The 2023 Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards Night, held last June 8 at Okada Manila in Pasay City, celebrated the remarkable resilience, commitment, and dedication of Filipino retailers during challenging times. Themed “TIBAY: Gabi ng Pagpupugay,” the event recognized retailers’ outstanding efforts, which served as an inspiration to their organizations and communities, making a significant impact amidst adversity.

The OFR Awards is an annual event that recognizes Filipino retailers who have exhibited exemplary performance, innovation, and best practices within the retail industry. Started in 1997, the OFR Awards is a collaboration between the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Through the OFR Awards, outstanding retailers are acknowledged for their contributions to the industry and their communities.

For this year’s special edition, the OFR Awards sought to recognize retailers in the country who continued to operate and was able to respond effectively during the time of pandemic.

The categories and criteria for this year were focused and centered on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. These non-financial factors identified this year’s OFR winners along with the impact that the Filipino retailers brought not only to the retail industry but to the entire community and all of its stakeholders.

The prestigious 2023 PRA President’s Award was presented to Jose Ma. “Joey” A. Concepcion III, founder of Go Negosyo and Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship. This distinguished honor acknowledged Mr. Concepcion’s unwavering drive and devotion in uplifting Filipino businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). His initiatives in mitigating the negative impact of business closures have fostered resiliency and recovery, positively influencing the MSMEs, retail industry, and the overall economy.

“The PRA was kind enough to acknowledge my efforts during the pandemic, when we tried and worked with national and local governments, with the health officials and pandemic experts to mitigate the effects of the pandemic lockdowns on our MSMEs,” Mr. Concepcion wrote in a recent column in The Philippine STAR.

“Throughout this time, we worked closely with the PRA, which has been a steadfast partner of Go Negosyo for many years. Their membership comprises not just the big retailers, but also the smaller ones,” he added.

The 2023 PRA Special Awards were bestowed upon malls and shopping centers that demonstrated unwavering commitment in supporting retailers during the pandemic.

Ayala Malls, Robinsons Malls, and SM Supermalls received these accolades, acknowledging their exceptional dedication and efforts in providing a safe and conducive environment for retailers to operate amidst unprecedented circumstances. Their leadership, innovation, and compassion played a vital role in navigating the challenges of the pandemic and emerging stronger than ever before.

In a statement, SM Supermalls regards the special award given by PRA as “a testament to its exceptional dedication and efforts in providing a safe and conducive environment for its retailers.”

From L-R: PRA Chairman Emeritus and Blims Lifestyle Group Chairman Samie Lim; PRA Chairman and Picture City Int’l, Inc. President Paul A. Santos; Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual; PRA Vice-Chairman and Central Books Director Ma. Alegria S. Limjoco; and PRA Vice-Chairman and Sportshouse Int’l. Leisure, Inc. President Mars C. Chua

“During the COVID-19 crisis, SM made sure that its tenant partners would continue operating and serving their customers amidst the unprecedented circumstances through rental relief, retraining, and employee testing and vaccination as a first step towards normalcy,” the statement added.

Moreover, the OFR Awards recognized outstanding retailers in various categories, highlighting their exceptional achievements.

The Pandemic Resiliency Award recognized retailers who continued to operate and were able to sustain, contain, and maintain their business during the time of the pandemic. It also recognized retailers who initiated remarkable projects that centered on corporate social responsibility, which brought about positive impact to the organization, society, and retail industry.

This award was granted to jewelry brands Silverworks (Small Category), Karat World (Medium Category), and fast food chain McDonald’s Philippines (Large Category).

Felix Gorriceta III, president of Karat World, expressed the company’s heartfelt appreciation to PRA for honoring them with the said recognition.

“We are truly grateful for the recognition bestowed upon us, and it serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in the jewelry retail industry,” Mr. Gorriceta said in a LinkedIn post.

“This is the story of our people and the communities who struggled during those challenging times. This is a story of hope that made us work harder for each other and for others. This award is a testament to the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, that together we can overcome,” Margot Torres, managing director of McDonald’s Philippines, said in another LinkedIn post about their award.

Meanwhile, the Sustainability Award recognized retail companies that focus on sustainability and integrate it as part of its core business and operations. In particular, this award appreciates the sustainable efforts of retailers and their approaches on future-proofing their organization in terms of implementing ethical and environmentally-friendly practices within their own organizations.

