Palawan Group, PCIC partner to strengthen crop insurance access and financial inclusion for Filipino farmers

THE Palawan Group of Companies and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to improve crop insurance payout delivery and expand financial access for millions of Filipino farmers.

Farmers, while vital to the food system, face risks from typhoons, droughts, pests, and diseases. Although crop insurance offers protection, many struggle to claim benefits due to limited banking infrastructure. In 2024, PCIC insured over 4.2 million farmers, covering P141.561 billion worth of crops, yet delays in payouts remain common.

DEDICATION TO SERVE Executives proudly do the ‘Happy to Serve You’ gesture to show their dedication to serving the nation’s farmers with integrity, compassion, and innovation. PHOTO FROM PALAWAN GROUP

Palawan Group’s nationwide network of more than 3,500 Palawan Pawnshop–Palawan Express Pera Padala branches, open even on weekends and holidays, provides convenient claim locations. Its digital wallet app, PalawanPay, extends access further by enabling farmers to receive funds and manage transactions without traditional bank accounts.

PCIC President Atty. Jovy Bernabe said the partnership will ensure faster, cheaper, and more convenient payouts, reducing transportation costs and eliminating exploitative check rediscounting. Palawan Group’s “BrickTech” model blends physical reach with digital innovation, modernizing government service delivery for rural communities.

“This is more than a business agreement — it is a commitment to uplift our agricultural sector,” said Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Palawan Group chief business development officer. Together, Palawan and PCIC aim to build inclusive, resilient systems that protect and empower Filipino farmers.