The Palawan Group of Companies, through its e-wallet arm PalawanPay, reaffirmed its dedication to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development by serving as the Platinum Sponsor of the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC). The initiative highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to support Filipino youth and strengthen local sports programs.
PalawanPay’s Commitment to Youth Development
Representatives from PalawanPay attended a fellowship lunch hosted by PYBC. The gathering brought together young basketball players from different regions of the Philippines, along with their families and coaches. This event emphasized PalawanPay’s support for providing young athletes with opportunities to sharpen their skills, showcase their abilities, and practice the values of sportsmanship.
Palawan Group Chief Financial Officer Lilian Castro-Selda, a self-confessed basketball enthusiast, explained how the partnership reflects the company’s wider mission to empower communities. She stated, “At Palawan Group, we have always believed in grassroots development. Whether in financial services, education, or sports, our mission is to empower Filipinos to build a brighter future. That is why partnering with PYBC is both a commitment and a privilege. It is our greatest honor to take part in giving Filipino youth the chance to dream, to learn, and to grow, both on and off the court. To our young athletes: basketball is more than just a game. Every time you put on your jersey, you carry values that will serve you for life, discipline, teamwork, resilience, grit, and respect. These are the same values we live by at the Palawan Group, and we are proud to support you as you strengthen them through sports.”
Inspiring Messages from Basketball Icons
The official program was opened by PYBC Commissioner Benjie Paras, a PBA Hall of Famer and Palawan Group ambassador. Addressing the players, Paras shared an inspiring message: “You’re all very lucky that this is your opportunity to be scouted by coaches and to be backed by our generous sponsors. My advice is this: in any league that you play in, you need to be committed. And when I say committed, that means putting in hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and of course, love for the game.”
The event also featured basketball icon Ronnie Magsanoc, who recounted his journey with Paras from their San Beda days to the PBA and beyond. Their presence provided encouragement and valuable insights for the young athletes. Adding to the inspiration, PBA MotoClub members Rico Maierhofer and JJ Helterbrand attended the fellowship lunch, motivating the players by sharing their own stories and experiences.
Recognition of Partners and Sponsors
As part of the program, PYBC Tournament Director Carl Villanueva and Deputy Commissioner Paulo Layug acknowledged the support of sponsors. They presented certificates of appreciation to key partners, recognizing their essential role in making the championship possible. This recognition reinforced the importance of collaboration between organizations and sponsors in promoting grassroots sports.
Building the Future through Grassroots Sports
PalawanPay’s sponsorship of the PYBC is part of the company’s broader advocacy to strengthen grassroots basketball programs across the country. By partnering with the league, the company aims to ensure that young athletes gain access to opportunities that will foster personal and athletic growth.
This partnership reflects Palawan Group’s long-standing commitment to investing in the development of Filipino youth. The company believes that by supporting sports programs it helps shape individuals who embody values such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Palawan Group views sports not only as a way to develop athletes but also as a platform to create champions in life.
Through its involvement in the PYBC, PalawanPay demonstrates how private sector support can enhance sports development at the community level. The company’s dedication extends beyond financial services into initiatives that build brighter futures for Filipinos. This commitment to grassroots sports represents an investment in the next generation of leaders and achievers both on and off the court.
