LGUs, national government commit to diversity, inclusion
As the global workforce continues to evolve, existing cultural factors and government policies demonstrate the growing role of businesses in fostering environments where employees feel seen, valued, and treated fairly.
But beyond fairness, inclusive work environments empower individuals to fully realize and maximize their talents and capabilities. Companies that embed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their core cultivate a forward-thinking organization where merit, rather than privilege, drives advancement, while also broadening the definitions of talent and competency and addressing inherent biases.
In the Philippines, many companies now recognize DEI as a core business strategy that fuels innovation, talent retention, and overall competitiveness. In fact, the country leads in adopting and promoting DEI in Southeast Asia, according to the leading online job portal Jobstreet by SEEK.
This progress is reinforced by national policies that support inclusive practices, alongside initiatives and programs from local government units (LGUs) that promote inclusivity, especially for vulnerable sectors.
Quezon City
The local government of Quezon City (QC) actively promotes inclusivity by implementing programs and initiatives that support and expand equal employment opportunities for its residents. Senior citizens, mothers of children with disabilities, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are given the chance to work in private companies through the LGU’s Special Employment Program or in the local government by the Emergency Employment Program.
Another landmark initiative is the Pangkabuhayang QC, a livelihood financial assistance program launched in 2021 that caters not only to micro entrepreneurs, returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or members of OFW households, and completers of livelihood/entrepreneurship training programs, but also to PWDs and unemployed solo parents. Beneficiaries also receive training from partner agencies.
QC is positioning itself as a leader in inclusive urban governance by recognizing the important role of queer entrepreneurs and workers in driving economic growth, especially those from micro, small, and medium enterprises. In June last year, the city held its first-ever LGBTIQ+ Business Summit centered on the theme “Building an Inclusive Future: Quezon City as an LGBTIQ+ Business-Friendly City.”
LGBTIQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or queer. The plus sign represents the vast diversity of people in terms of sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics.
Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City launched Suporta sa Muntinlupeño para sa Inklusibong Kabuhayan Program (SuMIKaP) in 2024, a targeted program for members of vulnerable sectors. Through this initiative, the city provides short-term employment to displaced and disadvantaged Muntinlupa residents, including senior citizens, PWDs, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, mothers of children with special needs, and workers who have recently lost their livelihoods.
One of the many roles created by this program is the “senior greeters,” where senior citizens welcome visitors at the entrance of the Muntinlupa City Hall. Implemented in coordination with various local government offices, SuMIKaP ensures that sectors most in need of support are effectively reached, benefiting at least 7,067 Muntinlupeños since its rollout.
The city also recognized its LGBTQ+ community and celebrated their excellence and contribution across various fields during the Muntinlupa LGBTQ Summit 2025. The event formed part of the city’s 7K Agenda, especially Katarungan, which advocates for inclusivity as well as equal rights and opportunities for all.
Additionally, a designated Bahaghari Advisory Council guides the development of gender-responsive policies and inclusive development plans, and a Rainbow Desk inside the City Hall provides easy access to legal aid, psychosocial support, and referral services related to LGBTQIA+ concerns.
Pasig City
Pasig City has also pushed for more inclusivity programs. For senior citizens and PWDs, the city implements emergency employment programs and livelihood assistance by providing skills that allow them to contribute to their family income.
The city’s Public Employment Service Office and Livelihood Office of Pasig City launched “SiPAG-ASA,” enabling beneficiaries to weave bags from scrap materials, providing 10 days of work at P645 per day. The program promotes environmental sustainability, inclusion, and income contribution.
All applicants to the SiPAG-ASA project undergo a recruitment and assessment process, and once qualified, they are endorsed to the livelihood training team for orientation. City officers in charge of the program have said that additional livelihood training, including mushroom cultivation and business startup kits, will be introduced in 2026.
Another program of the city is the Katuwang sa Agarang Hanapbuhay Program, which provides short-term emergency employment and skills training to displaced, unemployed, or underemployed residents. These programs include employment for community cleaning and training for recycling and urban gardening.
In terms of gender inclusivity, the Gender and Development (GAD) Office of the city launched the Pasig City GAD Academy as its flagship initiative in June 2025. The Academy builds a pool of community-based GAD advocates and technical assistance providers, serving as a platform for capacity development, certification, and mobilization to advance gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance. On March 10, 2026, the first batch of GAD Community Trainers were officially recognized.
National programs
The Philippines has national policies that support DEI, including the Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act. But there is still a lot more to improve.
In November 2025, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched the Local Initiative in Governance and Social Protection (Lingap) program to strengthen inclusivity and protect vulnerable sectors through local implementation of social protection policies, focusing on gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion.
Lingap supports health policies, literacy initiatives, poverty alleviation, and protection for PWDs, senior citizens, solo parents, and LGBTQIA+ members.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has also made strategic budget allocations for 2026 to strengthen Inclusive Education, supporting learners with disabilities, indigenous communities, out-of-school youth, and marginalized sectors.
Of the P1.015 trillion budget allocated to the DepEd in the 2026 national budget, P4.92 billion was allotted under the Flexible Learning Options, which includes P897 million for Alternative Learning System (ALS) and P56 million for the construction of ALS Community Learning Centers.
Meanwhile, the Special Needs Education Program was allotted P1.04 billion to provide greater support to learners with disabilities, and P100 million for textbooks and other instructional materials for them. —Dana Quirante and Karen Amarilla, Inquirer Research
Sources: Inquirer Archives, quezoncity.gov.ph, Quezon City Government Facebook Page, who.int, City Government of Muntinlupa – OFFICIAL Facebook Page, Ruffy Biazon Facebook Page, Pasig City Gender And Development Office Facebook post, Philippine Information Agency, pasigcity.gov.ph, ICLEI, DILG, DepEd, and DSWD.
