GCash Enhances Inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities in the Workplace

#GCash has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA). This collaboration aims to foster an inclusive workplace where persons with disabilities can flourish, reinforcing GCash’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I).

 With the NCDA’s assistance, GCash has pledged to incorporate comprehensive policies, innovative programs, and accessible spaces for persons with disabilities by 2025. The NCDA, as the Philippines’ leading agency for disability affairs, serves as a policy-making, planning, coordinating, and monitoring body, comprising 13 national government agencies and representatives from organizations for persons with disabilities.

 

GCash’s planned initiatives include internal practices and targeted recruitment efforts, such as a new hiring policy for persons with disabilities, learning sessions, and participation in the NCDA’s Philippine Disability Convention and Expo.

Robert Gonzales, GCash Chief People Officer, expressed his excitement about partnering with the NCDA to address the needs of persons with disabilities in the company, focusing on accessibility and inclusivity measures. He emphasized GCash’s desire to provide a platform for career growth without limitations, discrimination, and barriers.

Atty. Rhealeth Krizelle Ramos, NCDA Programs Management Division Chief, expressed optimism that this partnership with GCash is a positive step towards advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.

A GCash employee survey revealed that 22% of its employees identify as a person with a disability, with visual impairments being the most prevalent.

The World Health Organization reports that approximately 16% of the global population, or roughly 1.3 billion people, had some form of disability as of 2022. Furthermore, the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2016 National Disability Prevalence Survey indicated that around 12% of Filipinos aged 15 and older experienced severe disability, while nearly 47% experienced moderate disability, and 23% experienced mild disability.

The potential for disability is a reality for everyone due to factors such as accidents, illnesses, or other health conditions that could lead to significant functional limitations. This highlights the need for more protective measures and policies for persons with disabilities, including in the workplace. GCash is dedicated to implementing these safeguards for its employees.

CJ Alegre, GCash Head of Sustainability, expressed pride in solidifying GCash’s commitment to the community of persons with disabilities. He stated that leading with integrity is one of GCash’s sustainability pillars, reflecting their commitment to valuing and empowering their employees, promoting their well-being, investing in their development, and driving inclusivity in the workplace.

FAQs

1. What is the Memorandum of Understanding between GCash and the NCDA? The Memorandum of Understanding between GCash and the NCDA is an agreement to create an inclusive workplace where persons with disabilities can thrive.

2. What are some of the planned initiatives outlined by GCash? Some of the planned initiatives include internal practices and targeted recruitment efforts, such as a new hiring policy for persons with disabilities, learning sessions, and participation in the NCDA’s Philippine Disability Convention and Expo.

3. What percentage of GCash employees identify as a person with a disability? Based on an employee survey conducted by GCash, 22% of its employees identify as a person with a disability.

4. What is the global prevalence of disability? 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.

5. What measures is GCash taking to protect its employees with disabilities? GCash is committed to implementing protective measures and policies for persons with disabilities in the workplace. This includes incorporating comprehensive policies, innovative programs, and accessible spaces for persons with disabilities.