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The energy sector has traditionally been a man’s world, but women didn’t just knock on the door, they entered the room and are changing the leadership spectrum in this arena.
As the month-long tribute to women's impact winds down, my focus is on three female leaders I’ve interviewed in the Philippine energy sector – women who have been proving their worth, defying the convention and raising the bar in their respective spheres of influence.
And yes, as women carve out their own space in the world, there have been trailblazers who paved the way before them – and these are the icons who serve as guide and moral compass in their own ascent to leadership.
Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara - whose governance commitment stems from a relentless drive to advance a secure energy future for the country - primarilyreflected on the indelible legacies of two formidable women who once commanded the country’s political destiny: the late President Cory Aquino and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, both pillars of leadership whose impact continues to shape the nation’s path forward.
She voiced out deep admiration for democracy icon Cory Aquino, a woman who defied the odds and shattered barriers,showcasing to the world that the pinnacle of national leadership is not reserved for the privileged few – or men at that; but is also within the reach of a woman, regardless of her background.“Tita Cory was a housewife, and she was able to prove that a woman can do it and reach the highest core of leadership … it’s a testament that leadership bows not to pedigree, but to courage and conviction, it doesn’t matter from what walk of life you’re coming from.”
As a scholar-turned-public servant herself, Guevara also holds profound admiration for GMA - not merely for her intellectual acumen but for the surgical precision with which she wielded her PhD in Economics to frame policies - that despite the political storms of her presidency – these remain as strong foundation of the country’s economic framework.
The political controversies aside, she acknowledged that Arroyo’s tenure was marked by decisive economic reforms that continue to shape the nation’s economic stability -- among them, the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) transport system, the Expanded Value-Added Tax and Sin Tax Laws, the 4Ps or the PantawidPamilyang Pilipino Program, the restructuring of the power sector and she also promoted the strong growth of the BPO industry. Beyond policies, GMA similarly cemented a reputation as one of the most relentless and hardworking leaders who everserved the country.
In my conversation with Joan Cosico, Chief Investor Relations Officer of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp, she expressed deep admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth II - a woman who carried the weight of leadership with unyielding dedication until her final breath; with her noting that the Queen stood as a‘towering figure’ on the world stage, commanding reverence not only within her UK dominion and the more than 50 Commonwealth nations, but all over the globe.
“Queen Elizabeth II was the embodiment of a strong leader – she’s this petite woman who has proven to the world that true power isn’t measured in size but in presence – that even in her silence, she’s respected and admired, that’s ultimate power,” she said.
Beyond reigning over British royalty and the Commonwealth - an empire that covered a significant part of the world, Queen Elizabeth II exemplified a rare duality of power and warmth. While her unwavering commitment to duty cemented her legacy as an iron-willed sovereign, she was equally adored for the tenderness she displayed beyond the throne - an unshakeablemonarch to her people, yet a doting and sweet grandmother in the quiet corners of her private life.
Exchange of views with Irene Maranan, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at ACEN Corporation of the Ayala Group, would often gravitate toward a singular and urgent mission - how her company’s unwavering commitment to the energy transition isn’t just about business, but rather a deep resolve on how to pull the world and the next generations away from an irreversible climate crisis.
She revealed that one of her greatest inspirations is Christiana Figueres, the formidable former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, whose strategic diplomacy approach has not just advanced global climate actions but also cemented the historic Paris Agreement.
“What stands about her is her ability to navigate complex negotiations and push for bold climate action despite resistance,” she noted.
Irene echoed that Figueres’ leadership in high level engagement for climate initiatives serves as a powerful reminder that “tackling the energy transition is not just about ambition, but about having the courage to challenge the status quo, mobilize partnerships and turn bold ideas into tangible action – a mission that ACEN continues to champion.”
The advocacies being pushed by the women energy leaders mayseem like a maze of technicalities or boring, but if you break down the details, you’ll uncover the sheer impact of the work they do – such as helping save the world from a total climate disaster or keeping the lights on for millions. They aren’t just your ‘superwoman at home’ - they’re climate warriors, power brokers, and ‘policy engineers’ for a future where we don’t have to choose anymore between survival and quality of life. ###
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