The Palawan Group of Companies, through its e-wallet arm PalawanPay, reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development as the Platinum Sponsor of the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC).
Representatives from PalawanPay joined a PYBC-hosted fellowship lunch that brought together young basketball players from across the country, along with their families and coaches. The partnership underscores PalawanPay’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Filipino athletes by providing opportunities to develop their skills, showcase their talent, and live out the values of sportsmanship.
Palawan Group Chief Financial Officer and self-confessed basketball fan, Lilian Castro-Selda, emphasized how this partnership reflects the company’s broader mission to uplift Filipino communities: “At Palawan Group, we have always believed in grassroots development. Whether in financial services, education, or sports, our mission is to empower Filipinos to build a brighter future. That is why partnering with PYBC is both a commitment and a privilege. It is our greatest honor to take part in giving Filipino youth the chance to dream, to learn, and to grow — both on and off the court. To our young athletes: basketball is more than just a game. Every time you put on your jersey, you carry values that will serve you for life — discipline, teamwork, resilience, grit, and respect. These are the same values we live by at the Palawan Group, and we are proud to support you as you strengthen them through sports.”
PYBC Commissioner and Palawan Group Ambassador Benjie Paras encouraged young basketball players to stay committed, work hard, and play with passion.
Miguel Mangabat, PalawanPay Marketing Manager, expressed the Palawan Group’s support for PYBC and its mission to empower young athletes.
The program officially opened with PYBC Commissioner Benjie Paras, PBA Hall of Famer and Palawan Group ambassador, who delivered an inspiring message to the players: “You’re all very lucky that this is your opportunity to be scouted by coaches and to be backed by our generous sponsors. My advice is this: in any league that you play in, you need to be committed. And when I say committed, that means putting in hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and of course, love for the game.”
To further inspire the young players, the fellowship lunch was also attended by Pinoy basketball icon Ronnie Magsanoc, who shared stories of his journey with Benjie Paras from San Beda to the PBA and beyond. PBA MotoClub members Rico Maierhofer and JJ Helterbrand also joined the program, motivating the players with their presence and stories. To recognize key partners, Tournament Director Carl Villanueva and Deputy Commissioner Paulo Layug presented certificates of appreciation to sponsors, highlighting their vital role in making the event possible.
Young talents, coaches, sponsors, and PYBC staff come together for a memorable group photo celebrating basketball, mentorship, and community support.
Through this partnership with PYBC, PalawanPay hopes to strengthen grassroots basketball programs and ensure that young players have access to opportunities that nurture growth. This commitment builds on Palawan Group’s long-standing advocacy for sports development and investing in the youth. The company believes investing in sports, Palawan not only develops champions on the court but also empowers Filipino youth to become champions in life.
