group of Companies deepens its collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to streamline disbursements nationwide. 

The initiative is emerging as a model for last-mile financial access in barangays that have long struggled with limited banking infrastructure.

Why it matters

The hubs—supported by mobile branches, payout caravans, and real-time transaction monitoring—cut hours of travel for workers and families who previously had to take boats or long road trips just to claim government aid.

The approach gained regional attention after Palawan For Business received the Silver Award for Most Innovative B2B Campaign at the NEXT Awards Asia-Pacific 2025.

The recognition highlighted how the company’s partnership with DOLE enables more secure, traceable, and efficient public fund disbursement.

Driving the model

Leveraging more than 3,500 branches and a broader network of over 70,000 touchpoints, Palawan transformed select locations into micro-payout hubs strategically placed in remote barangays and island communities. 

The system ensures beneficiaries receive entitlements closer to home, supported by SMS alerts and real-time monitoring for transparency and convenience.

Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, chief business development officer of the Palawan Group, said in a press release on Dec. 2, 2025: “We are honored to receive the Silver Awards for Most Innovative B2B Marketing Campaign at the MARKETECH APAC NEXT Awards 2025. This recognition affirms our commitment to strengthen partnerships that create real impact in the communities we serve.”

“At Palawan Group, 'innovation' is more than just a buzzword. It is the anchor that guides us in understanding the needs of our partners… Our commitment remains: we will work hard to make financial services accessible, reliable, and inclusive,” Castro-Sabado said.

Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Palawan Group of Companies chief business development officer

“At Palawan Group, 'innovation' is more than just a buzzword. It is the anchor that guides us in understanding the needs of our partners."

Zoom out

The Palawan–DOLE partnership reflects a broader shift toward public-private collaboration to make government services more accessible. 

With millions of workers depending on programs such as emergency employment and livelihood assistance, the micro-payout hub model reduces logistical bottlenecks while expanding financial inclusion.

What’s next

As government agencies look for reliable distribution partners capable of managing large-scale, geographically dispersed operations, Palawan For Business’ award-recognized framework positions it as a scalable blueprint for future digital-enabled social protection efforts. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma