INFORMATION technology service management company ePLDT, Inc. on Monday said it is now an “employer-partner” of Microsoft Corp. for a program that enables disability-inclusive hiring.
“The ePLDT Human Resource and Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Team is in coordination with Virtualahan, a social organization in the Philippines that enables PWDs (persons with disabilities) to secure gainful employment by providing them with intensive digital skills and mentorship in collaboration with Microsoft’s enabler program,” ePLDT said in an e-mailed statement.
The Microsoft Enabler Program was launched in South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand in September last year.
The program’s objective is to create a culture of inclusion at work.
Juan Victor I. Hernandez, ePLDT president and chief executive officer, said: “With ePLDT as employer-partner, we join Microsoft in its vision of and commitment to enabling and empowering persons with disabilities in the workplace, while steadfast in the belief that there are no limits with what people can achieve.”
“We aim to close the digital skills gap across the world and the Philippines to help individuals and communities find employment,” said Andres Ortola, Microsoft Philippines country general manager.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin