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| (L-R) Google Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs Mervin Wenke, Google Philippine Country Director Bernadette Nacario, Globe Telecom Portfolio Director for Content Ecosystems and Media Conglomerates Erben Pilapil-Tuazon, PH LGBT Chamber Of Commerce (PLCC) Director for Research, Learning, and Development Amrei Dizon, PLCC Chair Ronn Astillas, Globe Telecom Portfolio Manager for Content Ecosystems and Media Conglomerates Justin Enriquez (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Google Philippines) |
As part of its mission to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech, Google, together with the Globe Group, is providing Google Career Certificate scholarships to the members of the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (PLCC). A Grow with Google initiative, Google Career Certificates (GCC) is a suite of flexible online training programs via Coursera.org. These certificates are designed to provide learners from all backgrounds with digital skills within an estimated time of 3 to 6 months. On top of the four certificates IT Support, UX Design, Data Analytics, and Project Management launched in 2022, two new courses will be available to learners: Digital E-Commerce and IT Automation.
“The country’s digital economy continues to grow and Google is committed to creating inclusive opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community. Through the Google Career Certificate scholarships program and together with our partners, we hope that members of the LGBTQIA+ community under the PLCC will get the digital skillset needed to remain globally competitive and land career opportunities that will eventually improve their lives and the community,” said Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario. Google will work closely with the Globe Group and the PLCC to distribute the GCC scholarships. These distribution partners will nominate qualified recipients and track the progress of the scholars.
“Our partnership with Google and the Globe Group is a step closer towards our vision of an enhanced ‘DEIcosystem’ (diversity, equity, and inclusion ecosystem) where community movers genuinely pursue socio-economic inclusion for all. We at PLCC believe that businesses, especially the large ones, must serve as catalysts in providing greater opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals as they grow and compete in a dynamic economic landscape. We all win when the most vulnerable and smaller groups win as well — only then can we say that love truly wins,” expressed PLCC Chairperson Ronn Astillas. “We are proud to be part of an initiative that gives inclusive access to advanced tech training. Our partnership with Google Philippines for its Career Certificates program will truly help promote digital skills and uplift the lives of more Filipinos,” said Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto.
Google Career Certificates are available for everyone aged 18 and above and require no previous degree or experience. By providing scholarships to the certificates, Google will create learning and economic opportunities for people in underserved communities including low-income and vocational students and college drop-outs among others.
