Manila: Filipino businesses must begin looking at success beyond home and raise their standards high enough to compete on the global stage. Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) director Harvey Ong said to succeed globally, Filipinos need to be world-class first.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ong emphasized that Filipinos cannot simply venture abroad without first achieving a world-class status. He pointed out the need to change a mindset that historically measured success by becoming the best in the Philippines rather than competing with global leaders. Reflecting on his youth, Ong noted the scarcity of world-class individuals and organizations during a time when the internet was not prevalent, and success was often viewed through a national lens.
Ong, who is now the chief operating officer of Alfamart Trading Philippines and chairperson of the 2026 Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards Committee, aims to shift this mindset. By highlighting world-class Filipino organizations and identifying promising startups, he hopes to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to aim for international success.
The aspirations of young Filipinos like 24-year-old Febilyn Balase from Tubabao Island in Eastern Samar echo Ong's vision. Balase, a Business Administration student and service crew member in Quezon City, dreams of establishing her own business one day. She believes in the potential of Filipino businesses to compete internationally, drawing inspiration from local businesses that started small and grew over time.
Balase asserts that a truly great business, regardless of its size or revenue, should offer quality products or services that could be embraced globally. She emphasizes the importance of innovation, communication, leadership, and creativity for the next generation of entrepreneurs to build globally competitive businesses.
The 2026 OFR Awards recently recognized outstanding retailers and brands for excellence in various areas, including innovation and sustainability. Ong highlighted the need to raise awareness of these awards, especially outside Metro Manila, to honor promising businesses and provide them with a platform for growth. He plans to collaborate with the country's largest mall groups to boost the visibility of these awards next year.
