MANILA -- Vice Ganda was honored as this year's Bahaghari Champion and recognized as a role model for the LGBTQIA+ community during the Bahaghari Awards by the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP).

Vice was chosen for her steadfast advocacy of LGBTQIA+ rights and continued call for equality.

"Vice Ganda is one of the most important advocates and champions in the continuing fight for representation and visibility," said the award-giving body, composed of dedicated representatives from LGBTQ+ employee resource groups and diversity teams within private companies in the Philippines.

In a social media post, Vice pledged to continue their advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights and serve as an inspiration 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!" she said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who has stood alongside the LGBTQIA+ community in championing the SOGIE Equality Bill, was also honored as PFIP’s Ally of the Year for her dedication to advancing LGBTQIA+ rights.

Hontiveros is the bill's principal author and sponsor in the Senate.

READ: Pride March 2024 aims for unity to end discrimination, violence against LGBT

READ: Marcos Jr. urged to certify as urgent SOGIESC Equality Bill

-- Industry Champions -- 

The Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride's Bahaghari Awards 2024. Jeffrey Hernaez, ABS-CBN NewsThe event also recognized the contributions of various industry leaders, companies, and organizations.

Tere Claudio of Sun Life Global Solutions was named LGBTQIA+ Leader of the Year, EnGendeRights received the Pride Advocacy of the Year award, while 2024 Pride Network of the Year was IBM Eagle ASEAN & Korea Business Resource Group.

Additional Bahaghari Champions included the Quezon City Right to Care Card Team and the Iloilo City Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, with Accenture in the Philippines named Company of the Year.

READ: QC gov't's 'right to care' card for queer couples wins Good Design Award

"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," said Jenny Hans, Managing Director and Inclusion and Diversity Executive Sponsor of Accenture in the Philippines.

Other industry leaders stressed the importance of greater LGBTQIA+ representation in the workplace.

"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, one of the first local companies to develop policies for LGBTQ inclusivity.

"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, Chief Operating Officer of MAYNILAD, emphasized equal opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community.

"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, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of EXL, also highlighted the value of inclusivity.

"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," she said.

READ: PFIP launches 2024 LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report

-- Advancing the SOGIE Equality Bill --

Members of the University of the Philippines LGBTQIA+ community hold the annual UP Pride March around the Academic Oval on June 23, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/FilePFIP Chairperson Weena Ekid, through the PFIP, committed to furthering LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion, not only in workplaces but also throughout the broader community.

"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 stated.

Ekid expressed optimism about society’s shift toward inclusivity, noting the legislative progress around the SOGIE Equality Bill.

"We are seeing a gradual shift in the legislative landscape. Notably, discussions around the SOGIE have gained momentum. While it has faced challenges, the increasing support from various sectors—including youth groups, civil society, and even some lawmakers—demonstrates a growing recognition of the need for legal protections against discrimination," he said.

Ekid also underscored 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.

However, Ekid emphasized that there is still much work to be done to create a truly inclusive society for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

"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 stressed.

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