SEDA Law marked its 25th anniversary with a grand gala attended by more than 650 government, business and professional leaders where it honored Palawan Group of Companies founders and owners Bobby and Angelita Castro with its Silver Coin Tribute.
The award recognized the couple’s decades-long leadership and the Group’s unwavering commitment to empowering ordinary Filipinos. SEDA Law Founding Partner lawyer Jose Vicente B. Salazar, said the tribute honors the Palawan Group of Companies’ “untiring pursuit of its decades-old mission of helping ordinary Filipinos fulfill their aspiration for a dignified life by providing them with access to resources and services.”
He added, “the Palawan Group has enabled many ordinary Filipinos meet the basic needs of their families and loved ones, build enterprises and achieve financial success.”
SEDA Law’s Silver Coin Tribute was established to celebrate Philippine leaders who have dedicated their talent, resources, and enterprises to building economic lifelines, creating jobs, safeguarding people’s values, and opening doors of opportunity for ordinary Filipinos.
Salazar said the recognition of Bobby and Angelita Castro underscores “how sustained private-sector initiative can transform lives at the grassroots level while contributing to broader national development”.
Founded 41 years ago by the Castro couple, the Palawan Group of Companies has grown from modest beginnings into a diversified enterprise whose operations reflect a deep-rooted social purpose. For the past 26 years, the Group has placed at the center of its work a clear mission to equip ordinary Filipinos with practical access to essential resources and services.
“Through this focused approach, countless individuals and families have been able to cover basic household needs, establish small businesses, and attain greater financial stability and dignity,” Salazar explained.
Salazar emphasized that the couple’s vision has produced tangible results across generations of Filipino families.
“By consistently prioritizing accessibility and support for those with limited means, the Palawan Group has helped turn aspirations for a better life into achievable realities,” he said.
“This alignment of enterprise with social impact mirrors the values SEDA Law seeks to highlight through the Silver Coin Tribute which is leadership that builds lasting economic foundations while preserving the dignity and hopes of ordinary citizens,” Salazar said.
Guests from across the public and private sectors witnessed the firm’s celebration of 25 years of legal practice dedicated to supporting clients who, Salazar said, drive meaningful progress.
“The Silver Coin Tributes illustrate SEDA Law’s belief that responsible business leadership and sound legal counsel together strengthen the nation’s social and economic fabric,” Salazar explained.
“Under the Castros’ guidance, the Palawan Group has demonstrated that long-term success is measured not only by corporate milestones but by the number of lives improved,” he pointed out.
“Their 41-year journey and mission stand as a model of how Filipino entrepreneurs can combine commercial acumen with a genuine commitment to inclusive opportunity,” he continued.
The list of Philippine business and government leaders honored with the SEDA Law’s Silver Coin Tribute at the Gala includes tourism and property sector leaders Jeffrey Ng, Bryan Ang, Elvira Ting, Lino F. Lebron and Ronald Uy; power sector leaders Federico “Piki” Lopez, Romeo Siy and Fichte Peñaloza; lawyer Martin Loon of Cocolife; shipping tycoon Herminio S. Esguerra; Ambassador Francis Chua and Consul Betty Ang Chua of BA Securities; Philippine Ports Authority executives Jay Santiago and Elmer Cadano; former Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr.; former Senator Alberto G. Romulo, and pharmaceutical industry leaders Jaime and Lilibeth Serato.#