Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon named among Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia

A Filipina leader is once again making her mark on the Asian business scene. Martha Sazon, president and CEO of Mynt, the parent company of GCash, has earned her third consecutive spot on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia 2026 list. 

Under her leadership, GCash has expanded access to digital payments, savings, credit, insurance, and investments, helping millions of Filipinos access financial services through their phones.

Her latest recognition also puts the spotlight on how Philippine fintech is gaining global attention, with GCash helping more than 11 million borrowers access loans through its digital credit scoring system.

Women at PLDT fuel continuous learning to shape the future of connectivity

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way companies operate, and behind every new innovation are employees learning how to make the most of it. At PLDT, women across the organization are playing a key role in this digital shift, investing time in AI, analytics, and other advanced skills that help power smarter services and better customer experiences. Their commitment to continuous learning is also helping drive the development of PLDT's growing lineup of homegrown AI-powered tools designed to improve productivity, efficiency, and service delivery.

Women Leaders Redefining the Future of Health and Protection in the Philippines

Leadership in financial services is evolving, with a stronger focus on empathy, inclusion, and real understanding of what Filipino families need today. At BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation, women are playing a growing role in shaping how health and protection solutions are designed, delivered, and experienced.

From leadership representation to workplace development, the company highlights how empowering women is helping build more human-centered services and a stronger pipeline of future leaders. As the industry continues to shift, this raises a bigger question on how inclusive leadership is shaping the future of health, protection, and financial well-being.

InDrive Records Nearly 200% Growth in Filipina Drivers as More Women Maximize Job Opportunities in the Mobility Industry

inDrive is seeing a major shift in the Philippine mobility space, with nearly 200% growth in Filipina drivers from 2024 to 2025. More women are stepping into ride-hailing roles, drawn by flexible income opportunities and the ability to take control of their time and earnings. What was once a male-dominated industry is now opening up, as more women challenge stereotypes and prove they belong on the road just as much as anyone else.

As more women join the platform, inDrive is also rolling out initiatives focused on safety, accessibility, and support, signaling a growing movement toward a more inclusive and balanced future for ride-hailing in the Philippines.

Financial Independence Is the Real Power Move This Women’s Month and Maya Is Here to Help

Taking control of your finances is becoming one of the most important power moves today. Beyond the conversations around empowerment, more Filipinas are focusing on something just as real—making sure they’re never financially stuck, by building habits that support independence in everyday life.

With tools from Maya, saving, spending, and borrowing become easier to manage. From building a safety fund and earning daily interest to making smarter spending decisions and accessing credit when needed, it’s about staying in control and letting your money work for you—on your own terms.

Filipino women learners complete GenAI courses at rates 0.3% higher than men: Coursera Report

Filipino women are showing strong momentum in AI learning. A new report from Coursera reveals that while women still make up a smaller share of GenAI learners in the Philippines, they are completing courses at slightly higher rates than men. The data suggests that once access barriers are removed, Filipino women demonstrate strong persistence in mastering AI skills. As industries increasingly adopt generative AI, expanding access to training could play a key role in helping more women participate in and shape the country’s growing digital economy.

Beyond the algorithm: Championing responsible AI, empowering women in tech

GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, takes innovation to the next level with GCash AI Week 2025—a landmark event celebrating the power of AI-driven transformation, responsible innovation, and gender inclusivity in tech.

Under the theme “AI-CHIEVED: Explore, Empower, Elevate,” the event brought together global tech leaders like Apple, Google, and AWS to spark discussions on ethical AI, intelligent automation, and the future of fintech.

From hands-on workshops to real-world AI demos, GCash reaffirmed its mission to shape an AI-ready, diverse, and financially inclusive Philippines.

Meet the Caltex Women Retailers Who Are Changing the PH Fuel Scene, One Drop at a Time

There is a gender gap in the fuel industry with women only making up 22% of the global oil and gas workforce, and from that number, only 20% reach senior positions in oil and gas companies, highlighting the industry’s urgent need to provide them with more leadership opportunities. 

However, Caltex Filipina retailers are changing that by taking the reins of their fuels business and creating space in the industry for more women to grow and thrive. 

Women on Fire 2025: Empowering Women, Building Resilient Communities

In recognition of National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month, SM Cares launched Women on Fire, a celebration of the remarkable leadership, strength, courage, and resilience of women in fire prevention, disaster response, and community safety. Through collaboration with key government agencies and private organizations, Women on Fire served as a platform for education, awareness, and empowerment, reaching over 25,000 participants across all initiatives.

SM Cares, in partnership with the United Nations Philippines and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), kicked off Women’s Month on February 28 with the Purple Illumination Ceremony, lighting up the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe and mall façades nationwide. As a globally recognized symbol of justice, dignity, and women’s rights, the color purple marked the start of National Women’s Month in the Philippines, reinforcing SM’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.

