The event focused on DEIB innovations, strategies for overcoming challenges, and incorporating DEIB into organizational sustainability. It also gave an avenue for the induction of the organization’s new members, and the presentation of the third Philippine Bahaghari closeout report and the Rainbow Youth Academy Cycle 3 Updates.
A key event highlight was a roundtable discussion titled Evolving Pride: The New Challenges and Opportunities for DEIB and Pride Network Leaders. Moderated by Russel Jude Patina, Senior Public Relations Manager and Vice President for External Affairs of the Pride Club at HCPH, the session featured distinguished panelists, such as Joseph Magadan, Delivery Lead Manager of Accenture Philippines; Josh Calzo, Co-Chair of Rainbow Lions Philippines at ING Philippines; April Soriano, Associate Client Services Manager–Core Recruiting & Service Excellence at IBM Consulting, and Janlee Dungca, Managing Director of Castro Communications.
The panel explored critical topics, including the role of inclusive technology and data-driven DEIB strategies, overcoming barriers to DEIB success, aligning DEIB initiatives with organizational and ESG goals, and securing leadership and cross-functional support for the community.
“Discussions like these are vital in driving meaningful change within organizations and creating a more inclusive and equitable society. At Home Credit, we are honored to host this event, as it aligns with our values as an equal-opportunity employer and our ongoing commitment to championing DEIB in the workplace. Through initiatives like this, we continue to empower individuals and foster a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and included,” Nina Patricia Dacanay, People Partner of HCPH, said.
HCPH has been actively working on its DEIB efforts and has implemented efforts that ensure a working environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities. In a Pride-DEI knowledge-sharing session done by Dacanay, the company’s efforts for workplace inclusion, its initiatives to push for gender equality and drive LGBTQIA+ advocacies, and its collaborations with organizations to strengthen its DEI policies and programs were highlighted.
Strengthening DEIB strategies and leadership development
The discussions emphasized the need for organizations to integrate DEIB as a core strategic priority to foster inclusivity and drive innovation. Panelists underscored the importance of leveraging data and key performance indicators to measure the impact of business resource groups. They also highlighted the value of enabling self-identification options, which provide organizations with insights into their diversity efforts. Regulatory frameworks, compliance, and technology were identified as critical drivers of DEIB initiatives.
On leadership development, the panelists discussed actively involving and educating executives in DEIB efforts, ensuring they stay engaged through workplace inclusion data and reports. Leaders were encouraged to prepare for generational transitions by creating opportunities for younger generations, such as Gen Z and Gen Alpha, to lead the next wave of DEIB advocates.
Supporting professional development and LGBTQ+ rights
The event also highlighted initiatives supporting professional development and advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Attendees were encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities, such as the ASEAN Chevening Scholarship, which supports open-minded leaders committed to driving positive change in the Philippines. This scholarship provides comprehensive support, including tuition, living expenses, and other essential costs.
The Right to Care Card, a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights, was also discussed. This program, launched in Quezon City, grants queer couples the legal right to make healthcare decisions for their partners. With plans to expand to other cities, the initiative aims to provide broader legal recognition and protection for the LGBTQ+ community.
The event brought together nearly 100 representatives from PFIP member companies and organizations, including Aboitiz Power, Accenture, AIA Philippines, British Embassy, Coca-Cola, Cognizant, IBM Philippines, ING, JP Morgan Chase, Quezon City Gender and Development Council (QC-GAD Council), Shell, and many more.
“We are grateful for the insightful discussions during this event, as they provide valuable learnings that will continue to guide our journey in strengthening DEIB at Home Credit. While we have implemented and sustained numerous DEIB initiatives, we recognize that much work still needs to be done. Home Credit remains fully committed to advocating for DEIB, and we will continue to strive toward creating a workplace where everyone is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive,” Dacanay added.
“PFIP’s mission is to be the leading voice and champion of workplace inclusion in the Philippines. Our vision, our ultimate goal, is to have limitless career options for LGBTQ+ professionals,” Chris Eugenio, PFIP’s Board Advisor, concluded.
Since November 2023, HCPH has been a proud member of PFIP, a nonprofit community consisting of LGBTQ+ employee resource groups and human resource representatives from private sector firms in the country. Through this partnership, Home Credit Philippines has actively contributed to the LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Survey and integrated best practices from PFIP’s recently published Playbook for LGBT+ Inclusive Workplaces in the Philippines.
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