Meralco boosts women leaders in AI, cybersecurity, governance - thephilbiznews

Business EducationTechnology Meralco boosts women leaders in AI, cybersecurity, governance By The Philippine Business and News March 30, 2026 0 Share Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Linkedin Viber EMPOWERING WOMEN. She Leads 2026: Women Powering AI, Cyber, and Governance is a virtual leadership forum held last March 11 was attended by 761 online participants across Asia-Pacific. Seen in the photo are the guest speakers (top to bottom) DENR Chief Information Officer Arlene A. Romasanta, Asia Pacific College Executive Director Rhea-Luz R. Valbuena, Steel Asia Manufacturing Corporation Chief Audit Executive Zaida Angelita P. Lazaro and Meralco Group Chief Audit Executive Melanie T. Oteyza. Latest article Australia extends ₱1.8-B grant to help PH cut red tape, grow SMEs April 6, 2026 3 Mekeni lessons for PH to weather MidEast war April 6, 2026 PH Urged to Rethink China Gas Deal; Flags Sovereignty Risks April 6, 2026 PH nickel eyes bigger global share April 6, 2026 THEPHILBIZNEWS Partner Hotels Hotel Okura Manila The Manor at Camp John Hay Novotel Manila Discovery Suites Reinforcing its commitment to women empowerment and ethical digital leadership, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), led by Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, convened more than 700 participants from across the Asia-Pacific for She Leads 2026: Women Powering AI, Cyber, and Governance—a virtual forum held in celebration of this year’s International Women’s Month. The event brought together women leaders from the private sector, government, regional associations, and the academe, including delegations from the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA), Sarawak Energy in Malaysia, and PacificLight in Singapore. Discussions highlighted the transformative role of women in advancing cybersecurity, promoting ethical artificial intelligence (AI), and ensuring accountable governance in an increasingly digital world. Organized by Meralco’s Internal Audit Office, the forum featured prominent thought leaders such as Arlene A. Romasanta, Chief Information Officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Rhea-Luz R. Valbuena, Executive Director of Asia Pacific College; and Zaida Angelita P. Lazaro, Chief Audit Executive of Steel Asia Manufacturing Corporation. They shared insights on building an ethical digital culture and showed how inclusive leadership strengthens governance, reduces organizational risk, and supports thriving digital ecosystems. Leadership rooted in purpose, courage, and collective progress In her keynote, Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive Melanie T. Oteyza emphasized that leadership today is defined by purpose and impact rather than title, particularly as AI, cybersecurity, and governance transform workplaces, societies, and institutions. “Leadership is not defined by age, title, or sector, but by purpose, courage, and the impact we choose to make,” Oteyza said. “Across Asia-Pacific, women are not merely adapting to change—they are leading it.” She also stressed the importance of shared responsibility in shaping a trustworthy digital future: “Progress is not achieved by women alone. It is accelerated when leaders of all genders—including our male allies—commit to inclusive leadership, shared accountability, and mutual respect.” The forum continues Meralco’s broader efforts to cultivate future-ready leaders. Last year, the company launched an audit awareness program for students, bridging the gap between academe and industry. Through initiatives like She Leads 2026, Meralco advances women leadership, promotes responsible digital transformation, and strengthens its advocacy for safe, ethical, and inclusive governance across Asia-Pacific. Tags academe-industry programs AI Artificial Intelligence Asia-Pacific Cybersecurity Digital transformation ethical leadership governance inclusive leadership International Women’s Month Manila Electric Company Meralco She Leads 2026 Women Leadership Share Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Linkedin Viber Previous article €200M German financing to protect PH seas, support 3M jobs Next article FIRING LINE: Straining the elderly on RPT More articles Venture capital firm Foxmont commits up to ₱4B in PH April 2, 2026 Unilever backs women’s empowerment at work, beyond April 2, 2026 Maya, SPARK! PH empower women micro-entreps April 1, 2026 Must read Yawaragi unveils Japanese grill menu refined for Filipino taste April 2, 2026 UN tells US, Israel to end war, tells Iran to halt attacks on neighbors March 31, 2026 USDA to bring 58 American agribusiness delegates to PH April 1, 2026 Palace warns vs fake energy news, vows legal action April 5, 2026 Venture capital firm Foxmont commits up to ₱4B in PH April 2, 2026