On March 28, 2025, the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) hosted another impactful installment of its Train-the-Trainer program, this time focusing on SOGIE 101 and TRANS 101, with over 30 participants trained to become future facilitators for diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace.
Leading the session was Ian Fegalan, PFIP Board Trustee and long-time inclusion advocate, alongside Jessley Bañas, PFIP Training Specialist.
The session aimed not only to equip participants with foundational knowledge of SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics), but also to deepen their understanding of the lived experiences of Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive (TNGE) individuals.
“Inclusion starts with understanding and understanding begins with the self. When we take the time to explore our own SOGIE, we create space to respect and affirm the diverse identities of others,” said Fegalan.
Empowering Future Facilitators
The SOGIE 101 Train-the-Trainer session focused on empowering participants to confidently lead discussions on SOGIESC in their respective organizations. It tackled core concepts, real-world applications, and interactive exercises designed to foster self-awareness and critical thinking.
“Too often, conversations about SOGIE are seen as academic or policy-based. But what we emphasized today is that SOGIE is personal. It’s something everyone has. And the more we embrace that, the more inclusive we become as leaders, teammates, and peers,” Fegalan shared.
Meanwhile, the TRANS 101 session provided a space for participants to learn about the unique challenges faced by TNGE individuals—especially in the workplace. It explored topics such as gender-affirming practices, respectful language, and allyship strategies, encouraging participants to take an active role in fostering environments where TNGE individuals can thrive.
Bañas, a proud transwoman, has walked a path filled with both trials and triumphs. From facing discrimination and being underestimated to finding the courage to live her truth, she has emerged stronger and more determined than ever. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and how far a person can go when given the chance to thrive.
She calls on employers and communities to do the same for other trans individuals—because everyone deserves a safe, inclusive space to be their best selves.
“True inclusion means listening to the voices that are often unheard. In TRANS 101, we don’t just talk about concepts. we talk about real people, real experiences, and what we can do, today, to support them,” Bañas shared.
Building a Network of Changemakers
This Train-the-Trainer session is part of PFIP’s broader commitment to building a robust pipeline of diversity champions and inclusion advocates across industries. By training future facilitators, PFIP ensures that conversations about gender, identity, and equality reach farther and resonate deeper in the Philippine workforce.
PFIP extends its gratitude to all who participated in the March 28 session and looks forward to seeing the ripple effects of this training across workplaces nationwide.
Stay tuned for upcoming Train-the-Trainer and awareness sessions – because a more inclusive Philippines begins with each of us.
