TBC News

Tag: inclusion

  • Step Forward for Inclusion: Happy Walk 2025 Unites Communities Nationwide

    Step Forward for Inclusion: Happy Walk 2025 Unites Communities Nationwide

    This March 30, 2025, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025, a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome.

    Hosted by SM Cares in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), this year’s event will take place at SMX Convention Center – Manila with simultaneous celebrations at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier, making it a truly nationwide effort to highlight the abilities and aspirations of individuals with Down Syndrome.

    More Than Just a Walk: A Movement for Inclusion

    For more than two decades, Happy Walk has been more than an event—it is a powerful movement that highlights the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome. It is a day of joy, unity, and acceptance, where communities come together to celebrate not just differences, but also shared dreams and aspirations.

    “Happy Walk is not just about taking steps; it’s about making a difference. Every year, this event brings people together to reaffirm that individuals with Down Syndrome deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as everyone else. It is a celebration of abilities, not limitations,” said Nill Patrick Arroyo, DSAPI Board Member & Head, Happy Walk 2025. 

    A Nationwide Call for Participation

    With the theme “321 & Beyond”, Happy Walk 2025 is expected to draw thousands of participants, from individuals with Down Syndrome and their families to volunteers, educators, corporate partners, and inclusivity advocates.

    The event will feature various activities, including performances, inspirational stories, and community-building initiatives that reinforce the importance of inclusivity in society.

    “SM Cares has been a proud partner of Happy Walk for years because we believe in the importance of creating a society where everyone feels valued and included. This event is a reminder that inclusivity is not just an initiative—it is a responsibility we all share,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs.

    Join the Movement: How to Be Part of Happy Walk 2025

    Everyone is encouraged to take part in this inspiring event—whether by walking, volunteering, or simply showing support. To register, kindly visit the official Happy Walk 2025 registration page at: https://portal.dsapi.ph/dsapi/Register/RegParticipant. For more details on how to join, follow SM Cares’ social media pages.

    About SM Cares

    SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, leading initiatives on inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and community development. Through its long-standing partnership with DSAPI, SM Cares continues to advocate for persons with disabilities, ensuring that every SM mall is a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.

    About DSAPI

    The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. Through education, awareness campaigns, and community-building efforts like Happy Walk, DSAPI works to create a more inclusive society.

  • Payoneer showcases commitment to diversity, inclusivity

    Payoneer showcases commitment to diversity, inclusivity

    Payoneer (NASDAQ: PAYO),  a leading financial technology company empowering the world’s small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to transact, do business, and grow globally, marked Pride Month with an insightful discussion on building an inclusive workplace amid a growing borderless economy.

    The event, called Championing Diversity in Teams and Payments: Empowering SMEs with Pride, was held on June 27, 2024, at The Yard at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

    “Payoneer has always been committed to empowering SMBs to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace. The LGBTQIA+ community is a valued member of businesses in every market, and we continue to recognize and celebrate their contributions to a better and more inclusive global market,” says Monique Avila, the Senior Director of Customer Success – APAC at Payoneer.

    During his keynote address, Chris Eugenio, a board advisor at the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) highlighted PFIP’s 2024 LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report and discussed how diversity can help improve teams and propel businesses forward.

    “Businesses have the power to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Being more inclusive, being more socially aware and responsible, casting a wider net, and making sure that you are providing equal opportunities to everyone is the right thing to do,” Eugenio shared.

    He added, “Thankfully, we are seeing a great development for business leaders in the country in terms of DEI. There are more dedicated DE&I leaders in the workplace, and we have seen an improvement since 2021.”

    The event also featured a panel discussion of diversity and inclusion in today’s workplace, featuring business leaders Katherine Antunez, the Chief People Officer of GoTyme; Jaycee Tan, the chief executive officer of JT Virtual Assistants and co-founding member of the Network of Outsourcing Agencies; and Jeff Hunter, the founder of Virtual Assistants. 

    “One of my main motivators is being in a work environment that aligns with the culture and values I believe in. You create a productive workforce if you foster a culture that motivates and engages your people,” said Antunez.

    Tan agreed, saying agencies like JT Virtual Assistants rely heavily on their people. She said, “As a business leader, I want to see more companies coming together to implement the DEI policy.” 

    Payoneer’s 2024 SMB Ambitions Barometer study reveals that Filipino SMBs prioritize employee’s happiness. The research reports that in the Philippines, 23% of SMBs prioritize employee satisfaction as a top business goal, surpassing the global survey average of 16%. This data highlights how SMBs in the country see the immense value that engaged and empowered employees bring to businesses. 

    Diversified payments

    The recent event also highlights Payoneer’s commitment to providing an inclusive global marketplace for SMBs to grow and develop. The platform’s diverse variety of payment solutions reflects this, helping its customers grow into larger businesses.

    The world’s go-to partner for digital commerce recently launched its contributor role, where an account holder can appoint someone from their team to do financial tasks like sending payment requests to clients. Payoneer has also recently added PayPal as a payment method, alongside credit cards and bank transfers, so businesses can send payment requests to clients abroad and receive their fees via the platform. 

    Today, Payoneer is trusted by the world’s leading digital brands, which serve over 2,000 top marketplaces and digital platforms in industries such as e-commerce, information technology, marketing, wholesale, exporting, and more.

    “Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed and be heard. When businesses give everyone a voice, the sector can succeed and grow globally,” ends Avila.