In the latest CEO Sound Off of The Philippine Business Playbook, Tahche CEO Bryan Luoma and Vice President for Special Projects Vicky Fracois discuss how major corporations, including top banks and tech giants, are scaling back or restructuring their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This trend has sparked important conversations on whether DEI remains a long-term business priority, or if it should be deprioritized in response to shifting public sentiment.

CEO Sound Off: Don’t follow the trend. Focus on what works.

Several companies are making changes to their DEI efforts, not because those efforts have failed, but because of pressure to align with new public narratives. This reactive approach risks undermining the long-term benefits of inclusion-focused strategies. DEI, when done right, has led to meaningful community and business growth—such as expanding banking access in historically underserved areas. Businesses that shift away from these practices solely because of trends may lose sight of what truly drives sustainable growth.

Rebranding DEI Doesn’t Mean Abandoning It

While the term “DEI” may carry heavy associations, removing the label shouldn’t mean removing the values it represents. Fairness, access, and equality can remain part of a company’s DNA, even if presented differently. What matters is maintaining the intent: opening doors, creating pathways, and making sure opportunities are available to all. Both Vicky and Bryan emphasize that reframing a program’s name is acceptable—as long as it continues to create real opportunities.

CSR with Impact, Not Just Optics

At Tahche, inclusivity and community involvement go beyond branding. The company actively supports individuals from different backgrounds, including those with disabilities, and consistently engages in community-building and CSR programs. These efforts are not driven by public pressure or image concerns. Instead, they reflect an authentic commitment to empowering people and strengthening teams. These initiatives also foster employee pride, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

Don’t Hold Your Business Back

Empathy and openness are not just soft skills—they are competitive advantages. Companies that nurture inclusive cultures tend to innovate more, retain talent better, and connect with a broader range of clients and customers. Ignoring these qualities can limit a business’s potential. As discussed in the episode, swinging too far in an anti-DEI direction may result in missed opportunities, both internally and externally.

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The current movement to scale back DEI programs may reflect a cultural shift, but businesses shouldn’t lose sight of the core benefits that inclusion delivers. Organizations that stay focused on equity, access, and fairness—regardless of terminology—are more likely to thrive in the long run. As Tahche’s leadership shared, inclusive practices, when embedded authentically, are not just good ethics—they’re smart strategies.