Filipino entrepreneur and philanthropist Glenda V. Hufano was honored with the Woman of Substance – Philippines Award at the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia 2026 on October 17 at Santika Hotel Premiere, BSD, Greater Jakarta, recognizing her contributions to entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, and community development.
A Past District Governor of Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District and elected Vice Chair of ASPAC for 2026–2027, Hufano has built her leadership journey around a commitment to children, education, and underserved communities. Her recognition at the international awards ceremony highlights the growing role of Filipino women leaders in advancing civic engagement and social impact across Asia.
During her term as Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District Governor for 2023–2024, Hufano introduced the theme “Light Up Kiwanis,” encouraging members to translate service into meaningful community action. Her initiatives included programs supporting children’s welfare, education, nutrition, disaster preparedness, and youth development.
She was subsequently recognized as a Distinguished District Governor at the 2025 Kiwanis International Convention in Pittsburgh. Her Rice sParK initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute, also promotes agricultural awareness among young people and highlights the importance of food security and Filipino farmers.
Beyond her civic work, Hufano was included in THE LIST of Leading Women Magazine 2026, further recognizing her contributions as a Filipino woman leader.
Her Woman of Substance award in Indonesia underscores the importance of leadership that extends beyond business achievements to include philanthropy, volunteerism, and opportunities for future generations. Hufano has also expressed plans to extend her philanthropic initiatives to Indonesia, creating potential avenues for cross-border cooperation in community service.
Asia Leaders Awards: Building Bridges Between the Philippines and Indonesia
Now in its eighth year in the Philippines and its third year in Indonesia, the Asia Leaders Awards recognizes business leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and organizations whose work contributes to economic development, innovation, and social progress.
The October 17 ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including H.E. Victorina Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila; Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, President and Chief Operating Officer of TAG Media Group; and Robert Laurel Yupangco, Chairman of the Asia Leaders Awards.
Established in Manila in 2018, the awards program seeks to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a business hub in Asia while creating opportunities for partnerships among leaders and organizations throughout the region.
“Because leadership has no borders, and excellence deserves to be recognized wherever it is found,” Nicolas said, emphasizing the awards’ role in connecting countries, industries, and people.
Distinguished Philippine Awardees
Alongside Hufano, several Filipino leaders were recognized for their respective contributions to public service, business, and industry.
- Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza — Man of the Year – Philippines and Excellence in Public Service – Philippines, recognizing his leadership as Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
- Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia — Electoral Excellence Award, recognizing his leadership in election administration as Chairman of the Commission on Elections.
- Manjit T. Singh Reandi — Man of Influence Award, recognizing his leadership as President of Camp John Hay.
- Michael “Mikee” Romero — Businessman of the Year – Philippines, honoring his contributions to business and entrepreneurship.
- HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc., represented by Yongsoo “Samuel” Cho — Innovative Company of the Year Award, recognizing innovation in the energy sector.
Their recognitions reflect the diversity of leadership represented by the Philippine delegation, spanning government, electoral administration, business, hospitality, and energy.
Indonesian Leaders and Companies Also Recognized
The ceremony likewise honored prominent Indonesian leaders and companies for their contributions to trade, enterprise, and consumer industries.
- H.E. Budi Santoso, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, received the Man of the Year – Indonesia Award for his leadership in the country’s trade and economic sector.
In the corporate category:
- Cimory Group received the Fast Moving Company of the Year Award, recognizing its growth in the food and beverage industry.
- PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk, the company behind Alfamart, was named Company of the Year. Alfamart operates an extensive retail network in Indonesia.
