The construction industry is often seen as a “man’s world” filled with heavy machines and tough site work. But at Aboitiz Construction, that is changing. This March, we launched the #SheExcels campaign to feature eight inspiring women. They are proving that women can lead, build, and succeed in this industry. By sharing their stories, we show that Aboitiz Construction is a place where everyone, regardless of gender, has the chance to excel and thrive.
Site Excellence: Breaking Barriers in Project Operations
In the fast-paced world of heavy equipment and tight deadlines at the project sites, leadership requires a mix of technical expertise and real-world resilience. Daisy Villegas, Hanebee Serentas, and Aira Joyce Corres perfectly embody this balance.
As Senior Supervisor for Cost, Daisy Villegas earned a promotion through expert planning in Surigao del Norte, proving women belong in roles that drive project success. “The construction industry needs strong, capable women; our perspective and discipline are vital to shaping the future of this field,” she noted.
In Balamban, Cebu, Hanebee Serentas supports HR site operations to ensure employees have the support they need to excel. “My goal is to ensure our team has the support and culture they need to thrive at the project site,” she said.
Meanwhile, Electrical Supervisor Aira Joyce Corres has earned her team’s trust across Cebu, Iloilo, and Batangas project sites by delivering on high-stakes assignments in a male-dominated field. “Taking on complex technical challenges has built my confidence and proven that expertise is what truly earns respect on-site,” she shared.
Together, these women prove that at Aboitiz Construction, excellence is defined by strength and purpose.
Paving the Way: Women Excelling in Corporate Roles
Behind every successful build is a corporate engine where Danielle Lasco, Larah Tenestrante, and Nikki Mantala contribute to the strategy and stability the business needs to thrive.
As a Paralegal, Danielle Lasco drives progress through strict legal compliance, proving that business integrity is a vital contribution that protects every project. “My role goes beyond support; I help improve processes and ensure our all-women legal team contributes to strategic thinking and compliance,” she said.
In finance and systems, Larah ensures that internal operations remain seamless and efficient. Having transitioned from project accounting to corporate finance, she now focuses on process improvement and mentorship. “I’ve realized that leadership is not just about personal excellence, but about the impact you create by empowering others to grow,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Nikki manages the high-pressure logistics of site mobilizations, ensuring the right teams are deployed where and when they are needed most. “Navigating complex maintenance projects has taught me that leadership is about mindset and resilience. It is also about the ability to bring clarity to the team even when situations are uncertain,” she highlighted.
Together, these women prove that excelling in the corporate office is the vital heartbeat that sustains and strengthens every project on the ground.
Driving Technical and Commercial Success at the Project Sites
The technical and commercial precision of our projects is strengthened by the specialized contributions of trailblazers like Evelyn Gorme and Michelle Santillan.
In the Commercial Management Department, Evelyn, based at the Balamban, Cebu site, has transitioned into a key support role. She proves that when women take on high-level responsibilities, they help secure the organization’s financial future. “In a site support role, I’ve learned that commercial discipline is everyone’s responsibility. I strive to empower those around me to take ownership of our processes, ensuring that our collective accountability secures the project’s future,” she noted.
At the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Michelle excels as a Computerized Maintenance Management System Planner, transforming data into operational value to ensure our facilities team performs at its peak. “By providing actionable insights, I empower our team to stay one step ahead, proving that a woman’s precision can drive the future of smarter operations,” she mentioned.
By mastering these technical roles, these women show that specialized knowledge is a powerful tool for breaking barriers and empowering the next generation.
The #SheExcels campaign highlights how these eight trailblazers are breaking barriers across our sites and offices, proving that diverse expertise is the foundation of a company that is “Engineered for Excellence”.