By Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer, Aboitiz Group and President, Aboitiz Foundation
This article originally appeared on the author’s Tribune.net column ‘On the G(ood) Side’.
Many of our female Aboitiz Future Leaders scholars have gone on to become leaders in their fields, using their knowledge to uplift communities.
Women have long been at the heart of progress. In the Philippines, where women make up nearly 40 percent of the labor force, they are not only professionals but also the backbone of their households. However, many find their growth opportunities limited due to the challenges of balancing careers with caregiving and other responsibilities.
At Aboitiz Foundation, we believe women’s empowerment is crucial to nation-building. They are valued stakeholders, not just beneficiaries. By equipping them with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to thrive, we help create a ripple effect that strengthens society as a whole.
One of our flagship initiatives, Elevate AIDA, has been transforming lives for five years by providing underprivileged women with digital skills, specifically in artificial intelligence and data annotation. This opens doors to flexible remote work, allowing them to earn while managing home life. Krystal Guile Dagatan, a recent graduate, is a testament to its success. She’s able to achieve financial independence while working from home. It’s about giving women the tools to succeed, both professionally and personally.
Education has been one of our core pillars, driven by our belief in the transformative power of youth as changemakers. Many of our female Aboitiz Future Leaders scholars have gone on to become leaders in their fields, using their knowledge to uplift communities. Clarissa Rodriguez, for instance, turned her scholarship into a springboard for success. She’s now a software engineer after graduating magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Her journey highlights the profound impact of investing in young women.
Women are also at the forefront of environmental sustainability. In Davao, the Junior Chamber International Davaoeña Daba-Daba has been a key partner in protecting coastal ecosystems and biodiversity by volunteering to plant mangroves at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park. We are also working with female community leaders in Cebu for our long-term reforestation initiative, Carbon PH. Their hands-on involvement helps drive and sustain conservation efforts, highlighting the critical role women play in building a greener future.
The impact of women in leadership is equally evident within our organization. With women comprising 80 percent of our team, we witness firsthand how female leadership fosters collaboration, empathy, and innovation. Women leaders offer a holistic approach to problem-solving, ensuring that solutions are inclusive, sustainable and deeply aligned with community needs.
Our commitment to women’s empowerment directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality. From digital skills training to climate action projects, Aboitiz Foundation’s initiatives empower women to become active participants and leaders in their communities. When women have equal opportunities, we unleash their potential to drive positive change. Investing in women is an investment in a stronger, more sustainable future for all.
