The Palawan Group of Companies Scholarship Program (PGC-SP) continues its commitment to supporting young Filipinos pursuing higher education with the formal welcome of its 29th batch of scholars.
Comprising 160 freshmen, the latest batch of scholars was formally welcomed during a confirmation program at the company’s head office in Puerto Princesa City on August 31. They now join a growing community of young Filipinos supported by the scholarship program throughout their college journey.
For many Filipino families, sending a child to college represents more than an educational milestone. It represents hope for a better future, new opportunities, and the chance for young Filipinos to build a life they once only dreamed of.
This belief has remained at the heart of the Palawan Group of Companies Scholarship Program since its establishment in 1998. Nearly three decades later, the program has produced 900 graduates, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to helping young Filipinos pursue higher education.
For Chairman and Founder Bobby L. Castro, the scholarship program carries a deeply personal meaning. He and his wife, together with their five children, were once scholars themselves. Their experience gave the family firsthand insight into how education can open doors for people determined to succeed.
That experience eventually inspired the couple to establish the scholarship program in 1998.
“Scholar tayo noon; naging scholars din ang lahat ng mga anak natin. Panahon na para tayo naman ang tumulong sa iba,” Castro recalled.
What began with just 10 scholars grew over the years alongside Palawan Pawnshop’s business. The program continued to reach more young Filipinos while creating opportunities that extend beyond financial assistance.
900 Lives, Countless Stories
The impact of the Palawan Group of Companies Scholarship Program can be seen through the achievements of its graduates. Many have become academic achievers and licensed professionals, including Certified Public Accountants, lawyers, engineers, teachers, social workers, psychometricians, and agriculturists.
As of June 2026, 104 scholarship graduates are also part of the Palawan Group’s workforce.
For Castro, however, the milestone of reaching 900 graduates carries greater significance because of the individual lives represented by the number.
“That is 900 changed lives. 900 na mga batang nangarap lamang noon, at sa tulong po natin, ay sila naman ang nagpapaaral ng kanilang mga kapatid ngayon,” he said.
The milestone reflects how the scholarship program has supported young Filipinos through their education while creating opportunities that can also benefit their families.
More than a scholarship
Over the years, the PGC-SP has developed beyond financial assistance. The program provides scholars with opportunities and experiences intended to prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
For the current school year, the program supports 455 scholars in their second to fourth year of college across Palawan State University and Western Philippines University. This includes students enrolled in five-year Architecture programs.
The scholarship program also gives scholars opportunities to participate in career orientation and readiness activities, industry exposure, internship opportunities, and skills development programs. These initiatives are designed to provide practical knowledge and a better understanding of the workplace.
Mental health and wellness activities also form part of the program. Scholars can take part in community involvement and volunteer opportunities as they continue developing personally and professionally.
These activities support scholars as they prepare for their chosen careers and become more engaged with their communities.
For the Palawan Group, these initiatives reflect its role as a long-term partner to its scholars. The goal is to help them make the most of their education while preparing for the opportunities and responsibilities that await them after graduation.
Putting “Pilipinas, Mahal Kita” into action
For Deputy Chairman and Co-founder Angelita M. Castro, the scholarship program reflects one of the company’s core values, “Pilipinas, Mahal Kita.”
“Para sa amin, ang pagmamahal sa bayan ay di lang salita kundi ito ay sa gawa, sa gawa at pamamaraan upang makapagbigay ng oportunidad sa ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na sa mga kabataan,” Castro said.
This philosophy has guided the scholarship program since its beginnings. It continues to shape how the company supports each new generation of scholars.
The program’s continued development reflects the company’s commitment to providing opportunities for young Filipinos. From financial assistance to career readiness, industry exposure, internships, skills development, wellness activities, community involvement, and volunteer opportunities, the program supports scholars throughout their college journey.
Carrying the journey forward
Nearly three decades after the program welcomed its first 10 scholars, the Palawan Group of Companies Scholarship Program continues to support another generation of young Filipinos as they prepare to write their own stories.
The approximately 900 graduates who have come through the program show what can happen when young Filipinos receive the opportunity to pursue higher education. Their achievements also demonstrate how the impact of education can extend beyond an individual, reaching families and communities along the way.
For the 29th batch of scholars, Bobby Castro’s message centers on making the most of the opportunity and eventually passing it forward.
“Sana, pagdating ng araw na kayo naman ang nasa posisyon na tumulong sa iba, maalala ninyo ang pagkakataong natanggap ninyo ngayon at maipasa ninyo ang kabutihang iyon sa iba,” he said.
That spirit of malasakit is what the Palawan Group hopes its scholars will carry with them. The program encourages young Filipinos to pursue their education and succeed while also developing a willingness to create opportunities for others when their own time comes.
For the Palawan Group, investing in education means investing in the country’s future. Through the scholarship program, the company’s “Pilipinas, Mahal Kita” value takes the form of action by believing in young Filipinos and helping them become thriving and contributing members of society.
