For many Filipino families, a single fire can erase years of hard work overnight.
To help households recover from such disasters, the Palawan Group of Companies is promoting affordable protection through its microinsurance product, ProtekTODO Fire 99.
During a recent media briefing held in observance of Fire Prevention Month, the company’s microinsurance arm, Palawan ProtekTODO, highlighted how the product aims to help Filipino families prepare for fire-related emergencies while providing immediate financial support when disasters occur.
ProtekTODO Fire 99 offers financial assistance for residential properties that suffer fire damage and includes accidental death coverage. For a premium of only ₱99, policyholders can receive up to ₱30,000 in fire cash assistance and an accidental death benefit of up to ₱10,000.
The product reflects the brand’s commitment to accessible protection, summarized in its promise: “Patingi-tingi ang presyo pero todo ang benepisyo.”
According to Lisa Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of the Palawan Group, affordable insurance can play a crucial role in helping families recover from devastating incidents.
Lisa Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of the Palawan Group
“A fire can change everything a family has worked for in an instant. It can take their home, their belongings, and the sense of security they have built over the years,” Castro-Sabado said.
“With ProtekTODO Fire 99, families can access affordable and reliable support that helps them recover from the immediate aftermath, rebuild their homes, and restore their daily lives. It gives families the confidence and hope they need to face the future, knowing they are not alone in rebuilding what fire has taken from them.”
Rising fire incidents highlight need for protection
Gladwin Abram So, Fire Marshal, Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs & Firefighters of the Phils. Inc.
The campaign comes amid persistent fire risks in densely populated communities.
Data from the Bureau of Fire Protection National Capital Region (BFP–NCR) shows that 3,565 fire incidents were recorded across Metro Manila, according to the agency’s Comparative Fire Incident Report.
The top three causes were electrical connections, smoking, and open-flame cooking — routine household activities that can quickly become hazards when proper precautions are not observed.
These statistics underscore the importance of both fire prevention education and accessible financial support for families affected by disasters.
During the briefing, fire safety experts emphasized that public awareness remains one of the most effective ways to reduce fire incidents.
Gladwin Abram So, Fire Marshal of the Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Firefighters of the Philippines Inc., said many fire incidents can be avoided through basic safety practices.
He explained that faulty electrical wiring, unattended appliances, and unsafe cooking practices are among the most common yet preventable causes of residential fires.
Strengthening safety education in homes and communities can significantly reduce fire risks, he said, while having reliable insurance also provides an added layer of protection when emergencies occur.
A real story behind the coverage
Beyond statistics and safety campaigns, the briefing also highlighted the real-life impact of microinsurance through the story of a ProtekTODO Fire 99 claimant (name withheld), who lost her home in a fire in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong.
She recalled that the blaze broke out on December 27, 2024, catching many residents off guard.
“We didn’t expect the fire at all. It started behind our house, and before we knew it, many homes were already burning,” she said. “When we came out, there were almost no houses left.”
The disaster left families scrambling to recover from the loss of their homes and belongings.
“Everything happened so fast. We didn’t even know exactly how it started, but the fire spread quickly and many people were affected,” she said.
After the incident, she learned about ProtekTODO Fire 99 through staff at a nearby Palawan branch.
“I went to Palawan and the staff offered the ProtekTODO insurance. They explained it to me and I decided to try it,” she said. “For us, it was a big help, and the assistance came quickly.”
Before discovering the product, she said her family had only received minimal financial assistance after emergencies.
“Before this, the assistance we received was small — around ₱5,000,” she said. “With this one, for ₱99, you can get up to ₱30,000. It’s really a big help for families like ours.”
Reflecting on the experience, she said the insurance proved its value when her family needed it most.
“It’s proven and tested for us,” she said. Her story highlights how accessible microinsurance can provide immediate relief for families rebuilding after unexpected crises.
Expanding financial protection for Filipino families
For Bernard Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer of the Palawan Group, the initiative reflects a broader effort to make insurance more accessible and meaningful for ordinary Filipinos.
“ProtekTODO Fire 99 is built on the belief that every Filipino family deserves protection and peace of mind,” Kaibigan said.
Bernard Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer of the Palawan Group
“Our initiative is designed to make insurance simple, accessible, and meaningful, so that when crises strike, families are supported, not alone. It’s about empowering communities to take proactive steps toward safety, security, and resilience.”
As Fire Prevention Month continues, Palawan ProtekTODO is encouraging families to practice fire-safe habits such as checking electrical connections and monitoring cooking activities at home.
At the same time, exploring financial protection options like ProtekTODO Fire 99 can help families recover faster when disasters occur.
The microinsurance product is available at Palawan Pawnshop–Palawan Express Pera Padala branches nationwide and through digital platforms including the PalawanPay app, as well as e-commerce platforms Lazada and Shopee.
By combining prevention education with accessible financial support, Palawan ProtekTODO aims to strengthen family resilience and ensure more Filipino households have the protection they need when unexpected emergencies arise.
