SPOTLIGHT
Vice Ganda, Risa Hontiveros honored at Bahaghari Awards
Vice Ganda was celebrated as this year’s Bahaghari Champion at the Bahaghari Awards organized by the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP). The recognition highlights her role as an inspiring advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and her unwavering commitment to equality.
“Vice Ganda is one of the most important advocates and champions in the continuing fight for representation and visibility,” said PFIP, whose members include representatives from LGBTQ+ employee resource groups and corporate diversity teams across the Philippines.
In a heartfelt social media post, Vice reiterated her dedication to the community:
“Patuloy na mamumuksa ang gandang twoah ng kadiliman, at mananatiling bahaghari para sa lahat ng madlang people, lalo na sa LGBTQIA+ Community!”
“Malaking recognition itong binigay nila… Maraming salamat po talaga. Malaking bagay ito para sa akin at sa community and I feel so blessed and grateful na at last, nakikita na ako, nakikita na kami. Nakikita kaming lahat, ang komunidad. At ang pinakamasaya doo, iyong komunidad mismo ang nakakakita sa akin,” Vice also said on the top rating television program, It’s Showtime.
Risa Hontiveros was also recognized during the event as PFIP’s Ally of the Year. A staunch supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights, Hontiveros has been a vocal advocate for the SOGIE Equality Bill, which she authored and sponsors in the Senate.
The Bahaghari Awards celebrated leaders and organizations making significant strides toward inclusivity. Tere Claudio of Sun Life Global Solutions received the LGBTQIA+ Leader of the Year award, while EnGendeRights was honored with the Pride Advocacy of the Year award. IBM Eagle ASEAN & Korea Business Resource Group was named the 2024 Pride Network of the Year.
Accenture in the Philippines took home the Company of the Year award for its progressive policies and benefits for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We are very proud. We launched the transgender benefit, we give healthcare benefit for men or women who want to transition. We also have the common partner benefit where our employees can enroll their partner, same gender, same sex and they can avail of all the benefits of all the other couples that we have,” shared Jenny Hans, Managing Director and Inclusion and Diversity Executive Sponsor at Accenture in the Philippines.
Other honorees included the Quezon City Right to Care Card Team and the Iloilo City Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, both acknowledged as Bahaghari Champions.
Industry leaders at the event emphasized the need for greater LGBTQIA+ inclusion in workplaces.
“There are individuals that are actually promoting LGBTQ in the workplace as part of their role, they actually encounter a lot of challenges and opportunities, one of which is navigating organizational culture where there is resistance to some employees or pockets of employees in coming up with policies that cover LGBTQ,” said Malu Inofre, AP Transition BG SVP and Chief Corporate Services Officer of Aboitiz Power.
“Executive allies, you can play a pivotal role in promoting a supportive environment by leveraging your leadership influence and at the same time, making sure that you have policies in place so that it is clear, it’s black and white,” she added.
Randy Estrellado, COO of MAYNILAD, highlighted the importance of equal opportunities.
“For the longest time, the LGBT community has not really been given equal access to opportunities, and that’s a shame because we are just as talented or as deserving as anyone else so organizations like these, they make it their advocacy to ensure that everyone has an equal chance,” he said.
“You’re missing out a lot if you don’t actively welcome members of the LGBTQIA+ community… We represent seven to ten percent of the population, that is a significant number of people that you will be excluding if you are not welcoming,” Estrellado added.
Pamela Harrison, EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer of EXL, echoed the sentiment, stating: “Talent is talent and we want smart people who know how to make things happen, who are problem solvers and we want people to feel welcome.”
PFIP Chairperson Weena Ekid expressed commitment to advancing LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion beyond the workplace.
“This journey is vital for realizing a society where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, lives freely and authentically. Over the past year, we have witnessed significant strides in raising awareness and advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Our commitment to inclusion is grounded in the belief that diversity strengthens our society,” Ekid said.
He noted legislative progress surrounding the SOGIE Equality Bill and emphasized the importance of community engagement, education, and corporate responsibility.
“Corporations are recognizing the value of DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) in the workplace, establishing LGBTQ+-friendly policies, and participating in pride campaigns. This shift is essential not just for the individuals within these organizations but also for the economy, reflecting a more progressive and accepting society,” he added.
Despite advancements, Ekid stressed the need for continued efforts.
“Despite the progress, challenges remain. Incidents of discrimination, violence, and marginalization continue. Our work is not finished; we must push for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, broader public awareness, and stronger support systems for LGBTQ+ individuals,” he concluded.
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