Duterte creates Inter-Agency Committee on Diversity and Inclusion

By CNN Philippines Staff, 19 Dec 2019

CNN Philippines (Metro Manila, December 19) – President Rodrigo Duterte has declared to institutionalize a diversity and inclusion committee to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disability (PWDs) ,among other sectors.

Duterte has signed Executive Order 100, creating the Inter-Agency Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and establishing the Diversity and Inclusion Program (DIP) which will consolidate efforts and implement laws “towards the identification and adoption of best practices in the promotion of diversity and inclusion.”

The order, which was signed on Tuesday, was only released to the media on Thursday.

Under the DIP, a framework will be given to government agencies to eliminate discrimination of persons on the basis of age, disability, national or ethnic origin, language, religious affiliation, political affiliation, health status, physical features, or sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in the country.

The program will primarily seek equal opportunities in education, recruitment, hiring, training, promotion and retention of personnel; manage diversity; and outline mechanisms for accountability in departments, agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned or controlled operations (GOCCs), and local government units to address discrimnation-related complaints and other concerns.

Meanwhile, the Creation of the Inter-Agency Committee on Diversity and Inclusion will comprise the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), among other agencies, to provide overall direction to the DIP, and recommend possible legislation on related issues.

Duterte hosted a thanksgiving party for the LGBTQ+ community in Malacañang and administered the oath of office to officers of the LGBT Pilipinas, Inc. just last Tuesday.