A single medical emergency can cost more than years of saving — and that’s the reality many families only realize too late.
The beginning of the year often comes with a reset. Health becomes a priority again. Finances are reviewed. Plans feel possible because everything still looks wide open.
But for many Filipino families, one unexpected illness can change that picture instantly. Hospital bills arrive fast. Income pauses. Savings meant for the future are suddenly used just to get through the present.
This is the reality Palawan Group hopes to address with Palawan ProtekTODO Critical Illness Insurance — a protection plan designed to help Filipinos prepare for medical situations that carry both emotional and financial weight.
From left to right: Bernard Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer of Palawan Group; Nicasio “Ninoy” Rollan III, President and CEO of OONA Insurance; Lisa Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of Palawan Group; and Karlo M. Castro, President and CEO of Palawan Group, came together to discuss Palawan ProtekTODO Critical Illnesses insurance
Recently, leaders from Palawan Group and its insurance partner OONA gathered to discuss how the program aims to make health protection easier to understand and more accessible to everyday Filipinos.
Focusing on illnesses that create the biggest financial strain
ProtekTODO covers three of the most common and costly critical illnesses in the country: heart attack, stroke, and cancer. According to data from the World Health Organization and the Philippine Statistics Authority, these remain among the leading causes of death in the Philippines.
Beyond the medical concern, these conditions often place families under sudden financial pressure — from treatment and medication to daily expenses that continue even while recovery is underway.
By providing financial assistance at the point of diagnosis, ProtekTODO is meant to help families manage these costs without immediately turning to loans or wiping out hard-earned savings.
Bringing protection closer to everyday Filipinos
Karlo M. Castro, President and CEO of the Palawan Group of Companies, shared that many Filipinos only realize the financial impact of illness once it already happens.
“We see a real gap in coverage for serious illnesses like heart attack, stroke, and cancer,” Castro said. “Many Filipinos only think about the financial impact when a medical emergency already happens, leaving them vulnerable to sudden and overwhelming costs.”
He explained that ProtekTODO was created to close that gap.
“No Filipino, no matter their socio-economic standing, should have to face critical illness alone or unprepared. By simplifying the process and bringing protection closer to where people already are, we hope to empower more families to take that first step toward financial security.”
Simple benefits that offer real flexibility
One of the strengths of Palawan ProtekTODO is how straightforward it is.
Policyholders receive a 100 percent lump-sum cash benefit upon diagnosis, whether the illness is discovered early or at a more advanced stage. The amount can be used based on actual needs — medical expenses, treatment costs, lost income, or urgent household requirements during recovery.
Coverage is available to Filipinos aged 18 to 60, with one full year of protection per policy.
To match different budgets, ProtekTODO offers two options. The Basic Plan provides ₱50,000 coverage for as low as ₱550 per year, while the Plus Plan offers ₱100,000 coverage starting at ₱1,100 annually. Families may also avail multiple policies, with a combined maximum benefit of up to ₱500,000, allowing protection to be built gradually over time.
Built through trusted partnerships
Lisa Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of Palawan Group, highlighted the importance of working with partners who share the same values.
“We partnered with OONA because of a shared commitment to reliability, accessibility, and putting customers first,” she said. “Together, we deliver protection that is affordable, easy to understand, and trustworthy, while staying true to the Palawan Group’s promise of mura, mabilis at walang kuskos-balungos.”
She added that ProtekTODO fits naturally into everyday financial planning, whether accessed through Palawan branches, the PalawanPay app, or e-commerce platforms.
Making insurance feel less intimidating
For many Filipinos, insurance can feel complicated — filled with unfamiliar terms, high premiums, and long processes. Bernard V. Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer of Palawan Group, said ProtekTODO was designed to remove those barriers.
“Many traditional insurance products feel intimidating due to complicated terms, high premiums, and lengthy processes,” he explained. “ProtekTODO was created to be easier to understand and more accessible, while offering financial support that extends beyond hospital bills.”
That support includes help for daily expenses and income disruptions — realities families often face while navigating recovery.
A practical foundation for the year ahead
As more Filipinos place greater importance on health and financial preparedness, Palawan ProtekTODO positions critical illness insurance as a foundation rather than an added expense.
It reinforces the idea that protection does not have to be complicated or expensive to be meaningful. With manageable premiums and clear benefits, readiness can begin with small, intentional steps.
True to its promise, “Patingi-tingi ang presyo, pero todo ang benepisyo,” ProtekTODO shows that financial protection can be both affordable and reliable.
Where to avail ProtekTODO
Palawan ProtekTODO Critical Illness Insurance is available at Palawan Pawnshop–Palawan Express Pera Padala branches nationwide, through the PalawanPay App, and via official Palawan ProtekTODO stores on Lazada and Shopee.
For families looking to begin the year with stronger preparation, it offers a reminder that financial security is not built overnight — but it can start today.
