Each year, across corporate boardrooms and community halls, new leaders rise – some with bold visibility, others with quiet resolve. They shape policies, build safe spaces, lead difficult conversations, and open doors for those who come after them.
These are the changemakers behind the growing momentum for inclusion in the Philippine workplace. And once a year, through the Bahaghari Awards, their stories are brought into the spotlight.
Now in its 4th year, the Bahaghari Awards 2025, widely recognized as the country’s most prestigious workplace inclusion recognition program, once again opens its call for nominations. Led by the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), the awards celebrate individuals, networks, and organizations whose bold leadership and concrete actions have significantly advanced LGBT+ inclusion in workplaces and beyond.
From Vision to Legacy
Launched in 2021, the Bahaghari Awards was created to honor the unsung heroes of workplace inclusion – those leading with authenticity, resilience, and heart. In just five years, the program has become a national benchmark for inclusive excellence.
“The Bahaghari Awards is more than a recognition program,” said Angelo Camaya, Chair of PFIP and a 2023 recipient of the PRIDE LGBTQ+ Leader Award. “It’s our collective tribute to the changemakers, people who rise above resistance, who challenge the status quo, and who build cultures of belonging in workplaces that were never designed for them in the first place.”
The awards have consistently spotlighted voices and stories that empower others to follow suit, making them a vital part of PFIP’s broader mission to drive real change across industries.
More Than Awards—A Movement
For Michael Santos, Chair of the Bahaghari Awards 2025, this year’s milestone is a moment to celebrate and recommit.
“As we enter the 4th year of the Bahaghari Awards, we’re not just recognizing excellence—we’re witnessing the evolution of a movement,” Santos said. “Every nomination is a story of impact. Every award is a reminder that visibility and inclusion are not trends – they are lifelines for many in the community.”
Major Award Categories and Judging Criteria
PFIP invites nominations in four major categories that reflect the many ways inclusion is lived, led, and strengthened in the workplace.
LGBTQ+ Leader of the Year
Honors an inspiring LGBTQ+ individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and resilience within their organization or community. This award celebrates their efforts in breaking barriers, advancing inclusion, and serving as a role model for others.
Judging Criteria:
Leadership & Impact (30%) – Displays visionary, inclusive, and transformative leadership.
Advocacy & Visibility (25%) – Advocates openly for the LGBT+ community and promotes visibility.
Community Engagement (25%) – Engages in activities or programs that uplift the LGBT+ community.
Personal Journey & Courage (20%) – Inspires others through their personal story and resilience.
Executive Ally of the Year
Recognizes a senior executive or corporate ally who has championed LGBT+ inclusion within their organization and beyond. This award celebrates their role in making workplaces safe, inclusive spaces for all.
Judging Criteria:
Leadership Commitment (30%) – Advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion at an executive level.
Policy & Culture Impact (25%) – Influences policies and creates a culture that supports LGBT+ employees.
Active Advocacy (25%) – Participates in LGBT+-inclusive programs, speaks out publicly, and leads by example.
Measurable Results (20%) – Achieves tangible outcomes in promoting belonging and inclusivity.
Pride Network of the Year
Recognizes an employee resource group (ERG) or pride network that has demonstrated exceptional efforts to foster belonging, educate colleagues, and advocate for LGBT+ rights and inclusion.
Judging Criteria:
Impact & Reach (30%) – Number of employees engaged and breadth of programs implemented.
Innovative Programs (25%) – Creation of unique, relevant, and impactful activities and initiatives.
Collaboration & Engagement (25%) – Works with external organizations, stakeholders, and the wider community.
Measurable Results (20%) – Shows concrete outcomes of its efforts (policy changes, increased engagement, employee satisfaction).
Company of the Year
Recognizes an organization that has made significant advances in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for the LGBT+ community. This award highlights a company with a strong, sustainable commitment to making a difference.
Judging Criteria:
Policy Framework (30%) – Established policies and benefits that support LGBT+ inclusion.
Workplace Culture (25%) – Fosters a safe, accepting, and welcoming environment for LGBT+ employees.
External Impact (25%) – Supports wider LGBT+ communities through partnerships, CSR, or public advocacy.
Leadership Commitment (20%) – Company leaders openly champion and role-model inclusion and belonging.
Special Recognitions
PFIP will also confer four honorary awards that spotlight unique, transformative contributions to LGBT+ inclusion:
Bahaghari Champions – For trailblazing individuals or organizations that have shown long-term commitment and impact.
Advocacy of the Year – For a program, campaign, or initiative that has promoted awareness and challenged stigma.
PFIP’s Choice for LGBTQ+ Role Model of the Year – For an individual whose personal journey has empowered others to live authentically and advocate bravely.
PFIP’s Choice for Ally of the Year – For an individual outside the LGBT+ community who has consistently shown meaningful and visible support.
PFIP encourages all member companies, partners, and advocates to nominate individuals, groups, and organizations whose work is creating real impact.
“This year, we are raising the bar, not just to celebrate achievements, but to amplify the urgency of inclusion,” Camaya emphasized. “Every nomination is a spark that can ignite change in others.”
“Whether you’re an HR leader building inclusive policies, a Pride network driving change from the inside, or an individual living your truth out loud – you belong here,” Santos added. “Your story matters. And the Bahaghari Awards is where we honor it.”
Nomination submissions will be open from July 15 to September 15, 2025. This year’s celebration will culminate in two major events. On October 10, 2025, PFIP will host the highly anticipated Nominees’ Night – a gathering of allies, advocates, and champions—where the official list of nominees will be unveiled. The awarding of winners will follow on October 24 during the prestigious Bahaghari Gala, an evening of pride, purpose, and powerful storytelling.
Stay tuned for more updates and announcements in the coming days.
