The Philippine business landscape has seen a surge of empowered and visionary women leading enterprises with innovation, resilience, and social responsibility. From construction to finance, and from retail to real estate, women have been shaping industries and redefining what leadership means in a dynamic economy. This article pays tribute to some of the most influential women whose impact resonates beyond boardrooms.

Defining Leadership in High Heels

Women executives in the Philippines have long been contributing to economic growth, but only recently have they been receiving widespread recognition for their achievements. Many of these trailblazers have risen through male-dominated industries, balancing strategic foresight with empathy and community-driven values. Their leadership has not only resulted in profitable ventures but also in meaningful change for the people they serve.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable names making waves in business.

1. Alice Eduardo – President and CEO, Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation

Breaking stereotypes and barriers, Alice Eduardo is a formidable figure in the construction industry—an arena traditionally dominated by men. She founded Sta. Elena Construction, which started with modest capital and now handles multi-billion-peso infrastructure projects across the country.

Eduardo’s company is behind some of the most technically complex structures in the Philippines, including power plants, ports, and commercial complexes. What sets her apart is not just her tenacity in business but also her deep sense of social responsibility. She supports numerous causes, particularly in education and healthcare for underprivileged communities.

Notable Contributions:

• One of the first female leaders in Philippine heavy construction
• Recognized by Forbes as one of Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy
• Funds healthcare initiatives, including the pediatric ward at Philippine General Hospital

2. Teresita Sy-Coson – SM Investments Corporation

A well-known figure in Philippine retail and banking, Teresita Sy-Coson is the vice chairperson of SM Investments Corporation and chairperson of BDO Unibank. Under her guidance, SM has expanded far beyond retail malls, branching out into real estate, banking, and tourism.

Her strategic thinking has made BDO the largest bank in the country. Teresita is widely respected not only for continuing the legacy of her father, the late Henry Sy Sr., but for establishing her own path in boardrooms that were once dominated by men.

Highlights:

• Chairperson of the Philippines' largest bank
• Instrumental in SM’s business diversification
• Known for her practical leadership style and long-term vision

3. Doris Magsaysay Ho – President and CEO, Magsaysay Group

Doris Magsaysay Ho leads a maritime empire with international reach. The Magsaysay Group is a global provider of human resource solutions for the shipping and logistics industry. But beyond managing fleets and crewing services, Doris has brought a people-centered approach to a business that often forgets the human side of logistics.

She has pushed for innovation in maritime education and is a strong advocate for Filipino seafarers. Her leadership style, often described as transformative, has helped raise the global profile of the Philippines as a source of world-class maritime professionals.

Key Strengths:

• Focus on employee welfare and professional development
• Expanding the Philippine maritime presence globally
• Strong influence in shipping policy reform and education

4. Zenaida Rustia-Tantoco – Chair and CEO, Rustan’s Group of Companies

As the matriarch of the Rustan’s luxury retail group, Zenaida "Nedy" Tantoco has played a key role in shaping premium shopping experiences in the Philippines. Under her leadership, Rustan’s has maintained its status as the country's go-to for high-end international brands.

Tantoco’s refined sense of style is matched by her business acumen. She has nurtured long-standing relationships with luxury brands and ensured that Rustan’s remains a symbol of elegance and service excellence in a market increasingly dominated by fast fashion.

Achievements:

• Expanded the reach of luxury retail in the country
• Strengthened Rustan’s positioning through global partnerships
• Maintained a customer-first approach rooted in Filipino hospitality

5. Sheila Lirio Marcelo – Founder, Care.com

Although based in the United States, Sheila Lirio Marcelo’s roots trace back to the Philippines. She is the founder of Care.com, one of the largest online platforms for caregiving services globally. Her business idea came from a personal struggle—finding care for both her children and aging parents.

Marcelo turned that challenge into a business that now operates in more than 20 countries. After Care.com went public in 2014, it became a reference point for tech-driven social enterprises.

Impactful Innovations:

• Pioneered the “care economy” through technology
• Advocated for women balancing career and family
• Frequently cited as a model for inclusive entrepreneurship

Shared Traits of Success

While these women come from varied industries, their success stories share common threads:

• Resilience: Navigating male-dominated sectors or launching startups with little support.
   

• Vision: Seeing opportunities where others saw risk.
• Empathy: Embedding social value into business strategies.
• Discipline: Managing time, resources, and people with long-term goals in mind.

Their ability to lead with both heart and strategy sets them apart—not just as businesswomen but as nation-builders.

Why Representation Matters

The rise of women leaders in Philippine business isn't just a win for gender equality; it’s a strategic advantage. Numerous studies show that diverse leadership teams perform better, foster innovation, and create more sustainable companies. When young women see leaders like Alice Eduardo or Teresita Sy-Coson at the helm of industry giants, it sends a powerful message: ambition and success are not bound by gender.

Looking Ahead

As the Philippine economy continues to grow and diversify, the role of women in shaping its future is only expected to increase. With the rise of digital platforms, sustainability initiatives, and inclusive business models, the space for female leadership is expanding across all levels—from startups to conglomerates.

New names are emerging every year, and as they break ceilings and reimagine leadership, they’re proving that success doesn’t come from fitting into existing molds—but from breaking them entirely.