Smart powers the 2025 FCC Women’s Run PH

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is joining the celebration of the International Women’s Month by powering the highly anticipated 2025 Filipina CEO Circle (FCC) Women’s Run PH on March 9, Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Complex.

MMDA Empowers Women’s Groups and Community Leaders Through Capacity-Building Initiative for Better Solid Waste Management

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP), has launched a capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering women’s groups and community leaders from 20 barangays in the Vitas area.

‘Kayang-kaya rin namin 'yan!’, say top women drivers, riders on Grab and MOVE IT

Grab Philippines and partner motorcycle taxi company MOVE IT recognized their top female driver- and delivery-partners on Sunday, March 17, at the Babae Ako, Babiyahe Ako: Women’s Month Event. Recognized for their exemplary performance, high order and ride completion, and positive customer rating, the awardees stand as paragons of female excellence on the road.

More than 20 women driver and riders from Grab and MOVE IT were recognized at the recent Babae Ako, Babiyahe Ako: Women’s Month Event 2023

Lazada launches PiliPino campaign to boost and celebrate the best of local e-Commerce

Leading e-commerce platform in the Philippines, Lazada, introduces PiliPino by Lazada, a holistic program that aims to drive inclusive growth by boosting and celebrating the best of Philippine e-Commerce – people, places, and products. The program will champion micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and sustained support, from onboarding to the launch and growth of their businesses on the platform.

“Many of our products and sellers on Lazada are proudly local. We feel honored to be able to help them in maximizing their online businesses, as well as guiding their consumer reach through the tools, technology, and support that we provide. PiliPino by Lazada is our umbrella campaign for ‘choosing Filipino’ as our social responsibility. This is inspired by the intention of mentoring and empowering Filipino entrepreneurs, elevating homegrown businesses, and promoting sustainability,” says Pauline Castro, Head of Traffic Strategy and Product Operations.

Proving its dedication to championing Filipino artistry and entrepreneurship, Lazada marked the beginning of PiliPino by Lazada through “She Talks Conversations,” in partnership with women empowerment community and advocacy agency, She Talks Asia. Led by She Talks Asia Co-Founders Lynn Pinugu and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, the event was held to create a space for women to share their own personal stories and exchange insights that will help Lazada build on their new program.

Pictured (L-R): PiliPino Launch in partnership with She Talks Asia at Manila House

"She Talks Asia is honored to partner with Lazada for the PiliPino campaign. As a community and organization committed to empowering women and amplifying underrepresented voices, we are proud to join Lazada in their impactful efforts to support local businesses, particularly those championed by remarkable women, helping them expand their reach and propel toward sustained growth and success,” says She Talks Asia CEO and Co-founder Lynn Pinugu.

Lazada invited women entrepreneurs who have endured the ropes of building their businesses while balancing work, family, and personal lives. With the She Talks Conversations led by Try Local PH Founder Cat Juan Ledesma, the women entrepreneurs were given the chance to share, listen, learn, and relate to one another’s stories. These women entrepreneurs include Apple Caballes-Suntay of Storage Solutions, Evan Maderazo of Sundals, Lorina Tan of Tiny Buds and Blooms, and Michelle So of Blithe. 

Pictured : Pauline Castro, Head of Traffic Strategy and Product Operations at Lazada Philippines

The women shared their journeys as entrepreneurs, from hardships to triumphs experienced, as well as their own personal mentors who helped pave the way to their success. Like many businesses, they too dealt with the hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which enabled them to learn the ropes of e-commerce and build their businesses on Lazada. 

“I started working with the communities my late mother used to work with, and I began to understand why she did what she did—why she chose to help our fellow Filipinos. Today, I am working on building a community called ‘Localpreneurs,’ a platform to empower small startups and local businesses on their entrepreneurial journey while keeping our local communities in mind,” says Evan Maderazo, Founder of Sundals.

Pictured: Lorina Tan of Tiny Buds and Michelle So of Blithe

“We are not just doing this business for ourselves. One of our products uses purified water, and we thought that if we can take this water and put it in our products, how unfair is it that there are still children in the Philippines that don’t have access to water, even to just wash their hands? This is how we were able to come up with a project called Drops of Hope, where the proceeds of our products, Tiny Buds Baby Bottle Wash or Waterfill Wipes, go to the building of sustainable water fillers,” says Lorina Tan, Founder of Tiny Buds.

The personal stories of the women sparked conversations between the guests invited by Lazada, such as fellow women entrepreneurs Nina Ellaine Dizon of Colourette Cosmetics and Maica Salud-Tady of Vestido.

Following the dialogue of the women entrepreneurs, Lazada is set to live out its commitment to helping MSMEs flourish in their respective industries by providing up-and-coming entrepreneurs with opportunities to grow and maximize their potential through the mentorship program, which will be piloted in key priority areas across the Philippines, as well as the microsite for Filipino-made products. 

