Women continue to gain ground in the global energy workforce, but progress remains gradual.

According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2025 World Energy Employment Report, women account for only about 20% of workers in the energy sector worldwide.

At the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), efforts are underway to change that dynamic.

The utility is highlighting the journeys of women who have moved from entry-level and field roles into leadership positions—demonstrating how experience, training, and support systems can open doors in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Among them is Joy P. Mendoza, Vice President and Head of Home and MicroBiz – Central Business Area.

Mendoza began her Meralco career 24 years ago as a branch representative at the Valenzuela Business Center.

Her early work focused on handling customer service applications and resolving concerns from households and small businesses.

Those frontline experiences shaped her leadership perspective.

“In my 24 years here, serving the customers, seeing them smiling and saying a simple ‘thank you’ gives me a certain fulfillment,” she said.

For Mendoza, leadership requires adapting to the needs of both the organization and the team.

“Leadership does not require perfect conditions, and leadership does not only stay within the four corners of your work office. It can also be at home, but it grows in the middle of any challenges, it grows from one’s responsibilities, it grows from any adversities,” she added.

Her advice to young women entering the workforce focuses on collaboration and mentorship.

“Don’t just aim to succeed, but always strive to advocate, to uplift, and to create space for others and produce new leaders that could go with you on your side, not in front of you, not on your back, but they should be at your side, both on your right and on your left.”

She also emphasized that “Empowerment is not only about reaching the top; it’s about ensuring that more people—not only women—can rise along with you.”

While Mendoza’s story highlights leadership in customer and business operations, another Meralco employee represents the company’s growing number of women in technical roles.

Janice Enriquez began her career in 2014 as part of Meralco’s first batch of professional female linecrew.

Her role required months of intensive training, including learning to climb 60-foot utility poles and operate field equipment typically associated with line work.

Initially hesitant to apply, Enriquez drew strength from a simple belief.

“Kung kaya ng mga lalaki, kaya rin namin mga babae,” she said.

Seven years ago, when a powerful typhoon struck Cavite and disrupted electricity service across several communities, Enriquez joined restoration teams working under severe weather conditions.

The work involved carrying equipment across damaged roads and restoring power lines in remote areas.

Seeing electricity return to homes became one of the defining moments of her career.

“Kapag bumabagyo, sa mga liblib na lugar na di na madaanan, bitbit namin yung mga poste at lahat ng gamit para lang maibalik yung ilaw ng mga residente. Iba yung sense of fulfillment na naramdaman ko noon kasi isa ako sa nagbalik ng liwanag sa kanilang mga tahanan,” she shared.

Today, Enriquez serves as the Administrative Head of Meralco’s Dasmariñas sector.

Her experience reflects how field operations roles can also lead to management positions within the company.

Despite the challenges of line work, Enriquez credits Meralco for providing stability for both her career and her family.

“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa Meralco kasi hindi nila kami pinapabayaan, pati ang pamilya ko. Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa kumpanyang ito,” she said.

She offers a message of resilience to younger women considering careers in technical fields.

“Hindi lahat ng magagaling ay umaangat, pero lahat ng matatag ay nakaka-survive.”

Reflecting on her journey, she added: “Akala ko noong una hindi ko kakayanin, pero sa tulong ng mga kasamahan ko sa trabaho at pamilya ko, nakatayo pa rin ako ngayon bilang babae na kinayang gawin ang mga trabahong panlalaki.”

Stories like Mendoza’s and Enriquez’s form part of Meralco’s broader diversity and inclusion strategy.

Through its #Mbrace initiative, the company promotes gender equality and aims to increase female representation in its workforce to 40% by 2030.

The utility also launched the Yes You Can! Program, a mentoring and coaching platform led by female executives to help women managers and supervisors strengthen their leadership capabilities.

For Meralco, advancing diversity is tied to building a stronger organization.

By investing in mentorship, leadership training, and opportunities across operational and corporate roles, the company aims to ensure more women participate in shaping the future of the Philippine energy sector.

The careers of employees like Mendoza and Enriquez show that progress in the industry often begins with access to opportunity—and the support needed to move forward.

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