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PGC’s partnership with RAFI Microfinance Inc. bridges the gap in financial access for underserved MSMEs by combining nationwide reach with inclusive financial services to empower grassroots entrepreneurs. |
The Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), owner and operator of the Philippines' leading and most trusted pawnshop and remittance brands, Palawan Pawnshop - Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP), is strengthening its commitment to grassroots entrepreneurship by forming a stronger partnership with RAFI Microfinance, Inc. The contract was signed in the PGC Head Office in Puerto Princesa, indicating a concerted commitment to empower and support micro-entrepreneurs around the country.
With this collaboration, RAFI Microfinance's services will be available through PGC's extensive network of over 3,500 PEPP branches nationally. As both organizations are committed to promoting financial inclusion among Filipinos, particularly those living in distant or underserved areas, this enhanced cooperation intends to improve the reliability and accessibility of critical financial services while lowering associated travel time and expenses.
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The RAF Microfinance Team was given a tour of the PGC headquarters, including the rooftop where views of Palawan beaches can be enjoyed. |
According to the Department of Trade and Industry, small firms account for 99.59% of all registered enterprises in the Philippines as of 2023, employing more than 65% of the total workforce. Despite their critical role in the economy, many of them, particularly those in rural or low-income areas, continue to face restricted access to formal credit, business development assistance, and scalable financial tools.
“We’ve always believed that inclusive finance is a foundation for social progress. This partnership ensures that even micro-entrepreneurs in the most remote barangays can access the resources they need to build better futures for their families and communities.” ~Bobby L. Castro, PGC Chairman
The collaboration between PGC and RAFI Microfinance is an important response to this gap, as it uses PGC's large physical reach and digital infrastructure to bring RAFI Microfinance's inclusive services closer to underserved entrepreneurs. The partnership plays a critical role in accomplishing PGC's main goal of supporting equitable growth and establishing a more resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem across the country by improving grassroots financial service access.
“Since day one, our mission has been to make financial services more accessible to Filipinos from all walks of life. This partnership with RAFi strengthens that mission by extending meaningful support to our micro-entrepreneurs, especially those working hard in underserved areas.” ~Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, PGC Chief Business Development Officer
PGC's strong leadership in both physical and digital financial services allows it to continue expanding its position in providing millions of Filipinos with reliable, inclusive, and trustworthy solutions.
“At RAFI Microfinance, we are committed to breaking barriers that limit the growth of micro-entrepreneurs. Partnering with PGC allows us to deliver our services more efficiently and reach more Filipinos who deserve access to financial opportunities and security. And since our companies share the same values, I can say that this partnership is both strategic and virtuous.” ~Thomas Kocsis, Representing RAFI Microfinance, President and CEO
This collaboration expands PGC's ability to reach more customers, particularly in rural and underserved communities, by assisting micro-entrepreneurs on their journey to greater financial stability and independence, all while providing services that are “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos” (affordable, fast, and hassle-free).
ABOUT PALAWAN GROUP OF COMPANIES:
The Palawan Group of Companies includes products and services such as Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Credit, and PalawanPay. A brand trusted by Filipinos for almost four decades, PGC is one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country. With its strength in remittance and pawning services, the company is the market leader in the industry and as over 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide.
The Palawan Group of Companies offers a wide range of services, including pawning, domestic and international remittances, microinsurance, bills payment, electronic mobile phone loading, cash-in and cash-out of e-wallets, money exchange, ATM withdrawal, and cash disbursements. Additionally, the company sells jewelry and gold bars, catering to customers looking to invest in valuable assets.
Palawan Group of Companies introduced PalawanPay, an e-wallet app that allows users to send and receive remittances anytime, anywhere. PalawanPay is the company’s latest digital solution, offering faster, safer, and more convenient transactions. In addition to remittances, the app provides access to other financial services, including bills payments, mobile load top-ups, and scan-to-pay QR Ph codes. The app also features integrated functionality for pawn renewal, purchasing jewelry and gold items, ProtekTODO personal insurance, and claiming international remittances.
Palawan Group of Companies is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.