Aboitiz InfraCapital Empowers Women to Build Forward in Infrastructure Development
Women across Aboitiz InfraCapital's diverse operations, including airports, water management, digital infrastructure, and corporate teams, are playing pivotal roles in shaping more inclusive and responsive infrastructure for the communities they serve. Published on March 31, 2026, at 11:28 PM, this initiative aligns with the national theme, "WEcanbeEquALL: Navigating Our Future, Together," emphasizing the critical contributions of women in enhancing everyday life through safe travel, reliable water access, and strengthened digital connectivity.
#WomenBuildForward Campaign Highlights Inclusive Leadership
Through its #WomenBuildForward campaign, Aboitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, spotlights the stories and achievements of women across its businesses. This campaign demonstrates how inclusive leadership and collaborative efforts strengthen the company's approach to building and operating infrastructure. Advancing gender equality at AIC involves creating an environment where team members can contribute unique perspectives, grow professionally, and support each other's success, reflecting the broader message of shared responsibility and collective action for a more inclusive future.
Cosette V. Canilao, President and CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital, stated, "Our work in infrastructure is ultimately measured by the impact it has on communities. Women across our organization bring valuable insights, leadership, and empathy that help shape how we approach challenges and serve the people who rely on our infrastructure every day."
Voices from the Frontlines: Women Driving Change
Across AIC's various sectors, women are translating this commitment into tangible actions, whether through frontline operations, technical expertise, or behind-the-scenes project support. Tess Labesores, Chief Human Resources Officer for Mactan-Cebu International Airport, highlights the culture of support and collaboration within teams. She recalls early guidance from a colleague that helped her navigate the aviation industry and now sees mentorship flourishing organization-wide. "Seeing how women across our teams bring dedication, empathy, and excellence to their work is something I truly value," she shared, emphasizing the power of women uplifting one another.
At Laguindingan International Airport, Mae A. Perez, a Terminal Duty Officer, believes inclusive workplaces empower individuals to grow confidently. By studying past incidents and learning from experienced officers, she developed skills to anticipate operational challenges. Perez notes that infrastructure requires both technical strength and empathy, ensuring systems are dependable while supporting people's safety and quality of life.
Water and Digital Sectors: Empathy Meets Technical Reliability
In the water sector, Monique Cardenas, Business Development Manager for AIC Water, views infrastructure as a vital service sustaining communities. "Providing water and managing wastewater is more than just a job—it's a service that keeps communities running," she explained, stressing that technical reliability and empathy ensure every unit of water supports homes and livelihoods.
For Hazel Alcontin, SAQ Officer at Unity Digital Infrastructure, inclusion means designing infrastructure that considers community needs. "The towers we build don't just support networks—they support education, business, and everyday lives," she said, advocating for a balance of technical, social, and cultural factors to maximize community benefits from connectivity.
Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Sustainability
Toni Inot-Retuya, Legal and Compliance Manager at Apo Agua, shared her journey of entering a technical industry without prior background, immersing herself in research and on-site operations to handle permitting for a hydropower facility. She emphasized that behind every project are real people, with essential services like clean water contributing to health and safety.
At LIMA Water, Jeela Tolentino, a Laboratory Supervisor, underscores maintaining high standards for safe water services while balancing motherhood. She takes pride in guiding her team to deliver quality outputs that meet operational and environmental standards.
Ma. Binabeth Duarte, a Firefighter with the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting team at Bohol-Panglao International Airport, demonstrates that women can thrive in physically demanding roles through discipline and teamwork, ensuring safety for passengers and airport communities.
Behind the scenes, Lyka Rumbaoa, a Controllership Specialist at AIC, reflected on financial stewardship's role in project sustainability. "Much of our work happens behind the scenes, but it's meaningful knowing that what we do supports systems communities rely on," she shared, from airports to water systems.
Building a Stronger Future Together
Together, these stories embody the spirit of WEcanbeEquALL, illustrating that infrastructure becomes more robust and responsive when diverse perspectives shape it. Through the #WomenBuildForward campaign, Aboitiz InfraCapital celebrates the dedication, expertise, and leadership of women strengthening infrastructure and empowering communities across the Philippines, proving that progress is most impactful when built collectively.
