By Mayan Sangil, PRA
For nearly three decades, the Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards, organized by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), has recognized businesses that exemplify excellence in Philippine retail. Since its inception in 1997, the awards have honored more than 200 outstanding retailers and shopping centers, celebrating organizations that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and outstanding business practices.
Marking a milestone year alongside the PRA’s 50th anniversary, the 2026 OFR Awards introduces refreshed award categories and enhanced evaluation criteria that reflect today’s evolving retail landscape while preserving the integrity and prestige that have defined the awards for nearly three decades.
A Distinguished Independent Board of Judges
The credibility of the OFR Awards rests on its rigorous and independent evaluation process led by a distinguished Board of Judges representing government, retail operations, consumer intelligence, digital transformation, workplace culture, and design.
The 2026 panel is chaired by Harvey Ong, PRA Director and Chief Operating Officer of Alfamart Trading Philippines. Joining him are DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona; MAP President Dr. Donald Lim, NielsenIQ Philippines Retail Vertical Lead Karla Maceda; Great Place To Work Philippines General Manager Charles Plumley; PRA Thought Leader and Global Robot Coffee Barista Managing Director CJ Jesena; and Philippine Institute of Interior Designers National President IDr. Maria Cecilia Ravelas.
Each nomination is independently evaluated against clearly defined criteria. To further safeguard the integrity of the awards, PwC Philippines serves as the official auditor, overseeing the tabulation and validation of judges’ scores to ensure that the selection process remains objective, transparent, and impartial.
As the Philippine retail industry continues to evolve, the OFR Awards remains committed to recognizing organizations that set new standards of excellence, inspire innovation, and help shape the future of retail. The winners of the 2026 Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards will be honored during the OFR Awards Night on August 7, 2026, celebrating the achievements of the country’s most outstanding retailers and shopping centers.
