Manila Electric Company (Meralco) brought together leaders from government and sports in a Women’s Month forum that underscored how inclusion and leadership diversity are increasingly shaping institutions in traditionally male-dominated sectors, including energy and public service.

At the forum titled “Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Women Breaking Barriers,” Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio and Mandy Romero, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Energy, shared personal accounts of navigating leadership spaces where women remain underrepresented.

Petecio recalled early resistance to her boxing career, saying her father initially discouraged her because it was “a man’s sport.” Her trajectory, however, was marked by persistence that ultimately positioned her as one of the country’s most prominent athletes, reinforcing the message that women can compete and succeed in any field.

^{Olympic boxing legend Nesthy Petecio shared during the forum that her unwavering persistence and determination carried her through, proving that women can thrive in any arena.}

Romero, for her part, emphasized leadership anchored on service and inclusion, drawing from her work with marginalized youth. She stressed the importance of ensuring that development and progress reach vulnerable sectors, particularly young girls who often face structural barriers to opportunity.

In opening the discussion, Meralco Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond Ravelo highlighted the company’s internal diversity and inclusion push through its #Mbrace program.

“Through #Mbrace, we are wholeheartedly committed to building a workplace where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is lived every day. At its core, #Mbrace is about our people—not simply all of us, but each of us. It is about ensuring that every employee, regardless of gender, background, or role, is seen, heard, respected, and valued,” Ravelo said.

^{Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Mandy Romero emphasized that servant leadership is important to uplift others and ensure that progress is inclusive and shared.}

The discussion was moderated by Meralco Chief Audit Executive Melanie Oteyza, with Chief Information Security Officer Marilene Tayag also underscoring the role of internal advocacy in strengthening inclusion across the organization.

Meralco said the Women’s Month forum forms part of its wider diversity and inclusion initiatives under the #Mbrace program, aligned with its 123rd Foundation Week activities.

How can energy companies and regulators in the Philippines further translate gender inclusion initiatives into measurable leadership representation and workforce impact across the sector?

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