Signed Memorandum of Understanding with NCDA set to create a more inclusive workplace for persons with disabilities
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| GCash signs MOU with NCDA to create a more inclusive workplace for persons with disabilities. (from L-R): GCash Sustainability Head CJ Alegre, NCDA Executive Director Hon. Glenda Relova, NCDA Programs Management Division Chief Atty. Rhealeth Krizelle Ramos, GCash Chief People Officer Robert Gonzales. |
GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) to champion an inclusive workplace where persons with disabilities can thrive, further solidifying its dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I).
GCash further pledged to integrate comprehensive policies, innovative programs, and accessible spaces for persons with disabilities by 2025, with the help and support of the NCDA. The NCDA is the Philippines' lead agency for disability affairs as a policy-making, planning, coordinating, and monitoring body. The council is composed of 13 national government agencies and representatives from organizations for persons with disabilities.
Some of the planned initiatives GCash outlined include internal practices and targeted recruitment efforts, such as a new hiring policy for persons with disabilities, learning sessions, and participating in the NCDA's Philippine Disability Convention and Expo.
“We are thrilled to partner with the NCDA on what persons with disabilities need in the company, from accessibility or inclusivity measures,” said GCash Chief People Officer Robert Gonzales. “We want them to look at GCash as a place to grow their careers without limitation, discrimination, and barriers.”
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| NCDA Programs Management Division Chief Atty. Rhealeth Krizelle Ramos delivers her message of support for the partnership that will advance the rights of persons with disability with GCash. |
“We are here with our hearts full of hope that this is a good first step for advancing the rights of persons with disability with a company like GCash,” remarked Atty. Rhealeth Krizelle Ramos, NCDA Programs Management Division Chief.
Based on an employee survey conducted by GCash, 22% of its employees identify as a person with a disability, with visual impairments being the most common.
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| GCash Chief People Officer Robert Gonzales signs the commitment wall to make the workplace more inclusive for persons with disabilities. |
According to the World Health Organization, around 16% of the global population, or roughly 1.3 billion people, have some form of disability as of 2022. Moreover, based on the Philippine Statistics Authority's 2016 National Disability Prevalence Survey, around 12% of Filipinos aged 15 and older experienced severe disability. Almost 47% experienced moderate disability, and for mild disability, 23%.
The risk of having a disability exists for everyone at any given point due to factors such as accidents, illnesses, or other health conditions that could lead to severe functional limitations. This underscores the need for more protection and policies for persons with disabilities, including in the workplace. GCash is committed to adding these guardrails for its employees.
“We are proud to solidify our commitment to the community of persons with disabilities, a sector that is very important to GCash,” GCash Head of Sustainability CJ Alegre said. “Leading with integrity is one of the sustainability pillars of GCash, and this reveals our commitment to value and empower our employees, foster their well-being, invest in their development, and drive inclusivity in the workplace.”
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