The Digital Marketers Association of the Philippines (DMAP) brought together marketers, industry leaders, disability advocates, and persons with disabilities for an eye-opening conversation on digital accessibility and inclusion during its latest General Membership Meeting. Through perspectives from government, advocates, and people with lived experience, the session challenged attendees to rethink how more inclusive digital experiences can create better outcomes for everyone.
Delivering the keynote address, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda emphasized that connectivity is the foundation of digital inclusion. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to expand internet access, particularly across underserved communities in Visayas and Mindanao, noting that meaningful participation in today’s digital economy begins with reliable access to technology.
Guest speaker Karla Henson of Life Haven Center for Independent Living challenged attendees to rethink disability and accessibility. She shared that persons with disabilities comprise approximately 16% of the world’s population, underscoring that accessibility is not a niche concern but one that affects millions of people.
Drawing from the social and rights-based models of disability, Henson explained that people are often disabled not by their impairments, but by barriers in society—from inaccessible environments and systems to attitudes and communication. She encouraged marketers to shift from viewing accessibility as a compliance requirement to making it an integral part of the design process from the very beginning.
The evening’s panel discussion, moderated by Rudy Villar of the Philippine Football Federation, brought together Dr. Benjamin “Jun” Bernandino of Life Haven Center for Independent Living, Roland Benzon of a11y media, Merlee Jayme of The Misfits Camp, and Francis Pagaduan of DSLU–College of Saint Benilde’s School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS).
The conversation offered practical insights that challenged many common assumptions about accessibility and emphasized that creating inclusive digital experiences requires continuous learning, flexibility, and a commitment to improving rather than settling for “good enough.”
Representing event partner Avyan Global, CEO Cynthia Dayco shared practical ways artificial intelligence is transforming marketing. She challenged attendees to move beyond using AI for simple tasks like writing captions and emails, encouraging marketers instead to leverage AI to better understand customers, uncover insights, optimize creative work, and make faster, more informed decisions. Beyond leading Avyan Global, Dayco also serves as DMAP’s Treasurer and chairs both the Brand Committee and Digital for All.
DMAP President Miko David opened and closed the event, which included the induction of 26 new DMAP members led by Membership Committee Co-chair Alan Fontanilla.
For marketers, the session served as a timely reminder that accessibility is more than a social responsibility. It is about designing products, campaigns, and experiences that reach more people, remove unnecessary barriers, and create better outcomes for both businesses and society. As one recurring message throughout the evening made clear, accessibility should not be an afterthought—it should be part of the process from the very beginning.
