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I’d like to initiate a more democratized
and inclusive organization, wherein I
encourage all members, especially the
small and medium businesses as well as
the young and new retailers to be more
engaged and participative in PRA’s
programs to help level up and make the
retail industry a significant contributor
to the country’s economy
The Year of the Rose
PRA’s new president Rosemarie B. Ong shares her views on current
retail landscape, women empowerment, and her plans for PRA.
The phrase “rose among the thorns” may
be apt to describe her when she pursued
a career in the construction and home-
building business—which is
known to be dominated by
men. But Wilcon’s Senior
Executive Vice President and
COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong
thinks otherwise. She believes
that there is not much
difference between men and
women in terms of leading
or working in a particular
industry.
She even believes that women’s
inherent qualities of being caring,
passionate, driven and service-
oriented come in handy in
businesses in the retail industry,
where customer service is king.
Since she joined Wilcon in 1984, Rosemarie or Rose to
her colleagues has since come a long way, and this year
proved that through her dedication in her craft, more
blessings and opportunities can even pour into her life.
Leading the PRA
This July, she has been named the new president of the
Philippine Retailers Association, taking the helm of the
country’s biggest and recognized retail organization.
Being voted into the presidency, she expressed her
appreciation for the trust given by the organization
and is ready to take on the challenge. She plans to
continue on the accomplishments and programs of her
predecessors adding her own style of leadership.
“I’d like to initiate a more democratized and inclusive
organization, wherein I encourage all members,
especially the small and medium businesses as well as
the young and new retailers to be more engaged and
participative in PRA’s programs to help level up
and make the retail industry a significant
contributor to the country’s economy,”
she said during her sit down interview
two weeks after she was named as PRA
president.
Being with PRA through the years
She also recalled how the organization
has helped expand her knowledge and
connections in the industry. Wilcon became
a member of the PRA in the late 1990’s and
Rose joined the Board of Directors in 2009.
Through the PRA, she was able to meet and
interact with fellow retailers in the country,
with whom she was able to share experiences
and latest updates in the industry. It was also
through the PRA, where she met most of her
suppliers who helped her level up the initiatives she
needed to do for Wilcon.
Moreover, by attending conferences and international
missions conducted by the organization, she gained
techniques and strategies in retail, which have not only
helped in her role in Wilcon, but even more now as she
leads the PRA in the next two years.
“Looking at the global landscape, the emergence of
digital and online platform is becoming a challenge
for brick-and-mortar stores. So, through the PRA, I’d
like to be of help to the retailers through our seminars,
conferences, and other projects to help educate and
empower them and be able to cope with the challenges
we are facing now,” she shared.
An award-winning leader
But being named as the PRA’s new leader is not only
her recent accomplishment, as she has been chosen as
an awardee at the International Women Conference
Foundation (IWEC) where she just recently received
her award and joined other international women
awardees in Shanghai, China. But more than the joy of
being recognized for her hard work and innovations in
the business she leads, she expressed her happiness
that more women today are being recognized in their
contribution in various fields.
“It’s heartwarming and a great honor that women now
are being recognized globally for their contributions for
whatever field they belong to. This is also an honor for
the organization and for the country,” she mused.
The success of Filipino retailers
She also sees that the Filipinos have the characteristics
that fit well the retailing business.
“Filipinos are known to be hospitable and service-
oriented who bring their personal touch in rendering
their service to the customers. This makes them succeed
as retailers because retail is always about caring and
service to others,” she shared.
This year is truly her year, as she embarks on a new
chapter in her life leading the PRA, and at the same time
continuing working for the sustained success of Wilcon.
Her dedication in her work and drive to always do her
best, matched with her lively and optimistic character
will always be her weapon as she treads forward her
path. And though thorns may sometimes be on the way,
this “rose” will always choose to bloom.