“Lazada takes social sustainability at the core of its business operations, recognizing the meaningful relationships it has built among Filipinos. Through PiliPino by Lazada, we aim to create an ecosystem that drives growth and positive change in our local communities with the help of our women entrepreneurs whose stories can be shared with many others,” says Castro. 

To discover the best of local MSMEs and communities, visit PiliPino on Lazada.PiliPino on Lazada

PLDT, Smart kick off digital upskilling for women in need

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart have kicked off its digital upskilling program for women in need, preparing them for various tech-related jobs and linking them to potential employers.  This program resides under PLDT and Smart’s IDEATe (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy through Technology), which aligns with the company’s thrust towards diversity and inclusion.  

Shopee, Shopee Xpress partner with Whisper and World Vision to empower young women to #ShareTheConfidence

Shopee, recently launched the #ShareTheConfidence campaign in partnership with Whisper and World Vision, to educate Filipinos on the importance of menstrual hygiene management. This initiative is part of Shopee Bayanihan, the company's umbrella CSR arm that seeks to provide support for communities in need through partnerships with various humanitarian organizations. 

As part of the campaign, Whisper pledged to match and donate sanitary products for every Whisper product sold on Shopee from May 28 to June 30. Almost 130,000 young women from World Vision’s partner communities all over the Philippines benefitted from the initiative and received sanitary products through the delivery efforts of Shopee Xpress, Shopee’s logistics arm. Apart from raising awareness on proper menstrual hygiene management, the #ShareTheConfidence campaign also aimed to break the stigma around menstrual health and address the issue of period poverty in the Philippines. 

Last July 22, Shopee and its partners culminated the #ShareTheConfidence campaign with an on-site event in Laurel, Batangas to turn over Whisper sanitary pads to over 85,000 beneficiaries within the area. 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, shared “Everything we do at Shopee goes back to our main mission of serving the underserved through our technology. We are humbled to partner with Whisper and World Vision to empower Filipinas in need. We look forward to maximizing our platform to deliver even more meaningful initiatives that will benefit communities all over the Philippines.”

With Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee furthers its objective to make e-commerce for everyone by helping communities benefit from the power of digital transformation wherever they are in the Philippines.

Meralco Reopens Doors for Aspiring Female Linecrew as it reaffirms commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has relaunched a recruitment and capability-building program for aspiring female linecrew members as part of the Company’s commitment to drive and heighten gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Meralco’s female linecrew are as equipped and capable as their male counterparts to execute their responsibilities. They undergo the same training program that the male linecrew go through, and the same level of output is expected from them.

 

The Meralco Linecrew Training Program (MLTP) aims to develop a pool of skilled female line workers, who are envisioned to eventually become part of the Meralco workforce. 

 

A total of 15 individuals will be part of the newest batch of trainees under the MLTP. For a period of five months beginning May, they will undergo a series of lectures and rigorous physical training and endurance conditioning programs that will build and hone their skills to properly use manually operated tools and safely climb Meralco utility poles. They will subsequently be assessed for hiring and deployment. 

 

Meralco, which operates in a traditionally male-dominated industry, pioneered the training and hiring of female linecrew in Southeast Asia back in 2013. The power distributor currently has nine female line workers who help deliver reliable electricity service to Meralco customers.  

Meralco is one of, if not the first, power distributor in Asia to launch a comprehensive technical training program for women linecrews in 2013. The company will start training 15 aspiring individuals who will soon join the nine female linecrew assigned across its franchise area.

 

Charmaine Angeles, who was part of the pioneering batch and currently works as a linecrew member at Meralco’s Valenzuela Sector, said that the program helped broaden her knowledge and experience in her line of work. 

 

“I learned how to drive a truck, got along with my colleagues, and most importantly, helped in delivering electricity service to homes,” she said in Filipino, adding: “I believe that women are also capable of doing what men do. It only takes courage, knowledge, positivity, and trust in oneself to be a successful linecrew member.”  

 

Solidifying commitment to diversity and inclusion  

 

The MLTP is among the initiatives on gender inclusivity geared towards helping Meralco reach its goal to have women employees represent 40% of its workforce by 2030.  

 

Meralco’s recently established policy on Diversity and Inclusion further cements its commitment to advancing workforce diversity and to nurturing an inclusive and safe workplace for its employees by ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. 

 

Through this new policy, Meralco pledges to respect all individual and value differences across gender, age, ethnicity, physical appearance, health, family status, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background.  

 

“The Company believes that when its people feel respected, valued, and treated fairly, they are more motivated to perform – delivering the Meralco core value of malasakit when serving customers and community,” the policy states.  

