The Philippine Bahaghari Awards 2024 was a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration, honoring individuals, companies, and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusion and advocacy in the Philippines.
From corporate champions to grassroots advocates, the awards highlighted those who have paved the way for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplaces and communities. Here are this year’s winners and nominees.
LGBTQ+ LEADER OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes individuals who have shown exemplary leadership in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and workplace inclusion. The nominees were Lot Servidad (CGI Philippines Inc.), Josh Calzo (ING Hubs Philippines), Brian Arvin Nepangue (OfficePartners 360), Jeffrey Johnson (Teleperformance Philippines), and Maria Theresa “Tere” Claudio (Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines).
The winner of the 2024 LGBTQ+ Leader of the Year is Maria Theresa “Tere” Claudio from Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines.
Tere has been instrumental in shaping the Pride Inclusion Network at Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines, pioneering their diversity and inclusion efforts since 2020. Among her most significant contributions are the extension of health insurance benefits for same-sex partners and the establishment of gender-neutral washrooms. As the advocacy pillar co-lead at PFIP, she played a crucial role in the launch of the Rainbow Youth Academy, which continues to empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.
PRIDE NETWORK OF THE YEAR
This category celebrates the most impactful LGBTQ+ employee networks that have successfully driven inclusion within their organizations.
The nominees were Accenture PH Pride Network (Accenture in the Philippines), IBM EAGLE ASEAN & Korea BRG (IBM in the Philippines), Mariposa (OfficePartners360), PRIDE Business Resource Group (JPMorgan Chase & Co.), Rainbow Lions Philippines (ING Hubs Philippines), SLGS PH Pride Inclusion Network (Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines), and TP Pride (Teleperformance).
The winner of the 2024 Pride Network of the Year is IBM EAGLE ASEAN & Korea BRG (IBM in the Philippines).
IBM has long been a global leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is evident through policies such as mandatory training on SOGIESC and gender sensitivity for all new hires, as well as the provision of free gender affirmation treatment. These initiatives have led to an 8% increase in headcount and a 40% rise in network membership, further strengthening their culture of inclusion.
BAHAGHARI CHAMPIONS
This award honors trailblazers who have made exceptional contributions to LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy.
This year, three organizations were recognized as Bahaghari Champions: the Iloilo City Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, the Quezon City Gender and Development Council alongside MullenLowe TREYNA, and the Unkabogable Star, Vice Ganda.
The Iloilo City Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs was celebrated for being the first of its kind in the country, serving as a model for inclusive public service.
The Quezon City Gender and Development Council and MullenLowe TREYNA were recognized for their groundbreaking Quezon City Right to Care Card, which supports LGBTQ+ couples by granting them legal and medical recognition.
Finally, Vice Ganda was honored as the LGBTQ+ Role Model of the Year, inspiring millions through advocacy, representation, and unwavering support for the community.
ALLY OF THE YEAR
The Ally of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions, voted on by thousands of employees across PFIP member companies.
This year’s winner is Senator Risa Hontiveros. A 2023 Bahaghari Champion, Senator Hontiveros has been a relentless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, championing policies that promote equality, dignity, and protection for the community.
PRIDE ADVOCACY OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes organizations that advance LGBTQ+ rights through legal and policy advocacy.
The 2024 Pride Advocacy of the Year Award was given to EnGendeRights, a legal NGO dedicated to championing gender equality. Among its contributions are initiatives such as the LGBTIQ Law repository, the LGBTIQ Advocate’s Toolkit, and the Golden Rainbow Project, which documents the lived experiences of older LGBTQ+ individuals.
EXECUTIVE ALLY OF THE YEAR
This award honors business leaders who have demonstrated exceptional allyship in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion. The nominees were Paula Blanca Francisco (Deutsche Knowledge Services), Coy Macaspac Ordoñez (Northern Trust), Atty. Tess Marie Tan (OfficePartners360), and Arnab Ray (TTEC).
The 2024 Executive Ally of the Year is Coy Macaspac Ordoñez of Northern Trust.
As a leader, Coy has championed gender reassignment and affirmation procedures as part of Northern Trust’s health benefits, ensuring support for trans employees. She has also led internal Pride initiatives that promote awareness, accountability, and a stronger culture of inclusivity among senior executives.
COMPANY OF THE YEAR
This prestigious award recognizes companies that have set the gold standard for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. The nominees for the 2024 Company of the Year were Accenture in the Philippines, Genpact, ING Hubs Philippines, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Northern Trust, Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines, and Teleperformance.
The winner of the 2024 Pride Company of the Year is Accenture in the Philippines.
Accenture in the Philippines has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion through structured initiatives that integrate innovation and technology. Their approach includes company-wide training, events, and strategic programs designed to create a safe and empowering environment for all employees. With a holistic framework that ensures both internal and external impact, Accenture continues to be a leader in fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The Philippine Bahaghari Awards 2024 was a powerful testament to the progress made in LGBTQ+ inclusion, advocacy, and corporate responsibility. Congratulations to all winners and nominees for their invaluable contributions to building a more inclusive Philippines. May their efforts continue to inspire organizations and individuals to champion equality for all.
2022 WINNERS
2023 WINNERS
