Coca-Cola Philippines hosts forum on ‘Embracing Equity’ • PhilSTAR Life

In celebration of National Women’s Month, Coca-Cola Philippines hosted a panel discussion on Embracing Equity: Stories of Championing Every One at Bonifacio Global City.

The event, which is aligned with International Women’s Day’s 2023 global theme #EmbracingEquity, is part of the company’s advocacy to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The discussions featured stories and insights from Gretchen Ho, news anchor, TV host, and athlete; Antoinette Jadaone, filmmaker, producer, and podcaster; Mela Habijan, writer, host, actress, and LGBTQIA+ advocate; Tina Boado, sociologist and co-founder of Queer Safe Spaces Philippines; Inna Palacios, Philippine Women’s National Football Team goalkeeper; Dave Javellana, the Philippine Football Federation’s Grassroots Development head; and Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, Philippine franchise director, Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific.

Coca-Cola Philippines organized *Embracing Equity: Stories of Championing Every One*, a forum tackling stories from personalities who have made great strides in their fields and are working to create supportive environments that open opportunities for anyone, regardless of background or gender. The event is a timely celebration of Women’s Month and part of the company’s support for the Philippine Women’s National Team in their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.

These trailblazers underscored the importance of having a supportive environment that opens opportunities for everyone.

The program also celebrated a significant milestone in Philippine sports—the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification of the Philippine Women’s National Team, the first Filipino team to compete at the WWC 2023.

The first panel discussion highlighted stories about women in sports, the challenges faced by female athletes, and the significance of supporting these players to inspire the younger generation, from Philippine Women’s National Team goalkeeper Inna Palacios; Philippine Football Federation’s Grassroots Development Head Dave Javellana; news anchor, TV host, and athlete Gretchen Ho and; sociologist and co-founder of Queer Safe Spaces PH Tina Boado.

“We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion help make us stronger as a company,” said Tony del Rosario, president, Coca-Cola Philippines and vice president of East Franchise Operations of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific. “It enables us to create a better-shared future for all and provides access to equal opportunities.”

Insights about the status of gender equity and inclusivity and the creation of supportive environments were discussed in the second panel discussion, headlined by actress, writer, and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate Mela Habijan; Philippines Franchise Director of Coca-Cola Jonah de Lumen-Pernia; filmmaker, producer, and podcaster Antoinette Jadaone and; sociologist and co-founder of Queer Safe Spaces PH Tina Boado.

Coca-Cola Philippines aims to continue its commitment to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the company and in the community. The company has a comprehensive global strategy that includes three long-term ambitions:

The company aspires for its diverse workforce to mirror the markets we serve. Its ambition is to be 50% women-led globally by 2030;
It strives for equity for all people, reviewing its business, human rights, and employment policies and practices to eliminate bias and inequities;
It celebrates uniqueness and creates an inclusive environment. The company uses the power of its brands to inspire and advocate for inclusion around the world.

To learn more about the efforts of Coca-Cola Philippines to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit coca-cola.com.ph/news/making-each-day-more-refreshing-than-the-last.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Coca-Cola.

TAGS: BrandedUp Coca-Cola Philippines Embracing Equity