Bravo Filipino | Project Inclusion Network makes strides in disability-inclusive employment in “Empowered Summit” | On December 3, 2024, Project Inclusion Network (PIN) and leading financial services firm JPMorganChase celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) by hosting the “Empowered Summit: Making a Difference with 1%” at the SMX Convention Center Aura. This event brought together government representatives, experts, and employers to advance policies on disability inclusion and promote the equal participation of Persons with Disabilities in the workforce.
Empowered Summit, co-hosted by Ms. Stephanie Zubiri – author of “Chalky the Chameleon,” a story about neurodiversity and self-discovery – began with insightful discussions on Republic Act No. 10524, which mandates 1% of government positions for persons with disabilities, and encourages the private sector to follow suit. Experts and leaders, namely Mr. Randy Calsena from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Ms. Carmen Zubiaga of the Women with Disabilities Leap to Women Social and Economic Program (WOW-LEAP), Atty. Judith Dongallo-Chicano of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Ms. Linartes Viloria of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Ms. Charmagne Adonis of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) tackled barriers in policy implementation and the need for stronger initiatives on improving reasonable accommodations and enhancing accessibility.
Reactors from various organizations provided valuable insights on advancing inclusion in the workplace. Mr. Bronson Escalderon, from Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), emphasized the need for guidance and upskilling within the Deaf community, while Ms. Carla Francesca Nobleza of Kasali Tayo highlighted the importance of normalizing the presence of persons with disabilities in the workforce. Real change starts with leaders who prioritize diversity and inclusion as central to their organizational mission,“ said Ramil Dela Cruz, Vice President for Recruitment and lead for disability hiring at JPMorganChase.
As a highlight of the event, success stories from self-advocates employed in inclusive organizations were featured. The media advocacy campaign “May 1% Ka Ba?”, in partnership with the Austrian Embassy, was officially launched. This showcased personal stories of persons with disabilities thriving in their supportive workplaces. These included Aileen Gay Sibal, a Deaf self-advocate; Lou Mallari, Rayne Saul Hugo and Michael Ladrillo, who are persons with orthopedic disabilities; and Benito Manangkil, a person with an intellectual disability, whose companies have set the standard for disability-inclusive employment. Both Teleperformance and Citihub have exceeded the 1% mandate, with Teleperformance reaching 5% and Citihub reaching 100%.
Meanwhile, representatives from the City Government of Mandaluyong, Ariel Nuestro and Christian Delos Santos, who are persons with physical disability, also shared how their local government ensures equal opportunities within public service, employing 3% of their workforce as persons with disabilities.
The event concluded with a thanksgiving dinner to recognize the partners and organizations committed to fostering a more inclusive society. As a member of the steering committee of the Philippine Business and Disability Network (PBDN), JPMorganChase is at the forefront of cultivating a supportive environment for persons with disabilities.
To know more about our advocacy, contact us through connect@projectinclusion.ph
Project Inclusion Network (PIN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to realizing the potential of Persons with Disabilities by empowering individuals and fostering disability inclusion across society. Through its access-to-work opportunities model, PIN prepares jobseekers with skills training and career readiness assessments while equipping employers with disability inclusion strategies, creating inclusive workplaces.
