Foundever Philippines defines ‘Pride’ in the workplace, celebrates inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ employees

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FOUNDEVER Philippines recently concluded its Pride Summit 2025, a nationwide streamed event designed to educate and foster a deeper understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community. The summit, titled “What makes up a rainbow?” explored the concept of pride in several situations, including the workplace, the home, and throughout society, while providing valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

WORKPLACE INCLUSIVITY Foundever Philippines recently hosted its Pride Summit 2025. PHOTO FROM FOUNDEVER

The event opened with remarks from Pride at Foundever Chairperson and VP for Operations Pat Haluag explaining how “Thrive with Pride,” the Pride month theme of Foundever, is more than just an adage.

“It tells the story here at Foundever. We show up for one another, we lead with empathy, and we believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, safe, and celebrated,” said Haluag. He noted that it represents the company’s commitment to creating a safe space where everyone truly belongs.

The summit featured meaningful discussions from LGBTQIA+ leaders within the organization, each offering unique perspectives that help broaden understanding of community experiences.

Anton Sanchez, the first co-chair of Pride at Foundever and senior director for Operations, shared insights about balancing her identity as an LGBTQIA+ individual with her role as a parent to a three-year-old adopted daughter. She shared her contemplations about discussing adoption with her child and preparing for future conversations about her sexual orientation.

“What's my future goal? And I responded [with] I want to be known because I have the skills and I have the knowledge. I wanted for the community, especially my home, to see that you can be yourself, whatever your orientation is, and you can be very successful,” said Sanchez.

Dhel Sevilla, the second co-chair of Pride at Foundever and director for Operations, discussed her experiences as a transwoman navigating her career journey. She spoke about relocating to the city to pursue opportunities and the challenges of staying true to herself despite societal pressures.

The summit also featured Jeff Cagandahan, co-founder and president of Intersex Philippines, who provided educational content about intersex experiences, a topic often misunderstood or overlooked in diversity conversations. His discussion helped attendees gain awareness about the intersex community and the unique challenges they face, contributing to broader gender spectrum understanding.

The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion where participants explored what it truly means to be a part of the community, helping attendees develop a deeper understanding of diverse experiences and perspectives. These educational conversations are essential for building inclusive workplaces and communities where everyone can thrive.

Events like this by Foundever provide platforms for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to share their stories and educate others, as these initiatives help break down misconceptions and build bridges of empathy and respect.

Foundever has consistently championed diversity and inclusion throughout its history, and its annual Pride Summit stands as a powerful testament to the company's unwavering commitment to creating spaces where every individual can authentically thrive and be celebrated for who they are.

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