The Department of Energy (DOE) is intensifying efforts to bring more women into the country’s energy workforce, warning that the sector cannot afford to leave half of its talent pool untapped as it transitions toward cleaner and more advanced systems.

At its Girls and Science, Girls in Science – You Have the Power! campaign held in Naga City from September 9 to 11, the DOE gathered STEM students to explore how energy science connects to geology, chemistry, and engineering technologies. The initiative provided hands-on exposure to efficiency and conservation practices, while DOE scientists shared their own professional journeys to demystify energy careers.

“Science belongs to everyone. Truth is, science needs more voices, more perspectives. When women step into science, the field gets richer and stronger,” said Director Amelia M. De Guzman of the DOE-Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services. “When young Filipinas see energy science up close and meet mentors, they begin to see themselves as innovators who will build smarter grids, cleaner systems, and stronger communities.”

Since its launch in 2010, the DOE’s campaign has reached nearly 2,400 high school students across 18 provinces, encouraging hundreds of young women to take STEM pathways and breaking down gender stereotypes in science. 

The agency is now calling on schools, local governments, and energy companies to help scale up the program through lab visits, internships, and scholarships that can open more structured entry points for women in energy-related fields.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, women made up only 16% of the Philippine energy workforce in 2020—slightly higher than the Asian average but still below the global benchmark of 22%. Within senior ranks, representation is even slimmer: women hold only 14% of board seats and 26% of senior management roles in major generation companies.

These figures remain far from the targets set under the Philippine Commission on Women’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Plan 2019–2025, which envisions women making up half of the energy sector workforce and 40% of its decision-making posts by next year.

What steps should the Philippine energy sector take to accelerate women’s participation in science and leadership? Join the discussion and share your perspectives on building a more inclusive energy future.

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