As featured on PhilStar: Empowering women to lead, inspire change and thrive
Across generations, Filipina leaders have shown that leadership is not defined by position but by purpose. We have seen women rise to the challenge, breaking barriers, driving transformation, and leading with empathy and integrity. While our progress has been remarkable, there is still much to be done to ensure that women are fully empowered to take their place at the highest levels of decision-making.
In 2013, our firm, R.G. Manabat & Co., did an analysis of Manila-based companies in the top 1000 and found that out of 770 companies, only 68 had female CEOs. For perspective, that figure represents a mere 8.8 percent. By 2020, Filipina CEOs in publicly listed companies accounted for only 10 percent, and though this rose to 13 percent by 2022, it remains clear that we must accelerate this progression. The necessity of women in leadership goes beyond equal representation, as many studies have observed the fact that female leadership is strongly associated with transparent communication, ethical decision-making, and inclusive corporate cultures. These qualities enhance employee trust, engagement, and retention, and ultimately strengthen organizations and drive innovation in rapidly evolving markets.
Last 18 September, I had the privilege to speak with four industry leaders as the moderator of a Fireside Chat Session at the Filipina CEO Circle’s 10th anniversary celebration held at Shangri-La The Fort. In line with the event’s theme, “LIT: Lead, Inspire, Thrive”, we explored their professional journeys, the defining traits of leadership, and why empowering women benefits organizations and communities alike. The panel was composed of PHINMA Solar Energy Corp. and Union Insulated Panel Corp. Chief Operating Officer and Director Danielle del Rosario, ABS-CBN Corporation Head of Digital Jamie Lopez, Grab Head of Regional Corporate Strategy Grace Vera Cruz, and EastWest Bank Vice President, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, and Executive Director Isabelle Yap — leaders who have made a difference in their respective sectors through their leadership and expertise. Despite coming from different industries and backgrounds, they shared the same commitment to excellence and to the people of their organizations, emphasizing the importance of giving women the leverage and opportunities they need to succeed and grow.
They reflected on how they began their careers, the challenges they faced, and how these shaped them as leaders. Grace noted that her position today is the result of years of hard work and consistency, rising through the ranks with the support of mentors and champions who helped guide her along the way. Building on this, Isabelle emphasized the importance of strong female role models for the younger generation, so that they have examples to look up to and emulate. Adding her perspective, Danielle emphasized the value of speaking up, advocating for your career, and embracing challenges with confidence.
Jamie then highlighted the role of male allies actively empowering women with meaningful opportunities to lead and paving the way for others to follow. He noted that women’s perspectives and insights are integral to any boardroom, crediting many of his organization’s recent accomplishments to the capable female leaders and employees driving the company’s growth. The panel also discussed how organizations can enable women to thrive both professionally and personally. Flexible arrangements such as remote work allow women to balance their careers with family life, a benefit that the women in the panel said they deeply value.
The discussion reminded me that when women are given the right opportunities and support, they create lasting impact. Empowering women to lead is not only about representation—it strengthens organizations, inspires collaboration, and builds a future where every voice contributes to progress. I look forward to continuing this advocacy and supporting more women as they step into leadership and shape the future.
Sharon G. Dayoan is the Chairman and CEO of R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG in the Philippines), a Philippine partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. The firm has been recognized as a Tier 1 in Transfer Pricing Practice and in General Corporate Tax Practice by the International Tax Review. For more information, you may reach out to Sharon G. Dayoan through ph-kpmgmla@kpmg.com, social media or visit www.home.kpmg/ph.
This article is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice to a specific issue or entity. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent KPMG International or KPMG in the Philippines.