Chief Creative Officer Amrei Dizon served as a facilitator during a significant two-day event titled "LGBT+ Digital Business Agenda Consultation," which took place on September 11th and 12th.

The first day unfolded through a virtual Zoom gathering, while the second day was held at Dusit Thani Manila. The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) organized the event in collaboration with the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (PLCC).

Left to right. VCS CCO Amrei Dizon, Transform Media CEO and Go Negosyo Awardee Jordan Patente, Clean Zone PH Co-Founder RC Flores

This consultation was a crucial component of an overarching initiative known as the National Digital Business Agenda for Transformation and Inclusion (NDBA-TRAIN). It aims to nurture a more inclusive digital ecosystem for LGBT-owned businesses. NDBA-TRAIN also takes into account the distinct challenges and opportunities confronting LGBT+ businesses within the swiftly evolving digital economy and e-commerce landscape.

Left to right. VCS CCO Amrei Dizon, Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Ron Astillas, Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce Founding Board Member Angel Romero, Coach Nix of South Cotabato Chamber

PLCC Chairperson Ron Astillas delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for the event. Srujana Huerter, the Senior Program Manager of the CIPE in the Philippines, and Ryan Patrick Evangelista, the Philippines’ Country Director of the CIPE, provided a comprehensive overview of the digital adoption landscape.

Dizon, who also serves as the Director for Research, Learning, and Development at PLCC, skillfully facilitated the consultation, which centered on the three key areas of NDBA-TRAIN: ease of digital adoption, capacity development, and consumer trust. The discussion also focused on the challenges and concerns related to digital inclusion, transformation, and the e-commerce ecosystem faced by LGBT entrepreneurs and professionals.

Left to right. VCS CCO Amrei Dizon, Cogencia Inc. Founders Paulo Edrosolano and Jay Ramirez, Jake Villanueva of UP ISSI

Following these enriching discussions, they also conversed about recommended actions and policy reform initiatives concerning the NDBA-TRAIN's three focus areas. These suggested reforms are poised to stimulate innovation and investment in the digital economy, ultimately driving economic growth.

VCS CCO Amrei Dizon with Jake Villanueva of Gender and Development Department, University of the Philippines ISSI

Evangelista and Angel Romero, the Director for Advocacy and Partnerships of PLCC, expertly delivered the synthesis and closing remarks.

READ: HOW INCLUSIVITY CREATES A RIPPLE EFFECT ON YOUR BUSINESS’ GROWTH

Attendees of the National Digital Business Agenda for Transformation and Inclusion (NDBA-TRAIN)

As the LGBT sector's representative, Amrei also participated in the regional meeting for the National Digital Business Agenda held on September 15 at the Marco Polo Hotel, Pasig City. The event, which is part of the USAID Strengthening Private Enterprise to the Digital Economy (SPEED), aligns with the objectives of NDBA-TRAIN—to identify programs and initiatives that support the growth of the digital economy and to develop the overall business landscape, benefiting both consumers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (PLCC) with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), and Philippine Retailers Association (PRA)

Deputy Chief of Party for Operations for USAID’s SPEED Activity Hugo Prado

USAID explaining the state of digital landscape in the Philippines

CIPE's Ryan Evangelista explaining the NDBA TRAIN Framework

As a proud LGBT-owned business, VCS remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting LGBT business owners and their allies. This event provided a valuable platform for VCS to further advance its advocacy for promoting LGBT inclusion.

Here’s a clip from an event titled “Out in Business, Business Believes in Diversity”, an event hosted by the Netherlands Embassy in the Philippines together with the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Philippines-Netherlands Business Council.

VCS has continuously grown into a company where everyone is uniquely celebrated. Watch how Team VCS celebrated the 2017 Pride Month.

Check out Amrei Dizon's feature in StartOut San Franciso's Blog as an LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur and Founder of VCS

Vitalstrats Creative Solutions (VCS) is a creative agency based in Quezon City, Philippines.
VCS specializes in content marketing, advertising, and video production. We use strategic creativity to help our clients grow their brands.

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Our dedication to promoting our advocacies is unwavering, and one of the ways we achieve this is by consistently attending events that align with our core principles.

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