UP ISSI’s Jake Villanueva Champions DEI at 2025 KASAMA Summit
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) Gender and Development (GAD) focal person took part as a panel discussant and RoundSpace speaker at the 2025 KASAMA DEI Summit: 2nd Philippine Inclusive Summit held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Hotel in Ortigas, Aug. 13, 2025.
Mx. Jake A. Villanueva, University Extension Specialist, joined the third panel discussion “Practical Steps to Foster Diversity and Inclusion”, where he shared insights on how micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. The panel also featured officials from the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and the National Commission on Indigenous People.
“As mentioned by our speaker from DAP this morning, there is not yet a standardized measurement. But we start by identifying what we have to address. In our case, we collaborated with different institutions in the university… in crafting the policy (GAD reminders) we now provide every start of our training (programs),” shared Mx. Villanueva when asked about the DEI measurement in government offices.
He also emphasized that the institution is a safe space for everyone and that they do not tolerate any form of gender-based discriminatory acts.
“First, let’s be aware. Awareness cultivates or fosters a culture of respect among each other, and it is very important that we are aware of the sensitivity of the people and at the same time, their struggles. And next, be involved,” he stated.
He also encouraged his fellow in the academe and research field to continue working on their research studies because he believes that these are the very backbone of the policies that are lobbied and passed in the legislations to protect the next generations.
Following the panel, Mx. Villanueva also participated in the RoundSpace session, an interactive exchange merging Round Robin and Open Space Technology. Alongside representatives from government, academe, and the corporate sector, he engaged directly with participants to discuss practical ways to strengthen inclusion in their organizations.
The summit’s theme emphasized the role of diversity and inclusion in fostering stronger communities and more innovative organizations. Villanueva’s participation highlighted UP ISSI’s continuing commitment to advancing inclusive entrepreneurship and workplace practices in the country.
Launched in 2024, the KASAMA DEI Summit is an annual platform that convenes leaders and changemakers from government, business, and academia to advance inclusive practices in the Philippines. This year’s event gathered around 125 participants and featured keynotes, workshops, and collaborative activities that underscored the importance of embedding DEI in policies and programs across sectors.