To be a woman leader is not for the faint of heart. My journey to rise in the male‑dominated business and construction industry like Wilcon has required constant proof and validation of my abilities. But that never discouraged me. In fact, it even fueled my determination.
I aim to redefine what is often considered beyond a woman’s reach. As women, we hold ideas that can profoundly contribute to the evolving world, and I strive to bring those ideas forward whenever the opportunity arises. This commitment has earned me the privilege of representing my beliefs and aspirations as vice president of the Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenbizPH).
Every member brings forth advocacies we champion and principles we uphold. Collectively, our voices illuminate underrepresented communities and overlooked sectors of society. With this in mind, WomenbizPH has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to be the lead women’s organization with ASEAN‑BAC Philippines.
Chairman Joey Concepcion spearheaded the briefing at the Grand Hyatt Manila. He brought attention to a crucial discussion on “Inclusive and sustainable economic growth through strategic initiatives and active policy engagement,” which paved the way for the ASEAN‑BAC 2026 theme, “Navigating the Future Together: Advancing Prosperity for All,” and the guiding principle “Empowering MSMEs, Uplifting Lives.”
Anchored in sustainability, innovation, and inclusion, this vision extends to agriculture and food security, the digital and green economy, and creative industries, particularly those that engage women and youth. This goes to show that prosperity is both equitable and transformative.
Of course, this moment could not be missed by WomenbizPH. I attended alongside WomenbizPH associates President Rhoda Caliwara, Chairperson Rosemarie Rafael, Board Secretary Mylene Abiva, Honorary Member Myrna Yao, Members PCCI President Nina Mangio, ABAC Senior Advisor Jopin Romero, and ABAC Senior Advisor Nora Terrado.
I represented Filipino retailers in the briefing. As a director of the Philippine Retailers Association, supporting the business community is close to my heart. My years in the field have given me firsthand knowledge and meaningful interactions with them, which I often draw upon to develop practical solutions that benefit not only retailers but also the entire Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are pivotal to economic growth and must always be given due consideration. Too often overlooked, their presence has the power to drive development and progress. They are not merely employees or capital—they are hubs of innovation, composed of thinkers and dreamers who bring fresh ideas to life. With proper support from initiatives such as ASEAN, WomenBiz, and other advocacy organizations, MSMEs can thrive. This support not only secures a brighter future for the country but also helps reduce poverty by empowering people to discover their strengths and fulfill their purpose.
The meeting became a venue where diverse representatives shared meaningful advocacies. A dynamic exchange of innovative ideas from brilliant minds gave rise to strategic initiatives and support, while also providing an opportunity to reflect and strengthen our commitment to addressing economic challenges.
These collective efforts promote a people‑centric, gender‑equal, and empowering approach to advancing the business sector. Once again, we affirm our drive to champion impactful policies that build a stronger, more inclusive business landscape—not only for women, but for the future as a whole.
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