MANILA, Philippines—In its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Mondelez Philippines actively supports the LGBTQIA+ community through #ProudToBeMe, Proud To Be Blue.
This empowering talk, held at Ateneo de Manila University’s Leong Hall during the school’s annual pride event, focused on fostering safer spaces for LGBTQIA+ students. As a leading snacking company with a 60-year legacy, Mondelez Philippines, recognized for brands like Tang, Cheez Whiz, Oreo, Toblerone, and Cadbury Dairy Milk, remains dedicated to empowering both consumers and employees through ongoing DEI initiatives.
Strength lies in diversity
Image Courtesy of Mondelez International.
Mondelez Philippines believes in the strength derived from its diverse, inclusive, and connected community. Celebrating 60 years in the Philippines, the company prioritizes doing what is right, treating everyone with integrity and fairness, and cultivating a culture that nurtures a genuine sense of belonging.
“People Lead April Valencia asserts, “Mondelez Philippines will always champion equality, regardless of who you are. Diversity, equity, and inclusion reflect our commitment to empower people to snack right—with the right snack, for the right moment, and made the right way.”
She further emphasizes, “We are dedicated to actively promoting DEI in the country, starting within our own organization.”
Diversity Empowered in Every Bite
Ateneo alumni and drag performer, Myx Chanel, entertains the crowd with a performance of “Alien Superstar” Drag queen Miss Juicy, an ateneo alumni, performs “Break My Soul”
Images Courtesy of Mondelez International.
The company actively supports the LGBTQIA+ community and implements DEI initiatives globally and locally. Performance scorecards emphasize women’s representation, and a global commitment includes partnerships supporting underrepresented communities and $1 billion spent with minority and women-owned businesses by 2024.
In the Philippines, the company pioneers a gender-neutral restroom, a DEI policy ensuring three key rights, and boasts a remarkable 60-40 women to men leadership ratio. April Valencia affirms, ‘This is only the beginning; our commitment extends beyond expressions of support to tangible steps in building an equitable world—a vision we are dedicated to realizing.
One Big Pride x Proud To Be Blue
Established in 2018, the Ateneo Sanggunian Commission on Gender Equality (CGE) passionately addresses gender-based issues, fostering progressive reforms on and off campus. Co-Deputy Isabela delos Santos shares the organization’s mission to bridge student concerns and formulate impactful initiatives. CGE collaborates with organizations like Love Yourself PH for on-campus HIV testing and extends gender sensitivity training to members and other Sanggunian units.
Image Courtesy of Mondelez International.
Beyond advocacy, CGE spearheads gender awareness efforts, including Rainbow spaces and Women’s Month celebrations. One Big Pride: Power In Pride, this year’s pride celebration, features a Pride March, free HIV/STI testing, a Queer Fair, and Pridecasts.
In collaboration with Talakayang Alab ng Bayan (TALAB), Mondelez Philippines and Ateneo organized a joint event promoting diversity, equality, and inclusivity. Hosted by Mela Habijan, Miss Trans Global 2020 and Ateneo alumna, the event featured activities, talks, and a lively LGBTQuiz Bee.
Image Courtesy of Mondelez International.
Monch Cruz, Lead of E-Commerce at Mondelez Philippines, highlighted the company’s gender-neutral policies, fostering equal opportunities. As Mondelez Philippines commits to an inclusive work environment, students like Isabela delos Santos see future career possibilities with companies supporting diversity and non-discrimination.
Valencia emphasized Mondelez’s commitment to promoting DE&I, fostering allyship among employees. She stressed the importance of schools and companies advocating for DE&I. The event, attended by around 100 students, featured captivating drag performances by Miss Juicy and Myx Channel, showcasing Ateneo alumni talent.
Mondelez Philippines actively supports a safe and inclusive school environment for LGBTQIA+ students, championing diversity and equity. This aligns with the company’s mission to enable a future where everyone can reach their full potential.
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