NordCham Philippines and CGI Philippines Celebrated a Successful Pride Month with DEI-Focused Sustainability Committee Meeting in June
On 27, June 2024, in celebration of Pride Month, NordCham Philippines, in collaboration with CGI Philippines, held a special Sustainability Committee Meeting focused on fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at CGI Philippines’ office in McKinley Hill, Taguig.
The meeting started with an opening remark by Jill Charmaine De Jesus, Country Leader at CGI Philippines Inc. This was followed by a series of insightful talks from Lot Servidad, Director for Corporate Services and DEI Lead at CGI Philippines Inc., and Jay Ian Fegalan, Board of Trustees at Philippine Financial and Inter-industry Pride.
Attendees included representatives from Antrak Logistics, HMR Philippines, Life Project 4 Youth, MA Country Office, Mission Alliance Representative Office Philippines, MultiMind International AB, Navigator Crewing Services (Philippines) Inc., Odfjell Technology Philippines Corporation, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc., Q2 HR Solutions, Inc., SM Investments, and Youth Inclusion Network.
Key Points from the Discussions:
In their presentations, the speakers emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and equitable environments for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and multicultural/multilingual individuals. They shared strategies for successful DEI implementation in the workplace, including setting timelines and processes, developing policies and guidelines, conducting relevant training sessions, and overcoming challenges to establish supportive and respectful workplaces.
Lot Servidad highlighted the need to encourage and foster a diverse membership base, ensuring representation across various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. She also emphasized the importance of creating fair practices within organizations to address systemic barriers and ensure equal opportunities for all members.
Additionally, Servidad emphasized the importance of nurturing a workplace culture that prioritizes inclusivity and respect, ensuring that every individual feels valued and embraced. By fostering this mindset, organizations can cultivate a sense of belonging among their team members, encouraging active participation and fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives thrive. This approach not only enhances employee morale and satisfaction but also contributes to overall organizational success by harnessing the full potential of each member of the team.
Jay Ian Fegalan discussed the role of the Philippine Financial and Inter-industry Pride in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and representation, especially in the workplace. He highlighted the organization's efforts to drive and align diversity and inclusion targets and strategies, share best practices, and provide avenues for cooperation and collaboration among its members.
Fegalan stressed that companies should strengthen their efforts to support social causes and meet their goals for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. He highlighted the importance of including LGBTQ+ individuals in these sustainability plans, considering the challenges they often face at work. By doing so, companies can create fairer workplaces where everyone feels valued and respected, boosting their overall reputation and showing commitment to ethical business practices.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage with the speakers and gain further insights into effective DEI practices. This meeting underscored the importance of allyship and practical approaches for fostering inclusivity and social responsibility in the workplace, aligning with the broader goals of sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to CGI Philippines, as well as to all the participants and companies who joined us in celebrating Pride Month. Your active participation and support have been instrumental in making this event a resounding success.
Check some event photos below: