Aboitiz Group

Women across Aboitiz InfraCapital’s airports, water, digital infrastructure, and corporate teams reflect the diverse voices helping shape more inclusive infrastructure for the communities they serve.

Aligned with this year’s national theme, “WEcanbeEquALL: Navigating Our Future, Together,” Aboitiz InfraCapital’s (AIC’s) Women’s Month celebration highlights the role women play in shaping infrastructure that improves everyday life—from enabling safe travel and reliable water access to strengthening digital connectivity.

Through its #WomenBuildForward campaign, AIC, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, spotlights the stories and contributions of women across its businesses, demonstrating how inclusive leadership and collaboration strengthen the way the company builds and operates infrastructure.

At AIC, advancing gender equality means creating an environment where team members can contribute their perspectives, grow in their roles, and support one another’s success. This reflects the broader message of this year’s theme—that building a more inclusive future requires shared responsibility and collective action.

“Our work in infrastructure is ultimately measured by the impact it has on communities,” said Cosette V. Canilao, President and CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital. “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.”

Across AIC’s businesses, women are helping translate this commitment into action—whether through frontline operations, technical expertise, or roles that support projects behind the scenes.

For Tess Labesores, Chief Human Resources Officer for Mactan-Cebu International Airport, inclusion is reflected in the culture of support and collaboration within teams. Early in her journey in the aviation sector, guidance from a colleague helped her navigate the complexities of entering a new industry. Today, she sees that same spirit of mentorship and encouragement reflected across the organization.

“Seeing how women across our teams bring dedication, empathy, and excellence to their work—whether in frontline operations, technical roles, or leadership positions—is something I truly value,” she shared. “It’s also a reminder of how powerful it is when women intentionally support and uplift one another.”

At the operational level, Mae A. Perez, a Terminal Duty Officer at Laguindingan International Airport, believes inclusive workplaces empower individuals to grow into their roles with confidence. Early in her career, she learned to overcome hesitation by studying past incidents and learning from experienced officers, which helped her develop the ability to anticipate and address operational challenges.

For Perez, infrastructure requires both technical strength and empathy. “Strength ensures our systems are dependable,” she said, “while empathy reminds us that the work we do ultimately supports people’s safety, convenience, and quality of life.”

In the water sector, Monique Cardenas, Business Development Manager for AIC Water, sees infrastructure as a service that directly sustains communities.

“Providing water and managing wastewater is more than just a job—it’s a vital service that keeps communities running,” she shared. “Technical reliability ensures our partners can depend on the system, while empathy reminds us that every unit of water supports homes, businesses, and livelihoods.”

For Hazel Alcontin, SAQ Officer at Unity Digital Infrastructure, inclusion also means ensuring that infrastructure considers the needs of the communities it serves.

“The towers we build don’t just support networks—they support education, business, and the everyday lives of communities,” she said. “When infrastructure balances technical, social, and cultural considerations, it helps ensure communities benefit from connectivity.”

Meanwhile, Toni Inot-Retuya, Legal and Compliance Manager at Apo Agua, shared how stepping into a highly technical industry required determination and continuous learning. Assigned to handle permitting for a hydropower facility despite having no background in the power and water sectors, she immersed herself in research and on-site operations to build her expertise.

“Behind every pipeline, permit, or project are real people,” she said. “When essential services like clean water reach communities, you realize the work we do contributes to something fundamental to health, safety, and quality of life.”

At LIMA Water, Jeela Tolentino, a Laboratory Supervisor, underscores the importance of maintaining high standards to ensure safe and reliable water services. Balancing her professional responsibilities with motherhood, she takes pride in guiding her team to consistently deliver quality outputs that support operations and environmental standards.

For Ma. Binabeth Duarte, a Firefighter with the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) team of Bohol-Panglao International Airport, inclusion also means demonstrating that women can thrive in roles traditionally seen as physically demanding. Through discipline, training, and teamwork, she helps ensure safety and readiness for passengers and airport communities.

Even behind the scenes, women play an important role in sustaining infrastructure systems. Lyka Rumbaoa, a Controllership Specialist at AIC, reflected on how financial stewardship supports the long-term sustainability of projects.

“Much of our work happens behind the scenes,” she shared, “but it’s meaningful knowing that what we do supports systems communities rely on—from airports connecting people to water reaching households.”

Together, these stories reflect the spirit of WEcanbeEquALL—a reminder that infrastructure becomes stronger and more responsive when diverse perspectives help shape it.

Through #WomenBuildForward, Aboitiz InfraCapital celebrates the women whose dedication, expertise, and leadership continue to strengthen infrastructure and empower communities across the Philippines—demonstrating that progress is most meaningful when it is built together.