June 24, 2025 – Makati City — Women leaders from various sectors came together on June 23 for the Breaking Barriers: Women Leading in Business and Beyond forum, an event organized by the Far Eastern University Public Policy Center (FEU PPC) in partnership with the NextGen Organization of Women Corporate Directors (NOWCD). Held at the BPI Wealth Lounge in Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, the forum underscored the importance of inclusive leadership and empowering women across business, government, and academia.
The event opened with a keynote address by Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Managing Director of Ayala Corporation, who shared insights on navigating leadership roles in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Her speech was introduced by Atty. Gianna Montinola, Trustee of FEU PPC.
A panel discussion followed, moderated by Julia Andrea Abad, Executive Director of FEU PPC. Panelists included Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Chair of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.; Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and Dr. Jean Franco, Professor of Political Science at the University of the Philippines. Each shared their personal leadership journeys, highlighting the value of mentorship, inclusive policies, and the need to challenge traditional gender norms in male-dominated industries.
The forum also featured a research presentation by Thea Basilio, Data Analyst at FEU PPC, which provided a data-driven look at the current state of women’s leadership in the Philippines. Her presentation offered valuable context to the broader conversation, reinforcing the systemic challenges that continue to limit women’s participation in leadership roles.
In her closing remarks, NOWCD Chairperson Boots Geotina-Garcia emphasized the critical need for collaboration across sectors to accelerate gender equity. “This is more than a women’s issue,” she said. “It’s a leadership imperative.”
The Breaking Barriers forum marked another step forward in advancing inclusive leadership and opened up new conversations about how institutions can better support and prepare the next generation of women leaders.
