Southstar hires 13 neurodivergent employees through Project Incredibles

Southstar Drug welcomed 13 neurodivergent employees last month at a graduation ceremony held at our head office in Quezon City, marking the completion of their training under Project Incredibles and their transition to regular employment.

Launched in 2023, Project Incredibles is part of Southstar’s broader effort to create meaningful employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs), a commitment that Southstar has upheld since 2017 and which has since opened roles for 40 neurodivergent employees.

One of them, 35-year-old Matthew Choa, who has been with Southstar for eight years, shared: “Para hindi po ako magiging pabigat sa magulang ko po, at saka para matulungan ko rin po yung sarili ko. Maka-survive po ako sa sarili ko.” (“So that I won’t be a burden to my parents, and also help myself. So I can survive on my own.”)

Southstar partners with the Philippine Business and Disability Network, Project Inclusion Network, and local government units to recruit and support PWDs in the workplace. Its inclusion initiatives were recently recognized by the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment in a feature highlighting inclusive employment practices.

“Programs like these are about creating opportunities where people can do meaningful work and be part of something bigger. Seeing our colleagues grow and thrive here shows the impact inclusion can have, not just for them but for Southstar as a whole,” said General Manager Thaddeus Sanchez.