TELUS Digital Philippines, in partnership with Ogilvy Philippines, earned two accolades at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards, the country’s premier recognition program for business communication organized by IABC Philippines. The company received an Award of Excellence for “Mothers are Mothering!”, an LGBTQIA+ event promoting support and allyship, and an Award of Merit for “Tama Na, 2024 Na!”, a bold initiative challenging societal stereotypes that Filipino women continue to face.
Both events were recognized under Category 20: Special and Experiential Events, which highlights outstanding initiatives that engage audiences through creative, meaningful, and interactive experiences. The Philippine Quill Awards follows global standards of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
“These awards reflect the impact of telling stories that celebrate diversity and bring people together, and affirm how communication can create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered,” said Pia Gajasan, Communications Senior Manager for Asia Pacific. “We are proud to stand for true inclusion and to see our work recognized on a national stage.”
Championing LGBTQIA+ Allyship
Winning the Award of Excellence, the “Mothers are Mothering!” event took place in May 2024 to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and Mother’s Day. The experiential event was designed to help foster understanding, allyship, and inclusion in the workplace. It provided a safe space for LGBTQIA+ team members, allies, and their families to share stories, challenge stereotypes, and connect meaningfully.
The event featured a drag performance and a panel discussion including Filipina drag performer M1ss Jade So, her mother and her drag performing daughter, —offering three generations’ perspectives on love, identity, and acceptance. TELUS Digital Philippines team members also took part in the interactive “Get Ready with Me Drag Mystery Box Challenge,” working in teams to style an event participant using surprise makeup products and accessories.
“Mothers are Mothering!” exemplified TELUS Digital Philippines’ commitment to allyship, inclusion, and community. This initiative demonstrated that workplace events can be meaningful platforms for dialogue and connection.
Empowering Filipino Women
The “Tama Na, 2024 Na!” event opened TELUS Digital’s Women’s Month celebration in March 2024, attracting nearly 300 participants on-site and online. The panel discussion addressed societal pressures Filipino women continue to face, including intrusive questions about marriage, children, and appearance.
An internal survey conducted by the company last year showed that 46% of women employees had been asked uncomfortable questions about their relationships, while 67% reported scrutiny over appearance. The survey revealed remarks are thought to be largely shaped by family upbringing, cultural traditions, and media, and were most often voiced by friends (72%), relatives (66%), and immediate family members (50%).
Significantly, the results also showed that for the company’s team members, the workplace is regarded as the safest space from unwanted remarks, with workplace leaders (4%) and teammates (11%) among the least likely to pose such questions or comments. This highlights TELUS Digital Philippines’ role in nurturing an inclusive environment where women feel respected and supported.
Through stories from advocates, influencers, and company leaders, TELUS Digital’s event encouraged women to reclaim their narratives and define success on their own terms.
From promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment to championing LGBTQIA+ allyship, TELUS Digital designs initiatives and programs that go beyond policy to foster meaningful conversations and tangible impact. The recognized events, for example, are part of a broader, sustained DEI ecosystem at TELUS Digital Philippines, where employee resource groups (ERGs) play a vital role in driving inclusion every day.
These ERGs include Spectrum, with 1,850+ members in the Philippines and now celebrating its 12th anniversary, which champions LGBTQIA+ advocacy, education, and allyship. Connections, with 2,000 members, empowers women by creating mentoring opportunities, driving DEI conversations, and offering targeted training to support professional and personal growth. Meanwhile, Mosaic celebrates multiculturalism, offering spaces for team members to share their heritage, embrace diversity, and learn from one another. Together, these ERGs ensure that inclusion goes beyond events, embedding belonging into the company’s workplace culture year-round.
