Manila – The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) has been honored with the prestigious Business Catalyst Award at The Business Manual CEO Awards 2025, an accolade that highlights the organization’s far-reaching impact in advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business development across the country.
This recognition places the PFA among three leading organizations acknowledged for their catalytic role in enabling the growth of Philippine enterprises. The theme of this year’s awards, “Honoring Industry Disruptors,” underlines how organizations like the PFA are redefining business dynamics and supporting inclusive economic growth in the ASEAN region.
Founded as a voluntary and self-regulating body, the PFA envisions the Philippines as the “Center for Franchise Development in Asia.” It represents the country’s most established franchise brands and promotes franchising as a strategic tool for job creation and entrepreneurial empowerment—especially in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.
Through its numerous programs, including regular seminars, webinars, and the renowned Franchise Asia Philippines expo—one of the largest franchise events in the world—the PFA facilitates critical linkages between aspiring entrepreneurs and business enablers. It empowers both franchisees and franchisors with the tools and knowledge needed to scale and sustain their businesses.
The association is also behind the Franchise Excellence Awards (FEA), the country’s only formal recognition program for outstanding franchise businesses. The FEA honors both local and international brands that demonstrate strong ethical foundations, sustained growth, and positive economic impact within the franchising sector.
Beyond local influence, the PFA’s initiatives have attracted attention across the region. The association has previously received the Industry Development Award from the Ang Susi Awards hosted by the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), further affirming its commitment to professionalizing the industry and enhancing its global standing.
The PFA’s award win is emblematic of a larger movement in Southeast Asia, where associations are playing increasingly active roles in shaping competitive ecosystems. As franchising continues to emerge as a growth engine in developing economies, the PFA’s model offers valuable insights into how policy alignment, private sector collaboration, and sustained advocacy can reshape national economic outcomes.
