PalawanPay proudly partnered with the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival as the official e-wallet and payment platform, championing local communities and Filipino heritage. The three-day festival showcased the country’s cultural richness through key pillars dubbed the Three Cs: the bold flavors of local coffee, the legacy of Filipino culture, and the artistry of Filipino couture. By supporting this event, PalawanPay contributed to uplifting local economies and preserving the nation’s cultural identity.
Palawan Group of Companies is dedicated to empowering Filipinos in the agricultural and cultural sectors by providing accessible financial services and promoting financial inclusion.
Building on the success of the renowned Manila Coffee Festival, the Biyaya Festival at Parqal Aseana City highlighted the significance of celebrating the Philippines’ diverse local products and cultural practices. Visitors enjoyed endless cups of locally brewed coffee, explored sustainable fashion displays, witnessed live mural competitions, and experienced cultural performances — all while joining insightful discussions on sustainability and tradition.
Recognizing the crucial role of financial literacy in empowering agricultural communities, PalawanPay extended its support beyond payments. The company organized financial literacy workshops tailored for coffee, cacao, and coconut farmers and traditional weavers. These initiatives included free insurance and educational sessions on the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) services, equipping local communities with essential financial knowledge and practical skills for a more secure, sustainable future.
PalawanPay is used to transact and support the businesses of local farmers and weavers during the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival.
The partnership ensured that hardworking farmers and weavers received their earnings swiftly, securely, and affordably through PalawanPay. With the support of over 10,000 Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala outlets and branches, the platform enabled seamless transactions—whether via branch pick-up or in-app transfers—delivering on its signature promise: “Pwede sa branch, pwede sa app.” By offering a “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos-balungos” (affordable, fast, and hassle-free) experience, PalawanPay made it easier for communities to access their well-earned income.
Throughout the festival, PalawanPay provided both vendors and visitors with accessible, convenient, and secure transactions, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the festivities without financial concerns. More than just a digital payment platform, PalawanPay upholds the core Filipino values of community, heritage, and love for the country, making it the ideal financial partner for an event that champions sustainability and cultural preservation.
“PalawanPay has been with our farmers and artisans from the very beginning, making it easier for them to receive their hard-earned income securely and directly. As the partner of the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival, PalawanPay ensures that every purchase made truly goes straight to the hands of those who nurture our heritage—our coffee farmers, weavers, and artisans. It’s more than just a payment system; it’s a tool that empowers communities and sustains livelihoods,” said Rich Watanabe, Festival Director at Biyaya Sustainable Living.
Lilian Castro-Selda, Executive Vice President and CFO of PGC, shared the inspiring journey of the Palawan Group of Companies, from its humble beginnings as a single-branch pawnshop to its growth into one of the most trusted financial institutions, now dedicated to giving back to the community.
“One of our core missions is uplifting communities through meaningful corporate social responsibility—focusing on education, sports development, and environmental protection. We remain steadfast in promoting financial inclusion for farmers, artisans, and small businesses, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive in an evolving economy,” shared Lilian Castro-Selda, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PGC.
As an app that is “gawang Pinoy, para sa Pinoy” (made by Filipinos, for Filipinos), PalawanPay stands as a proud advocate for local industries and Filipino traditions. Equipping farmers and weavers with essential financial tools and knowledge fosters sustainable livelihoods and strengthens the cultural roots that keep the Filipino spirit alive.
