In every successful movement, there is someone working tirelessly behind the scenes—visionaries who don’t chase the spotlight but instead create the stage for others to shine. For the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), that person is Ronil “Onil” Villacorta—Co-founder and the first Filipino Chair of PFIP.
Widely regarded as one of the founding pillars of PFIP, Onil’s contributions to the LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion movement in the Philippines span more than a decade, shaped by grit, foresight, and a deep commitment to community empowerment.
A Trailblazer from the Start
Onil’s journey began in 2010 at Thomson Reuters Manila, where he launched the local chapter of Pride at Work, the company’s global LGBTQ+ employee resource group. His leadership quickly caught international attention, leading to his appointment as the APAC regional lead—a role that marked the beginning of his advocacy on the global stage.
In 2011, he represented the Philippines at the Out & Equal Workplace Summit in Dallas, Texas—a milestone not just for his career, but for Filipino LGBTQ+ professionals seeking visibility in international DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) conversations.
Laying the Groundwork for PFIP
By 2013, Onil had joined ANZ Group Services and Operations, where he revitalized the bank’s Pride Network in Manila, steering it for five strong years. That same year, he co-founded PFIP—a historic leap in uniting private sector companies to champion LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion in the Philippines From Deputy Chair in its inception year to Chair in 2015 to 2017, Onil helped grow PFIP from a passionate idea into a national movement.
As Corporate Secretary from 2020 to 2024 and Board Adviser until 2025, his leadership spans every major phase of the organization’s evolution. But what many in the PFIP community may not know is how much of the organization’s success can be traced back to Onil’s quiet, behind-the-scenes leadership.
The Mind Behind the Milestones
It was Onil who brought to life PFIP’s Anniversary Gala – elegant, purposeful gatherings that not only mark milestones but also spotlight voices from across industries.
Behind the scenes, he masterfully negotiated with suppliers, talents, and vendors, saving PFIP hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of pesos over the years.
His unmatched skill in negotiation and cost management ensured that each event stayed within budget while still hitting its profit targets. From concept to execution, costing to closing, Onil was the driving force that made it all possible.
Beyond the galas, Onil is also the driving force behind many of PFIP’s flagship initiatives, shaping programs that have defined the organization’s legacy in corporate inclusion and advocacy. He also crafted PFIP’s 2025 program offerings from the ground up: curating themes, structuring ideas, and designing meaningful experiences for member organizations. He did all of this because he believes that a future of inclusion is built with intention.
Leadership Rooted in Purpose
To this day, Onil serves as Local Sponsor of the ANZ Pride Network, overseeing efforts not just in the Philippines but across APAC, the Pacific, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. His influence is both wide-reaching and deeply personal. What makes his leadership extraordinary is that he never made it about himself. He consciously stepped back to allow new leaders to grow, emerging voices to be heard, and fresh ideas to flourish—all while ensuring PFIP’s foundation remained solid and its mission clear.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Onil didn’t just help build PFIP. He helped shape the ecosystem that allows LGBTQ+ professionals to feel seen, valued, and respected in the workplace.
He is doing all this because he understands the weight of legacy – of paving the way for those who will come after.
He stands on the shoulders of those who came before him, and in turn, offers his own shoulders for the next generation. In an age where visibility is currency, Onil proves that real change often begins away from the limelight – with steadfast purpose, long-term vision, and the kind of humility that builds movements meant to last.