 

The Diversity and Inclusion Policy extends to all areas of Meralco’s business and is also promoted across the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates.  

 

In addition, earlier this year, Meralco partnered with Don Bosco College-Canlubang for a technician scholarship program that will benefit 15 aspiring female electrical technicians. 

 

The program will cover the tuition fees and allowances of the students who will undergo the Technical Vocational Education Training Program for the dual NC II Program on Electrical Installation and Maintenance and Mechatronics beginning August.  

 

All the above initiatives fall under Meralco’s overarching Diversity and Inclusion program called #MBrace, which aims to promote and nurture a gender-balanced and inclusive workplace.  

 

#MBrace’s aims are aligned with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 5 on Gender Equality and UN SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities. 

 

The program also fortifies Meralco’s commitment to the UN Global Compact’s Principle 6 on Elimination of Discrimination in Employment, and supports the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles as well as the advocacies of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment

Creating equal opportunities for Filipina logistics leaders

As businesses continue to navigate the evolving complexities of international trade, Filipino manufacturing companies have embraced diverse talents that contribute to success and productivity. Many Filipino business leaders have put in place policies adapted from international best practices to help build a company culture that embraces gender diversity on the back of a growing body of research that shows organizations with more diverse workforce and leadership teams perform better.

“Research shows that if women are given the chance to contribute equally to the global economy, it would boost the world’s GDP by $28 trillion,” said Precious Milaor, UPS Philippines marketing manager. “One of the best ways to do that in the logistics context is to push for an industry that provides opportunities for women and supports the growth of women-owned businesses.” 

In the Philippines, progress in female diversity has been more pronounced. The Global Gender Gap Report 2020 of the World Economic Forum report shows that the Philippines 16th out of 153 countries with the narrowest gap between men and women.

Marilou Navoa Ombania, Import and Export Head of UPS customer Ponderosa Leather Goods Co Inc., a leading export manufacturer of baseball and hockey gloves, says that it helps that her company places a premium on affording women the equal opportunity to excel.

“In our company, most of the department heads are women – our production manager, finance manager and the human resources manager are all women – and these positions are crucial in the operation of a big company like us.”

Ombania says to get the best out of her department, she considers every member to be family and each of them is given as much opportunity as the company has given her. “I believe that for us all to work effectively and productively, the environment needs to feel right and homely despite the stressful and fast-faced nature of our job.”

Marigold Marcelo Agustin, International Freight Forwarding Manager at Samsung SDS Global SCL Philippines Co Ltd. Inc, believes that she is able to thrive because her employer recognizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. 

“Our company values people of any race and gender. Based on my experience, women are treated the same as men. We acknowledge the contributions and milestones of women employees, celebrating special occasions like birthdays, Mother’s Day, and even modest accomplishments at work.”

That emphasis on equality cascades down to her team. “Every one of them is treated fairly and given the chance to perform. I have always advocated sharing my knowledge and skills, to learn together and push my team to be better.”

Overcoming the challenges of the pandemic

With the suspension of baseball and hockey games in the US, many orders at Ponderosa were canceled. Ombania says the company’s earnings were affected but its management had doubled down on efforts to win back customers, and orders are returning.

“We have been using UPS services to send baseball gloves all over the world; to the USA, Canada, Asia, and Europe. They are one of our partners in delivering products that are all finely handcrafted and made with passion here in the Philippines.” 

At Samsung SDS Philippines, Agustin says they have been able to navigate their way through “limited flights and vessel schedules and space shortages”. She says that with the company’s logistics partners, including UPS which also provides express service for Samsung’s semiconductor shipments, they have been able to overcome the challenges of the pandemic.

The UPS approach to equality in international trade

“There is certainly a strong sense of belonging at UPS Philippines,” adds Milaor, “as we strive to promote a working environment free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Our rallying cry is ‘You belong at UPS’ – meaning everybody; our people, customers and the communities we serve.”

“We’re proud to partner with progressive, like-minded companies such as Ponderosa and Samsung, which have taken steps to embrace gender diversity in their local operations.”

Did you know?

• UPS’s Proudly Unstoppable initiative celebrated International Women’s Month by featuring specially designed, limited edition UPS Express Boxes that feature the artwork of three female artists from around the world.
• The UPS Foundation committed more than $3.3 million in grants and sponsorships to advance programs supporting women’s issues in 2021.
• As part of its Women Exporters Program, UPS trained and coached 2,200 women on integrating their small businesses into the global economy in 2021.
• The UPS Ignite program will strengthen 140 women-owned and underrepresented businesses through education, resources, networking and $100K in grants in 2022.

PLDT Enterprise further supports women workforce in hybrid work setup

PLDT Enterprise continues its commitment to empowering women as it shared insights on how women professionals can adopt a growth mindset to be well-rounded leaders of their respective organizations.