June is an important month for the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines, as it signals a month-long festivity and celebration of the Pride Month. Every year, different advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and organization mount Pride celebrations which usually culminate with a pride march.
Companies join these celebrations either by releasing solidarity statements, public participation or mounting their own pride events. Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, has been among the staunch supporters of this cause.
In 2022, the company participated in the Pride PH: Alab for Love celebration in Quezon City, Philippines, sending almost 200 of its employees to the join the Pride March. It also supported the Iloilo Pride Team, organizers of the Iloilo Pride March, during the Pride Pyesta event in Iloilo City in November 2023.
Beyond the company’s public pride participation, Home Credit Philippines, has also been recognized for its diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Among its recognitions are Asia CEO Awards- Circle of Excellence Diversity Company of the Year, United Nations Women Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs) Awards 2022 for Transparency and Reporting, and 2023 Golden Stevie for Diversity and Inclusion.
Focus of the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance programs. Highlighting it diverse workforce made up of 14,000 plus employees, 52% of which are female. Its board also consist of 5 women executives.
Home Credit has been proactively collaborating with advocacy partners to strengthen its DEI policies and programs. In 2022, the company joined the Philippine Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) and the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (PLCC) to further cement its commitment to workplace inclusion.
Last year, the company went through the Gender Equality Assessment Results and Strategies (GEARS), in partnership with PBCWE to understand gaps, opportunities and strengths of its strategies in relation to workplace gender equality.
#PrideAtHomeCreditPhilippines
This 2023, Home Credit Philippines renews this commitment with the establishment of the company’s Pride Club, an Employee Resource Group that will lead and champion DEI and workplace inclusion initiatives in the organization.
“At Home Credit Philippines, DEI and workplace inclusion is important for us. We have always championed these causes as integral for how we take care of our people and build safe spaces where our employees can be themselves and thrive,” said Alpha Omega Aquino, Chief People Officer of Home Credit Philippines.
Through its people, culture and development team, Home Credit Philippines organized the opening of the Pride Club in 2022.
“The establishment of our Home Credit Pride team signals a more collaborative approach in creating equitable and inclusive policies and practices for our organization. This also allows our employees to be more empowered in advocating for causes that matter to them.” Alpha added.
Meet the Home Credit PH Pride Club Team
With 200 and counting members across the Philippines, the Home Credit Pride Club is positioned to lead the company’s Pride at Home Credit Philippines activities. Last June 14, the club launched a manifesto video #AtHomeKaDito, which featured the officers of the club sharing how Home Credit is an equal opportunity employer and encouraging job seekers to join the company.
“We wanted to represent the LGBTQ+ employees of Home Credit and share how the company supports and empowers us. Our pride video is a glimpse of how diverse our employees are in terms of SOGIE and how we are celebrated for our contributions regardless of our gender orientation and identity. As a proud trans woman, I have always felt at home in my 5 years of being a Home Credit employee,” said Janna De Castro, Collections Project Specialist and President of the HCPH Pride Club.
As an equal opportunity employer, Home Credit Philippines has offered equitable benefits for its LGBTQ+ employees to include Wellness Leaves, gender-neutral restrooms, and HMO for domestic partners among others.
“Our goal as a club is to become a reliable partner for our company when it comes to strengthening our DEI policies and programs. Eventually, we hope to become an institutionalized employee resource group who can co-create initiatives and programs that will benefit and add value, not just the members of our club our employees, but likewise for the communities we serve,” said Russel Patina, Public Relations Manager and Vice-President of the HC Pride Club.
Through its brand and business, Home Credit Philippines has empowered almost 10 million Filipinos since it opened its doors in 2013. Now approaching a new decade, the company is expected to continue to grow and empower more Filipinos with access to more credit opportunities. Alongside this growth, it continues to champion the backbone of its success– its people; building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can be their best and feel at home.
