Power company AboitizPower Corporation has been recognized by the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride for helping provide college educational assistance, training and internship or on-the-job training opportunities to LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus) students.

PFIP Board Trustee Ian Fegalan and Treasurer Michael Santos recently handed the certificate of recognition to AboitizPower Senior Assistant Vice President for Talent Attraction Corinne Patron.

"Collaborating with AboitizPower in supporting the Rainbow Youth Academy is a testament to the power of partnerships in driving positive change. Together, we are creating a nurturing environment that empowers young minds, fosters inclusivity, and shapes a future where diversity is celebrated," the PFIP said.

"This partnership exemplifies our shared advocacy to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth and the communities we serve," it added.

The PFIP is a voluntary and non-profit community composed of representatives from LGBTQ+ employee resource groups and human resource or diversity teams from over 80 private firms across multiple industries in the Philippines, including some of its largest multinationals.

Its Rainbow Youth Academy's second batch of scholars composed of 19 LGBTQ+ college leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are supported by the energy firm and other PFIP member companies by funding their school fees, books and digital tools.

The scholarship program aims to empower them and help strengthen their employability and potential success in the workplace.

The scholars are also set to receive soft skills training in SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) 101, financial literacy, resumé building, interview preparedness, workplace readiness, business writing and developing a growth mindset.

In addition, with the Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders or PANTAY, AboitizPower is also among those who opened opportunities for internship for graduating or incoming 4th year LGBTQ+ college students, covering activities such as training, job shadowing, and project management.

In June 2023, AboitizPower's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging policy took effect, strengthening its promotion of gender equality and reducing inequalities in the workplace.

"The Company shall develop and implement policies, practices, programs and training that strengthen awareness of DEIB in the workplace, promote fairness, equal opportunities and inclusive behavior, and cultivate an inclusive culture where all are treated equitably and given the space and support for free expression — all under a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all," it stated.