Village Connect
MR.DIY Philippines marked a meaningful milestone as it celebrated the graduation of its very first batch of neurodiverse interns—an achievement that reflects the company’s deepening commitment to building workplaces where everyone is seen, supported, and given room to thrive. What began as a pilot initiative has grown into a transformative movement, bringing together families, partner schools, and MR.DIY teams in a heartfelt celebration of progress and possibility.
Developed in collaboration with Candent Learning Haus and Marvelous Minds Tutorial Center, the 10-week program offered neurodiverse youth hands-on experience in real retail environments—introducing them to customer service tasks, visual merchandising, and daily store operations. But beyond skills training, the initiative sparked something bigger: meaningful connections, renewed confidence, and shared learning between interns and MR.DIY’s store teams.
Atty. Suzie Cu, MR.DIY Philippines’ Head of Legal, Compliance, and Sustainability, captured the essence of the journey in her remarks: “This program is more than a milestone. It’s a movement—one that embraces diversity with intention and compassion.” For the retail teams, the presence of the interns reshaped the rhythm of store life, infusing branches with energy, curiosity, and a refreshing spirit of teamwork.
Moments of transformation defined the program—like the shy intern who joyfully assisted a customer on his own for the first time, drawing applause from the staff. Customers, too, noticed the difference, praising the interns’ warmth, politeness, and dedication.
MR.DIY Philippines CEO Roselle B. Andaya echoed a powerful message: “Inclusion is not just a value—it’s a responsibility.” Her statement reinforces the company’s vision of shaping a kinder and more inclusive future for retail.
Looking ahead, MR.DIY is scaling the initiative. By 2026, it will become part of the company’s official Retail Training Program, expanding to more locations and offering structured development for future batches of neurodiverse interns. The program’s impact has already been recognized widely, earning multiple honors from Creador, Retail Asia Awards, Inquirer ESG Edge, and Asia CEO Awards.
With these achievements, MR.DIY is not just training interns—it is championing a new standard for inclusive employment and proving that when opportunities open, potential shines.
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