Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) has partnered with the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) to streamline loan disbursement and repayment services for farmers and fisherfolk. This collaboration highlights Palawan Group’s commitment to supporting the government’s financial inclusion initiatives by providing transactions that are “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskosbalungos” (affordable, fast, and hassle-free) for its valued “sukis.”
Palawan Group of Companies executives from L-R: Missy Baldemor, B2B Head; Third Librea, PalawanPay President and CEO; and Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer, joined by Agricultural Credit Policy Council executives: Ma. Christina Lopez, OIC Executive Director; and Noel Clarence Ducusin, Director for Program Development and Capacity Building.
Through this collaboration, farmers and fishermen can easily access loans, repay them conveniently, and benefit from a more structured and reliable financial system. This initiative by PGC continues to demonstrate that financial inclusion is not just a corporate responsibility but a necessary foundation for national progress.
Farmers and fisherfolk represent the backbone of the Philippine economy, yet they are among the most financially underserved groups. According to the Senate Economic Planning Office, farmers account for the highest percentage of unbanked Filipinos. This lack of access to formal financial services leaves many farmers and fisherfolk reliant on informal lenders or loan sharks, trapping them in cycles of exorbitant interest rates and unmanageable debt. PGC aims to address this critical gap in collaboration with ACPC, by providing structured, accessible, and affordable financial services tailored to the unique needs of farmers and fisherfolk.
In a Financial Inclusion Survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), it was found out that pawnshops and money agents are among the most accessible touchpoints for rural communities. With PGC’s extensive network of pawnshops and remittance centers nationwide, this partnership leverages existing infrastructure to bring financial services closer to unbanked and underserved communities. Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala has over 3,500 branches strategically positioned across the Philippines, forming an extensive network that delivers essential financial services to rural communities. This nationwide presence enables farmers and fisherfolk to conveniently access financial services, borrow funds, or repay loans without traveling long distances, minimizing disruptions to their daily activities.
Palawan Group also offers flexible and accessible payment solutions through its network of PPS-PEPP outlets and its e-wallet app, PalawanPay. PPS-PEPP branches remain open even on weekends and holidays, allowing farmers and fisherfolk to complete transactions conveniently. Meanwhile, PalawanPay enables users to make payments anytime, anywhere, ensuring seamless financial management.
Beyond loan payments, PalawanPay supports various financial transactions such as paying utility bills, educational institutions, buying load, or sending money to other e-wallets or banks. As Palawan Group aptly states, “Pwede sa branch at pwede din sa app,” (available at the branch and also on the app).
“This partnership underscores our mission of financial inclusion, ensuring Filipinos—especially those in rural communities—can access essential financial services conveniently and seamlessly,” said Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Cash Management Solutions Director of the Palawan Group of Companies.
“Through our partnership with Palawan Group, we are streamlining loan disbursement and repayment, enabling farmers and fisherfolks to focus on their livelihoods with greater ease and convenience,” added Noel Clarence Ducusin, Director for Program Development and Capacity Building.
Led by Chairman Bobby Castro (3rd from left) and Vice Chairman Angelita Castro (4th from left), the Palawan Group of Companies participated in a contract signing with the Agricultural Credit Policy Council to enhance loan disbursement and repayment services for the agricultural sector, reaffirming its commitment to financial inclusion.
This strategic collaboration between Palawan Group and ACPC reaffirms their shared commitment to empowering the agricultural sector. By improving access to financial services, they strengthen the backbone of the nation’s economy and contribute to a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem.
