The Palawan Group of Companies, through its e-wallet arm PalawanPay, has once again affirmed its dedication to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development as the Platinum Sponsor of the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC).
In a fellowship lunch hosted by PYBC, PalawanPay representatives joined young basketball players from across the country, along with their families and coaches, to celebrate the start of this exciting journey. The partnership highlights PalawanPay’s commitment to providing opportunities for the Filipino youth to sharpen their skills, showcase their talent, and live out the values of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Commitment Beyond the Court
Lilian Castro-Selda, Palawan Group Chief Financial Officer and avid basketball fan, shared how this initiative reflects the company’s larger mission to uplift communities:
“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 the Next Generation
The event officially opened with PYBC Commissioner Benjie Paras—PBA Hall of Famer and Palawan Group ambassador—who delivered a heartfelt 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.”
Adding to the inspiration were Pinoy basketball legends Ronnie Magsanoc, who recounted his journey with Paras from San Beda to the PBA, and PBA MotoClub members Rico Maierhofer and JJ Helterbrand, who encouraged the players with their own stories of perseverance and success.
During the program, Tournament Director Carl Villanueva and Deputy Commissioner Paulo Layug also honored key sponsors with certificates of appreciation, underscoring the vital role of partners like PalawanPay in making PYBC possible.
Building Champions in Sports and in Life
Through this partnership, PalawanPay strengthens grassroots basketball initiatives, ensuring that Filipino youth have access to platforms that nurture both athletic and personal growth. By investing in sports, Palawan Group not only helps shape champions on the court but also empowers the next generation to become champions in life.
