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Women Who Power The Future: How Filipinas Are Breaking Barriers In The Energy Industry
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The energy industry has long been a male-dominated field, but that narrative is changing. Women are steadily making their mark, proving that success knows no gender. According to the World Energy Employment 2024 report, women still account for less than 20% of the industry’s workforce. But with companies like Meralco leading the way in diversity and inclusion, more opportunities are opening up for women to shine.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Month, Meralco takes pride in honoring the women who continue to break barriers, redefine success, and empower communities—whether in the office, on the field, or up in the power lines.

From the Court to the Corporate World: Bien Zoleta’s Winning Streak

GO FOR GOLD. If there’s anyone who embodies what it means to be a champion in both sports and the corporate world, it’s Bien Zoleta. She’s not just a four-time SEA Games gold medalist in Soft Tennis—she’s also a dedicated customer care representative at Meralco for over 12 years.

Zoleta made history in 2019, becoming the first Filipino to win two SEA Games gold medals for Soft Tennis. She did it again in 2023, this time overcoming an ACL injury. But her journey isn’t just about sports—it’s also about serving the country in different ways.

“Because of Meralco, I’m able to pursue my passion for sports while thriving in a professional career in the corporate world,” she shared.

Balancing both worlds isn’t easy, but with Meralco’s athletic leave benefit, Zoleta has the support she needs to train and compete while continuing her corporate career.

Her passion for sports also extends to giving back to the community. Meralco, in partnership with the Philippine Soft Tennis Association and Quezon City LGU, has helped introduce Soft Tennis to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“I don’t just work for my career—I also contribute to the community,” Zoleta said, holding back tears as she reflected on her journey.

Scaling New Heights: Mary Rose Calasin’s Journey as a Female Linecrew

BREAKING BARRIERS. Not all heroes wear capes—some wear hard hats and harnesses. Meet Mary Rose Calasin, a former office worker who traded her desk job for the frontlines of the energy industry as a Meralco linecrew.

The 29-year-old defies stereotypes daily, proving that women can thrive in physically demanding roles. After completing the Meralco Linecrew Training Program (MLTP), she officially joined the team last year.

“People are often surprised that women can be linecrew,” she shared. “That just motivates me more because I know I’m inspiring others.”

Her role is more than just a job—it’s a way to provide for her family. As the seventh of eight siblings, she takes pride in supporting her elderly father and helping out whenever she can.

Calasin recalls a moment that reinforced the importance of her work—restoring power in Quezon City after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

“Hearing people cheer for me while I was up on the pole—it made me realize that my work matters,” she said.

Meralco has been a trailblazer in breaking gender norms, pioneering the training and hiring of female linecrew in Southeast Asia in 2013. Today, the company has 25 female linecrew actively working in the field.

Lighting the Way for More Women in Energy

Women like Zoleta and Calasin prove that the energy industry is no longer just a man’s world. With the right support, training, and opportunities, women can excel in any field they choose.

Meralco is fully committed to championing diversity and inclusion. As a signatory of the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs), the company is working towards increasing female representation to 40% by 2030—already surpassing the global energy sector’s 13% average with over 23% female employees.

Programs like #Mbrace and Yes You Can! are empowering more women to take on leadership roles, proving that the future of the energy sector is brighter with more women in it.

As Zoleta and Calasin continue to push boundaries and inspire others, they remind every Filipina that no dream is too big.

“We are not just women—we are women who can,” Calasin declared. “We can do what men do, and we can excel in whatever we put our mind and heart to.”

And with that, the future of women in energy looks stronger, brighter, and unstoppable.
Mar 13, 2025
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