Press Releases

Makati City, Philippines — On 11 March 2026, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines held Women Who Shape Tomorrow: Giving to Gain Progress at the Makati Diamond Residences, Makati City.

In celebration of the International Women’s Month, the event brought together a powerhouse group of women leaders, changemakers, and advocates from various sectors and industries for a meaningful forum on how intentional support advances women’s participation and leadership. It featured a dynamic program of presentations, panel discussions, and a networking opportunity that underscored the impact of women in shaping progress, while also highlighting the stereotypes and challenges that still persist today.

Key perspectives on what institutions can do to strengthen women’s participation in the workplace and communities, alongside the importance of investing in women’s health and wellness, were shared by Ms. Paula Ferrer Cheng, Mind You’s Head of Research and Development, and Dr. Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong, Undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH), respectively.

“Women's wellness is the greatest investment in leadership we can make—not a cost, but a multiplier of strength and productivity,” said DOH Undersecretary Chiong, emphasizing that women’s wellness should be prioritized in every policy, workplace, and household.

The first session of the program concluded with an engaging panel discussion featuring the speakers and Ms. Samantha Betia-Pagdanganan, ACCIONA’s Head of Marketing for Southeast Asia. Moderated by Dr. Diana Edralin, ECCP Vice President, the discussion highlighted how the celebration of the Women’s Month serves as a reminder of all the progress made in championing women empowerment and gender equality. At the same time, it echoed a common theme: that the spirit of the celebration must extend beyond the month itself, as the call to support women across sectors continues every day.

The second part of the program continued the conversation with more powerful stories and reflections from women leaders across industries. Speakers highlighted how creating real opportunities for women—whether in business, leadership, or community initiatives—can lead to meaningful and lasting impact.

“Inclusion means women are not just present, they are influential. Not just invited but heard. Not just visible, but part of succession planning. The difference between symbolic diversity and real inclusion is intentionality—and that intentionality must begin at the top,” stated Ms. Iris Palacio, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer of HSBC Philippines.

Mentorship and sponsorship also emerged as a key theme throughout the discussions. Several speakers emphasized the importance of guiding and supporting the next generation of women leaders, recognizing that progress is sustained when experience and knowledge are shared.

Ms. Toni B. Tompar, Executive Vice President of Operations at TP in the Philippines, shared: “It challenges us all to take a look at the next woman next to you. Who is it in your company that can learn from you? And I am part of Gen X, so I look to the Gen Z, and I always look to them and say, ‘These are the women leaders that's going to come and rise soon.’ I may not understand their language, but I do know that there is a certain humanity and there is a certain emotional strength that the next generation of leaders are going to have.”

The second group of speakers also included Ms. Gina Romero, Founder of Connected Women; Ms. Mariana Zobel de Ayala, U-GO Board Advisor and Managing Director of Ayala Corporation; Dr. Maria Caironiza Salcedo, Medical Operations Manager, mWell-KonsultaMD; and Ms. Geeta Royyuru, Head of HR at Unilever Philippines.

Led by Ms. Ruth Yu-Owen, President & CEO of Upgrade Energy Philippines, a second panel discussion followed with panelists Ms. Nina Abad, TP in the Philippines' Vice President of  Operations, and Ms. Sierra Basmayor-Ng, Unilever's Head of Customer Service & Logistics. During the dialogue, speakers shared empowering advice, personal reflections, and stories, while participants had the opportunity to ask questions.

The event was graced with the presence of H.E. Emma Hickey, Irish Ambassador to the Philippines and H.E. Smiljana Knez, Slovenian Ambassador to the Philippines, who delivered messages of support at the beginning of the program. Video messages from Risa Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, and Ermelita Valdeavilla, Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), also underscored the importance of advancing gender equality and empowering women across sectors.

ECCP President Paulo Duarte and Vice President Roman Menz, along with ECCP Women in Business Committee (WIB) Chair Sheila Lobien and Co-Chair Jen Francisco, attended the event. It was hosted by Ms. Abi Paco, Executive Headhunter at Global Executive Solutions Group (GESG).

At the ECCP, women are championed and recognized for their role in shaping industries and redefining progress. The organization continues to support women’s leadership while exploring ways to build a more inclusive and forward-thinking business community.

The success of the Women Who Shape Tomorrow: Giving to Gain Progress was made possible through the support extended by Event Partners Ayala Foundation and U-GO, HSBC Philippines, Mind You, mWell KonsultaMD, TP in the Philippines, and Unilever Philippines, Inc.; Event Supporter ACCIONA; Table Top Partners B. Braun, Centre Medicale Internationale, Nague Malic Magnawa and Associates Customs Brokers; Food and Beverage Partner Le Cellier French Wine Selection; and Raffle Partners 8 Studio Philippines and Sinaya Cup.