Women continue to make significant strides in leadership positions within the Philippines, especially in sectors traditionally dominated by men, such as manufacturing, engineering, and operations.
In 2022, the proportion of women hired into leadership positions in the Philippines rose to 43 percent, up from 34 percent in 2015, marking the largest increase among Asia Pacific markets studied.
Today, companies like Manila Water, the East Zone water concessionaire, remain committed to embracing gender diversity in their operations, recognizing the tangible benefits of diverse problem-solving approaches, enhanced team dynamics, and improved overall performance.
“The strength of a company lies not just in its infrastructure, but in the diverse perspectives that drive it forward. Women bring balanced versatility in their leadership because on one hand they can show empathy, care and at the same time drive innovation, execution and performance. Certainly, this versatility can be a driving force in shaping the future of the water industry and developing young people to grow their career in the water sector,” said Janine Carreon, Manila Water corporate human resources group director.
Manila Water’s female leaders stand as a testament to what women can achieve in any field when given equal opportunities to lead and excel.
The success stories of leaders like Nadine Galino, Angat Water Systems Operations section head for water treatment operations and Joanna Intas, Boracay Island Water Company, Inc. (a subsidiary of Manila Water) technical operations head, serve as powerful examples for aspiring female engineers and operations professionals.
Changing the Engineering Landscape
“There weren’t many women engineers in Operations when I first started at Manila Water. But now, there are facilities where half of their operation engineers and shift heads are women,” Galino said.
This progress reflects Manila Water’s commitment to gender diversity, as the company takes pride in being among the few local firms with a nearly 1:1 representation of women in senior leadership.
There are 95 female senior managers compared to 109 males, while the senior leadership team and management committee boast 16 female leaders versus 12 male counterparts.
This transformation marks a significant shift in the industry. According to Galino, the unique viewpoints that women bring to problem-solving have played a crucial role.
“I offer a different perspective in a male-dominated group,” Galino explained. “While I may have the same educational background as my male colleagues, my personal experiences as a woman bring a different nuance to how I think and process ideas and situations.”
This diversity of thought has proven invaluable. “Over time, people recognized the value of diversity and how the ‘different perspective’ women provide enhances group dynamics and improves output,” Galino said.
Compassion and Creativity
At Boracay Island Water Company, Inc., Intas serves as the technical operations head—a position that would have been uncommon for a woman just a decade ago.
“When I joined Boracay Water in 2014, there were only two women in Operations. Fast forward to today, and I am now leading this group in Boracay Water. Being part of this transformation and paving the way for more women to join Operations is empowering,” Intas said.
She believes women bring unique strengths to leadership roles.
“Women naturally bring compassion, creativity, collaboration, and an inclusive and nurturing environment—qualities I believe are essential for an organization.”
Self-Awareness
When asked about the crucial skills for workplace success, both leaders emphasized self-awareness.
“Having self-awareness is vital,” Galino said.
“We must acknowledge that biases still exist when it comes to gender roles. Therefore, we need to work strategically to address and overcome these biases.”
Intas echoed this sentiment: “Self-awareness is a skill every woman should develop in the workplace. It allows us to understand our core values, strengths, and weaknesses.”
She added that self-awareness enhances decision-making and helps women navigate challenges with clarity and resolve.
“A self-aware woman is adaptable, grounded, and determined. She can inspire transformation,” she said.
These journeys demonstrate that technical expertise, combined with traditionally feminine qualities such as empathy, inclusivity, and collaborative leadership, creates a powerful foundation for organizational success—proving that diversity isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building stronger, more innovative organizations.
The female leaders at Manila Water serve as a powerful testament to the remarkable achievements women can accomplish in any field when given equal opportunities to lead and succeed.