LGBTQI+ advocates and development experts are calling on the Philippine government to address the economic cost of discrimination and adopt stronger diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures, especially amid global economic uncertainty.
New research from the coalition Open for Business estimates that LGBTQ+ discrimination costs the Philippine economy up to PHP 73 billion in lost GDP annually. Wage gaps, health disparities, and talent migration are cited as major factors.
“The inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons is not just a social issue—it is a business and economic matter,” said Jap Ignacio, Executive Director of Babaylanes, Inc. “Companies that embrace diversity perform better, but without explicit DEI policies, progress is always going to be uneven.”
A separate study by the University of the Philippines and TLF SHARE Collective found that LGBTQ+ Filipinos, despite having slightly higher education levels, are more likely to be underemployed or work in unstable conditions.
“Discriminatory practices—unfair treatment, verbal harassment, blocked career growth—are common,” said Rocky Rinabor of TLF SHARE.
Experts also warn of a growing “brain drain” as LGBTQ+ professionals leave the country seeking safer, more inclusive work environments abroad.
The Asian Development Bank notes that inclusive policies boost creativity and workforce productivity.
Advocates stress that passing the long-delayed SOGIESC Equality Bill is critical to economic inclusion. “If we want to future-proof the Philippine economy, we must invest in all our people,” Ignacio said. “Inclusion isn’t a handout—it’s a smart economic strategy.”