The Palawan Group of Companies has recognized 61 employees marking 20, 25, and 30 years of service in a ceremony that highlighted loyalty, service, and the company’s “Tatak Palawan” culture.
Awardees and their families were flown to Puerto Princesa and given a red-carpet welcome as the company honored what it called its long-serving “heroes” in the workforce.
The recognition ceremony, dubbed “Gintong Lingkod: Pinagtibay ng Panahon, Pinakinang ng Dedikasyon,” was held on April 15, 2026, at the Princesa Garden Island Resort and attended by company founders, board members, and senior executives.
In her message, Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando said the employees’ work reflects both corporate values and national service.
“Mapalad tayo dahil habang tayo ay nagtatrabaho para ating mga pamilya, tayo rin ay nakakapag-ambag sa ating mahal na Pilipinas,” Castro-Fernando said. “Sa bawat transaksyon o serbisyo, may buhay tayong naabot, may pag-asang naipaparating.”
Co-founder and deputy chairman Angelita Castro also lauded the awardees for their long-term commitment and character.
“What makes me most proud is not just how long you have stayed, but how you have carried yourselves through the years,” Castro said. “You embody integrity, dedication, and genuine care for one another, for our company, and above all, for the customers and communities we serve.”
She added: “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.”
One of the awardees, Finance Head Grace Balolong, who started in an entry-level role, shared her career journey.
“My path has not been flawless. I encountered setbacks, made mistakes, and faced moments of uncertainty,” Balolong said. “Yet every challenge became a lesson, and every failure pushed me to strive for excellence.”
Awardees received certificates and 24-karat gold tokens: one-gram coins for 20-year honorees, two-gram pieces for 25-year awardees, and three-gram gold bars for those with 30 years of service.
The Palawan Group said the recognition program underscores its commitment to employee development and a workplace culture grounded in service and “bayanihan.”
The company, which operates Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, PalawanPay and other financial services, said it continues to expand its nationwide network of branches and digital services.
