Palawan Group of Companies commits to support UP Women's Volleyball

Kianne Olango and Joan Monares with the PalawayPay app

The Palawan Group of Companies expands its support within the University of the Philippines athletics program, adding the university's women's volleyball team as another vehicle towards advancing youth development and sports excellence via its digital wallet platform PalawanPay. 

In establishing this new collaboration, PGC reinforces its long-standing position that athletics serve as a powerful force for nation-building as it shapes and molds the Filipino youth, one of their key pillars for its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Such a partnership allows PGC to deliver practical resources addressing the team's daily needs, athlete welfare, and long-term sustainability, allowing the management and coaching staff to focus on training and wholistic player development to foster their growth both on and off the court, as they represent UP with pride, honor, and excellence in competition.

In making this announcement, Chief Marketing Officer Bernard V. Kaibigan shares, "As a UP alumnus and a volleyball enthusiast, I am proud that PalawanPay will continue supporting the team for many seasons to come. UP has always represented the best of Filipino talent: intelligence paired with integrity, excellence grounded in service. The UP Women’s Volleyball Team embodies this spirit. You ladies are  strong, determined, disciplined, and you deserve to be supported and celebrated."

From the team's perspective, they are very much appreciative of their trust and support as a valued sponsor and steadfast partner. They note that "Three years ago, we started this program with a simple but powerful vision: ‘To grow, to compete, and to win.’ It’s something sustainable for our student-athletes. Today, that mission continues to come to life because of partners like you who believe in developing talent, character, and excellence."

PGC has been supportive of the University of the Philippines' athletics program since 2019, led by its founders Bobby and Angelita Castro, whose children are all alumni of the institution. 

Initially bolstering the men's basketball program and seeing it grow into its current status as one of the best collegiate teams in the country, they have since expanded their support into swimming and judo, with the former already netting a UAAP championship in the women's division last November.

In addition to providing resources, guidance, and encouragement to these programs, they have also been a key partner whenever UP holds certain celebrations, like their Champions' Thanksgiving Dinner.

In ensuring that student-athletes have the tools, guidance, and encouragement necessary they need to thrive, this new wrinkle in the partnership between PalawanPay and UP fosters a culture of excellence, perseverance, and leadership that shapes athletes into role models both on and off the field.