Under this category, the 2023 OFR Awards recognized Silverworks (Small Category), fashion brand BAYO (Medium Category), and home improvement & construction supply retailer Wilcon Depot (Large Category).

For Wilcon Depot, the award signifies its continuous commitment and tremendous efforts toward environmental sustainability, as indicated by its comprehensive and innovative sustainable practices across its corporate operations.

“As an industry leader, we will continually enhance the customer experience by innovating to offer sustainable products… and taking care of our people and communities. Let’s build a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for all,” Grace Tiong, Wilcon Depot’s senior vice-president for human resources, said in a statement.

BAYO, in a statement on its official Facebook page, shared that the company is “filled with immense pride” in receiving the award “as it reflects our unwavering commitment to leading the way in sustainability and making a positive impact on our planet and our people.”

“As a forward-thinking brand, we’re proud to set new benchmarks for sustainable retailing. This award also best recognizes our pioneering and continuing efforts in achieving zero waste and zero carbon emissions while working with local communities,” the statement added.

Having won the two aforementioned awards this year, Silverworks also expressed its gratitude for being honored among Outstanding Filipino Retailers for its resiliency and sustainability.

“[With] 33 years of resiliency and sustainability, our team is excited to grow our brand for more years to come,” Silverworks said in a statement published on several Facebook pages of its branches.

Lastly, the Pandemic Retail Innovation Award recognized retail companies that implemented innovative programs since 2020 that have demonstrably improved the organization’s overall performance and business strategy. It particularly sought to recognize companies that have specific retail industry-moving program that have a huge and transformative impact to the local retail industry.

The awardees under this category are bags and luggage brand TUMI (Small Category), outdoor and sporting good company R.O.X. (Medium Category), and casual wear retail brand Penshoppe (Large Category).

For Primer Group of Companies, which owns both TUMI and R.O.X. brands, the respective wins of these brands demonstrate resilience, creativity, and dedication to exceptional retail experiences amid challenging circumstances.

“These brands’ exceptional pandemic retail innovation distinguishes them as true industry leaders, embodying Primer Group’s vision of bringing the world closer to their customers, even in the face of adversity,” Primer Group said in a statement published on its LinkedIn page.

Meanwhile, Golden ABC, Inc. (GABC), the enterprise that owns Penshoppe, shared in a statement also published on LinkedIn that despite the past years that were made tough by lockdowns and mobility restrictions, GABC was able to hold its foresight “to grow its digital retail space while also preparing for the eventual return of the physical stores.”

“At the height of the pandemic, Golden ABC fearlessly implemented several innovation projects, and valiantly ramped up its digitalization journey by providing solutions tailored-fit to different shopping preferences, never neglecting those who did not have the means to visit our physical stores,” the company said.

Overall, the recipients of this year’s OFR Awards exemplified resilience, adaptability, sustainability, and innovation, showcasing their ability to overcome challenges and thrive amidst adversity.

“The 2023 OFR Awards Night was a remarkable celebration of the indomitable spirit of Filipino retailers,” said Rosemarie B. Ong, president of the PRA. “We commend the winners and all the nominees for their outstanding contributions to the retail industry and their unwavering commitment to serving their communities. They have inspired us all with their resilience and dedication.”

PRA hopes that all the awards’ finalists and winners continue to serve as beacons of excellence for their customers, the industry, and the country.

“Let us celebrate the extraordinary achievements and unwavering dedication as we continue to inspire and shape the future of the retail industry!” the association said.

PRA Vice-Chairman Ma. Alegria S. Limjoco (left) and PRA President Rosemarie B. Ong (right) with Richard Buxani (center), the metal sculptor behind the trophies received by the 2023 OFR awardees

The 2023 OFR Awardees received a trophy specially sculpted by prolific Filipino metal sculptor Richard Buxani; while the PRA President’s Award was crafted by glass sculpture artist Marge Organo. The trophies symbolize the strength of character, burning passion, and unwavering commitment of the awardees.

The success of the 2023 OFR Awards Night was made possible with the support of its sponsors. The PRA extends its heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors for their valuable contributions: platinum sponsors The SM Store, Wilcon Depot, CMG Retail, and Ayala Malls; gold sponsors Primer Group of Companies and Robinsons Malls; silver sponsor Penshoppe; and media partners BusinessWorld, The Manila Times, and Manila Bulletin.

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