The Palawan Group of companies recently recognized its most loyal associates; its heroes who helped build the foundation of what has become the most trusted non-bank financial services provider.
61 employees who are celebrating their 20th, 25th and 30th year of service, respectively, were honored for their contributions and their commitment to upholding Tatak Palawan at Serbisyong Pusong Palawan all these years.
Awardees and their families were flown to the company’s headquarters in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan and were given a much-deserved red carpet treatment.
The heartfelt ceremony, dubbed as “Gintong Lingkod: Pinagtibay ng Panahon, Pinakinang ng Dedikasyon,” held at the Princesa Garden Island Resort on April 15, 2026, was attended by the company’s founders, Board of Directors, and key leaders. It was thoughtfully planned to honor the awardees not only for their role in the growth of the business but also for living out the Palawan Group’s core values of humility, service, and genuine love to customers.
Palawan Group CHRO Korina Castro-Fernando expressed gratitude to the awardees for living out Kulturang Palawan, highlighting how their service uplifts communities and brings hope to fellow Filipinos with every transaction.
In her welcome remarks, Palawan Group Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando thanked the awardees not just for their loyalty to the company who has continued to live out the Kulturang Palawan of integrity and sincere service to sukis. She shared, “mapalad tayo dahil habang tayo ay nagtatrabaho para ating mga pamilya, tayo rin ay nakakapag-ambag sa ating mahal na Pilipinas. May natutulungan tayong mga komunidad, may natutulungan tayong mga kababayan at kapwa Pilipino. Sa bawat transaksyon o serbisyo, may buhay tayong naabot, may pag-asang naipaparating.”
This appreciation was echoed by co-founder and deputy chairman Angelita Castro, who remarked, “What makes me most proud is not just how long you have stayed, but how you have carried yourselves through the years. You embody integrity, dedication, and genuine care for one another, for our company, and above all, for the customers and communities we serve.”
She further expressed, “Ang inyong puso upang paglingkuran ang ating mga kababayan at ang minamahal nating Pilipinas ang nagsilbing daan hindi lamang upang ang ating kumpanya ay maging matagumpay; ngunit maging mapagmalasakit rin.”
Select awardees delivered speeches, personal accounts of how being part of the Palawan Group impacted their lives, which earned a blend of laughter, tears and cheers from the audience.
Grace Balolong, a 20-year service awardee and now Finance Head, shared that despite setbacks and challenges, each experience shaped her growth and strengthened her commitment to excellence, as she expressed deep gratitude to the Palawan Group.
Grace Balolong, a 20-year service awardee who rose from the ranks and is now the company’ Finance Head, remarked, “My path has not been flawless. I encountered setbacks, made mistakes, and faced moments of uncertainty. Yet every challenge became a lesson, and every failure pushed me to strive for excellence. Over the years, I was entrusted with increasing responsibilities that tested my skills, resilience, and integrity. I am truly grateful to the Palawan Group.”
Each awardee received a certificate and a 24-karat Palawan gold: 1 gram gold coin for 20-year awardees, 2 gram for 25-years awardees, and 3 gram gold bar for our 30-year awardees. They were each called to the stage, accompanied by a loved one to receive the token, and were greeted warmly by the company’s leaders. Many also shared their personal journeys with the company, offering reflections that were both inspiring and moving.
The Gintong Lingkod awards is part of the Palawan Group of Companies’ efforts to nurture a workplace where employees are valued, empowered and celebrated. It reflects the company’s commitment to upholding Tatak Palawan: the spirit of bayanihan and service.
