Twenty-five-year-old Karl Jezrel Anglo is a graduate of the Technological University of the Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology (IT). He is completely blind and now works as a software developer at IT company iCXeed Philippines Inc.

Anglo credits his education and employment to Project Inclusion Network (PIN), a non-profit organization that assesses the job-readiness of persons with disability (PWDs) and refer them to businesses for employment.

He began his journey with PIN in 2021 when it selected him for a scholarship. The educational assistance, which continued until he graduated in August, included mentorship with Manulife that helped Anglo transition from academic life to a professional career.

“My mentor guided me and gave me knowledge on what to expect within the IT industry. He also shared his knowledge and expertise in the field equipping me with the things I should have for my first job,” Anglo recalls.

Grant Javier, CEO of PIN and lead convener of the Philippine Business and Disability Network (PBDN), which groups companies that hire PWDs, says Anglo uses screen reader applications called Non-Visual Desktop Access to work on laptop computers and Google Talkback on mobile devices.

“Our vision is for PWDs to have access to opportunities so that they can contribute to society. We want to eliminate the misconception that they are a burden,” Javier says.

Aside from connecting companies with PWD talent, PBDN works to capacitate businesses by providing PWD sensitivity training that challenges long-standing misconceptions on such individuals, and equips companies with the tools to foster more empathetic and inclusive working environments. Further, PBDN also partners with businesses to design customized projects, internal programs and public initiatives that embed disability advocacy deeply within organizations.

Globe shares vision

PBDN now has around 70 member companies, with 80 percent being multinationals. Globe, a recent addition, stands out as a Filipino-owned partner with a shared vision of creating an inclusive workforce. 

“It’s very beneficial not only for Globe to partner with us because they will learn a lot from us, but also for PIN and PBDN because of Globe’s reach,” Javier says.

Renato Jiao, Globe’s chief human resource officer, says the partnership aims to enhance the telecommunication company’s ability to connect qualified PWD talents to roles where they can excel while also reshaping the workplace to better accommodate their needs.

“Our partnership with Project Inclusion Network and the Philippine Business and Disability Network reflects our dedication to building a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone has an opportunity to thrive. It’s also an opportunity for Globe to further enhance our facilities and align our personnel more deeply with the needs of PWDs. By working together, we aim to create meaningful pathways for persons with disabilities to contribute and succeed within Globe,” says Jiao.

Under the partnership, PIN will assist Globe in enhancing employment opportunities for PWDs through skill-and-job matching processes. Qualified candidates will be connected to relevant roles within Globe and other member companies.

The organization will also provide disability sensitivity training and facilitate learning sessions to enhance Globe’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Collaborative efforts will also include joint research projects and contributions to disability literature through surveys and data collection activities.

Javier envisions reaching all companies as the population of PWDs grows.

“If more companies open their doors, more services will be available, and more opportunities will be created,” he says.

As initiatives to support PWDs continue to grow, collaborations such as Globe’s partnership with PIN and PBDN underscore the vital role of collective efforts in transforming inclusion from a vision into a shared commitment.