On March 9, President Bongbong Marcos took the center stage at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to deliver his statement at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).
In his speech, the President underscored the indispensable role of women in nation-building. “There can be no real progress without the full participation of women in every sector of society,” he said, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to education, employment, and protection from violence for women.
That message resonates strongly with the latest findings of Grant Thornton’s “Women in Business 2026” report, released last March 11 to coincide with the country’s National Women’s Month celebration. The study showed the Philippines in second place worldwide in women’s leadership, with 44.5% of senior management roles held by females. This achievement is not just statistical; it reflects a culture that values inclusion and recognizes the strength women bring to organizations.
Globally, the report shows mixed progress. Women now hold 32.9% of senior management roles worldwide, down slightly from 34% the year before. While female representation has risen by 13.4 percentage points over the past 22 years, the study warns that parity may not be reached until 2051 unless businesses accelerate their diversity strategies. Progress is real, but it is uneven.
The Philippines, however, stands out. With nearly half of senior management roles held by women, the country is far ahead of many peers in Asia and beyond. Only 1.1% of Philippine businesses have all-male leadership teams, compared to a global rise to 5.7%. This shows that gender diversity is not just a talking point here—it is embedded in the way Filipino companies operate.
The report also highlights that 98.9% of Filipino businesses have diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in place. These are not symbolic gestures; they are pragmatic strategies that strengthen innovation, sharpen decision-making, and attract investment. In a competitive talent environment, organizations that visibly embed gender equality into their strategy are better positioned to retain high-performing leaders and appeal to partners.
At Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), we see this reality every day. Our commitment to gender equality and empowerment is embodied in the women who lead our teams, shape our strategies, and represent our values in the marketplace.
In our company, women comprise the majority. Although some might think that the field of real estate development, including architecture and construction, is generally male-driven, one will find plenty of women in high positions. IDC has always believed that gender balance is a strength, not an exception.
Gender balance in any organization is always a plus because men and women think and act differently—equal representation is needed for better decision-making processes. In our experience, women are equally, if not more, reliable, hardworking, strong, driven, and in many cases, competitive. They are focused on details and manage stress well. It is in their nature to take care of family, children, and run their households efficiently, which is why management and leadership abilities are naturally embedded in them.
We can support women by making sure there are no obstacles related to gender toward their path to progress. The Philippines is a role model for other countries in this regard, and IDC is proud to be part of that story. By ensuring that women are empowered and included at every level, we strengthen not only our company but also the communities we serve.
We also take this moment to thank the women of IDC—from those in top leadership to the rank and file—for their contributions to the company’s growth and identity. Special mention goes to Mary Ann Lopez, who has been with IDC for 15 years as a Certified Public Accountant overseeing our Finance Department. Alongside her, Gladys Echano, IDC’s very first employee and now Head of Sales, has been with the company for 17 years, leading teams and driving business development.
We also recognize Richelle Bergonia, with her two decades of experience in accounting and audit; Michelle Ann Vibar, who ensures our projects meet regulatory requirements; Winnie Paito, who manages our Primavera Sales Office in Cagayan de Oro; and Flordeliza Estipona, who leads our Miramonti Sales Office in Batangas. Together, their dedication and leadership embody the values of the company and have been vital to our growth. Diversity is not just good for business; it is essential for resilience and innovation. As we mark National Women’s Month, we celebrate not only the achievements of Filipinas in leadership but also the promise of a future where equality is the norm, not the exception.
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