The Palawan Group of Companies proudly welcomed 158 new scholars as part of its continuing commitment to making a difference in the lives of Filipinos. With Education as one of its corporate social responsibility pillars, the Palawan Group of Companies Scholarship Program (PGC-SP) remains the company’s CSR flagship initiative. The 28th batch of PGC-SP was officially welcomed through a Confirmation and Orientation Day held at the company’s head office in Puerto Princesa City.
The 28th batch of PGC scholars gathers for a milestone moment as they officially join the Palawan Group of Companies’ growing community of future leaders.
Through the PGC-SP, scholars receive financial assistance for their academic needs and have access to dedicated facilities, such as a study room and printer at the Palawan Group head office, to support their studies. Beyond academic support, the program also emphasizes holistic development through values formation and leadership training — ensuring that each scholar grows into a responsible, compassionate, and purpose-driven individual who embodies the values of the Palawan Group of Companies.
Chairman Bobby L. Castro speaks from the heart, reminding scholars that education, paired with perseverance, can transform lives — just as it did for his own family.
Founder and Chairman Bobby L. Castro reflected on how scholarships shaped his own family’s journey: “Kami ng aking asawa at ang aming limang anak ay mga scholars din noon. Kaya naman, nang magsimulang lumaki ang Palawan Pawnshop noong 1998, naisip namin na mainam na magkaroon din kami ng scholarship program para makatulong sa mga estudyanteng may pangarap at nagsisikap. Nagsimula kami noon sa sampu, hanggang nadadagdagan taon-taon.” (Our entire family — my wife, our five children, and I — were also once scholars. Those opportunities helped shape our future. That’s why, in 1998, as Palawan Pawnshop began to grow, my wife and I thought it was only right to start a scholarship program to support underprivileged students with big dreams. We began with just ten scholars, and the number has continued to grow each year).
With sincerity and hope, CHRO Korina Castro-Fernando inspires the scholars to study with dedication and live by strong values in all they do.
Chief Human Resources Officer, Korina Castro-Fernando, delivered a heartfelt address to the new batch: “Kayo ang mga mukha ng pag-asa, mukha ng inspirasyon ng ating bayan. Mag-aral kayo nang may pagsisikap. Walang kapalit ang scholarship na ito. Ang bilin ko lang, paghusayan ninyo ang inyong pag-aaral, at laging piliing maging mabuting tao.” (You are the faces of hope, the inspiration of our nation. We do not ask for anything in return from our scholars, but if I may offer advice: study well, strive hard, and always choose to be a good person).
Angelita M. Castro calls on scholars to be informed, principled citizens — urging them to pursue success with integrity and a deep love for the nation.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman and Co-founder, Angelita M. Castro, reminded the scholars that true education extends beyond academics. “Kailangan alam niyo ang nangyayari sa ating bayan. Iisa lang ang bansa natin, kaya nararapat itong mahalin at ingatan. Bilang aming mga iskolar, ang hiling ko sa inyo: kapag mga propesyunal na kayo, pakaingatan ang inyong integridad at ‘wag na ‘wag magiging korap. Piliin ang umunlad at makatulong sa pamilya sa malinis na paraan.” (You must be aware of social issues and protect the integrity of our nation. We only have one country, so we should love and protect it. As our scholars, my ask of you is this: someday, when you are in a position, when you have become professionals, maintain your integrity and never be corrupt. Work hard to succeed in your chosen paths and support your families with honesty and compassion.
Scholar Lovie Ubay steps up with gratitude and pride, pledging on behalf of her fellow scholars to honor the opportunity given and pay it forward through future success.
The heartfelt messages from the members of the Board of Directors were met with a sincere response delivered on behalf of the batch by Lovie Ubay, a BA Communication student at Palawan State University. She remarked: “Gagawin po naming inspirasyon ang biyayang ito upang lalo pang magsumikap sa aming pag-aaral. Hinding-hindi po namin sasayangin ang tiwala at suportang ibinigay nyo sa amin at naniniwala po kami na darating ang araw na maibabalik namin ang kabutihang ipinagkaloob ng Palawan Group of Companies sa pamamagitan ng aming tagumpay.” (We will take this blessing as an inspiration to work even harder in our studies. We will never waste the trust and support you have given us, and we believe that one day, we will be able to give back the kindness that the Palawan Group of Companies has shown us through our success.)
Through the PGC-SP, the Palawan Group reaffirms its belief that empowering the Filipino youth through education is the key to nation-building — one scholar, one family, and one community at a time. To date, it has produced close to 800 graduates, many of whom are now licensed teachers, certified public accountants, and entrepreneurs. Many have also joined the company in various functions, helping it fulfill its mission of providing reliable financial services to Filipinos, from the busiest cities to the most remote barrios.
