Equity by Design: Globe Partners with PBDN and PIN for Disability Inclusion

In a landmark celebration of National Disability Rights Week, Globe took a pioneering step towards inclusivity by hosting "Equity by Design: Leveraging Technology for Disability Inclusion." It brought together changemakers from across sectors to challenge one central question: What does equity look like when it’s built into the design of our systems, workplaces, and technologies?

All smiles for the photo with Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto, and PBDN Executive Director Grant Javier together with the attendees from 36 companies

This significant gathering underscored the power of collaboration, bringing together Globe's partnerships with Project Inclusion Network (PIN) and the Philippine Business and Disability Network (PBDN) to break barriers and foster a more accessible workplace through technology. Held on July 17 at The Globe Tower, the event carved a new path for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the corporate landscape.

As the fourth networking event of PIN and PBDN, and the first to be hosted by a local company, this event was a testament to Globe’s commitment to inclusivity. Through this partnership, Globe provided a safe, empowering space for a diverse audience of persons with disabilities, allies, and inclusion advocates from 36 multinational and local companies to engage in meaningful dialogues.

Watch the video recap of the 4th PBDN and PIN Network Event, hosted by Globe Telecom

The event resonated with the company’s purpose of building a "Globe of Good for everyone," as Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO, articulated in his opening remarks.

“Inclusion at Globe is not a side effort. It’s something we are building into our culture, our systems, and our products. We’ve taken deliberate steps: we’re rolling out our DEI policy, strengthening our people’s training, and really asking the tough questions about how accessible our platforms truly are.” - Carl Cruz

Building a Digital World for All

Globe President and CEO delivering his opening remarks to welcome everyone at The Globe Tower during the 4th Networking Meeting of PBDN and PIN

Carl Cruz’s speech resonated as a clarion call for change. He articulated Globe's commitment to fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, could thrive. This commitment is mirrored in Globe's focus on accessibility and the ongoing review of platforms, reflecting a proactive, not reactive, approach to ensuring inclusivity.

“We know technology can open doors – but only if we design it that way. That’s why we’re reviewing how platforms like the GlobeOne app can become more inclusive for persons with disabilities. We are not just reacting. We are committing.” - Carl Cruz

From left to right: PBDN Executive Director Grant Javier with Globe's AVP and Head of Product Experience Design Denise Haak, President and CEO Carl Cruz, and Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto

Globe’s Sustainability and Social Responsibility Manager Mark Alcantara’s warm welcome and lively hosting kept the energy upbeat and encouraged participants to actively participate in what was to be a day of learning, sharing, and building connections. In a bid to make the event accessible to all, Filipino sign language interpreters were present throughout the program, ensuring that attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing could fully participate and engage in the discussions.

The event was strategically designed to initiate conversations that lead to action, setting the tone for future collaborations across industries to create a digital world that accommodates and elevates everyone.

Tech Talks: Insights from Leaders in Innovation and Inclusion

The heart of the event was the Tech Talks segment, where two influential leaders shared insights into leveraging technology for inclusivity. Denise Haak, Globe’s AVP and Head for Product Experience Strategy & Design, captivated the audience with her visionary ideas on human-centered design and digital innovation, with her talk entitled, “Designing for Disability: How Inclusive Tech Builds Better Teams.” Her extensive career, marked by high-impact projects and her advocacy for accessibility and AI integration, exemplifies the forward-thinking required to drive meaningful change.

“This isn’t just about compliance. It’s really about creating superior experiences that work for everyone - all the possible users, and that’s a very hard, massive task to do. When it comes to inclusion and equity, it also means that we have to create hiring processes and hiring products that will hire all talents. The most diverse teams in the world will be the most future-proofed for tomorrow.” - Denise Haak

Following her was Ryan Gersava, the founder of Virtualahan, who inspired attendees with his talk titled "What Being Excluded Taught Me About Disability Inclusion." Ryan, a globally recognized social innovator, shared his journey of redefining the future of work through inclusive digital training. His work empowers persons with disabilities and marginalized communities, positioning him as a transformative voice in the field of disability inclusion.

“I was excluded from my employment because of my chronic disease. And being excluded taught me that disability exclusion isn’t just a moral, business, or a political problem. It is fundamentally a design problem. Real inclusion is not about pity or optics. It’s about co-creating systems with the people they’re meant to serve.” - Ryan Gersava

Engaging Activities and Workshops: Turning Insights into Action

To build connections and create a vibrant networking atmosphere, attendees participated in an engaging icebreaker, a human bingo game designed to foster interaction.

The event also featured booths from enterprises owned by persons with disabilities and inclusion advocates, including Vero Denim Bags, At Maya Nurtures, Bottega Bene, and Vico’s Artism Gallery, offering attendees a glimpse into the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit within the disability community.

The second part of the program transitioned into a dynamic workshop. Participants formed diverse groups to tackle real-world scenarios, devising potential inclusion programs and solutions to make a safer workplace and environment for persons with disabilities. This hands-on activity encouraged collaboration and practical application of the insights gained from the Tech Talks, ensuring that the event's impact would extend beyond the day’s proceedings.

A Commitment to Ongoing Inclusion

As the event drew to a close, Mark Dimaisip, Globe's Head of Employee Experience and Employer Branding, delivered eloquent closing remarks emphasizing the company's unwavering dedication to inclusive practices.

Globe's Head of Employer Branding and Employee Experience Mark Dimaisip delivering his closing remarks

“I hope we all take these with us, not just in the technologies we use, but also in the languages we speak everyday. I believe we can experience the world through the lenses of how we process the world, and we process the world through words. I hope we continue to ask questions - question the culture, question our own companies, question the tools that we use, and build a more inclusive space.” - Mark Dimaisip

PBDN Executive Director Grant Javier sharing about the organization's events in the coming months

PBDN Executive Director Grant Javier also took the stage to highlight upcoming initiatives, ensuring that the momentum for inclusivity and accessibility continues to build.

"We definitely need more allies, we need more champions, not only the persons with disabilities themselves, but definitely, 'yung mga nakakatrabaho nila (the people that they get to work with)." - Grant Javier

"Equity by Design" was more than just an event; it was a movement, a declaration, and a commitment to creating a future where technology isn’t just a tool, but a bridge to inclusion and empowerment.

As Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz said, “It shows us what’s possible when we combine technology with malasakit; when we bring people together with the shared belief that no one should be left behind. We still have a long road ahead. But we’re here. We’re listening. And we’re ready to go forward together to a future where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong.”

A group photo to cap off the event with the PBDN hand symbol

Through the collaboration of Globe, PIN, and PBDN, and with the dedicated participation of persons with disabilities, allies, and advocates from various multinational and local companies, it became clear that when we work together with empathy and innovation, we can break barriers and foster environments where everyone has the opportunity to feel belonged, celebrate their best selves, and create everyday possibilities.

What are your thoughts on creating accessible workplaces through technology? Share them in the comments below, and follow the Globe LinkedIn page to learn more about our commitment to building an inclusive future.