ATI hosts forum on diversity and women empowerment

November 28, 2019

Recognizing the important role of women in charting the future of trade, listed port operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) recently gathered experts and thought leaders in women empowerment in a public forum promoting greater diversity and inclusion in the ports business. 

With the theme: “Empowering Women in the Ports Industry,” ATI tackled the benefits of gender diversity as a powerful gamechanger in the industry and how companies can open more opportunities and accelerate participation of women in the workplace.

“For a major economic driver such as the ports, which has traditionally remained a male-dominated field, it is imperative to integrate the agenda on women empowerment in charting its future growth,” ATI executive vice president William Khoury said as he welcomed guests and participants which included dockworkers, career guidance officers from major Philippine universities, staffing agencies, human resource practitioners and representatives from the Philippine Ports Authority, Bureau of Customs and the Maritime Industry Authority.

As a leading Philippine trade enabler and following the footsteps of its foreign equity partner DP World, ATI strongly believes in the importance of diversity, work inclusion and providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race,gender, age, or religious affiliation.

It is guided by a recruitment policy which provides equal career opportunities and promotes a work environment which encourages women to join the ranks of its port professionals and become leaders in the ports industry.

Event speakers included: Geiser-Maclang Marketing Communications Inc. co-founder Amor Maclang, Philip Morris International global head for Total Rewards Operations Edalyn Hadjula-Legarde; Labor Department chief for Women Workers Development Ma. Evelyn Manangan; DP World Asia Pacific managing director and CEO Andrew Hoad; and Kate Willoughby, head of Group Sustainability and Impact also from DP World, with ATI’s business development head Ian Baking serving as moderator.

ATI’s event was timed with the celebration of the global diversity and inclusion month this November.