BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Meralco Hosts Regional Forum On Women In AI And Cybersecurity
Contributed photo
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) gathered over 700 participants across Asia-Pacific for its virtual forum, She Leads 2026: Women Powering AI, Cyber, and Governance, held in celebration of International Women’s Month.
The event brought together leaders from government, private sector, and academe, including representatives from regional energy groups and institutions. Among the speakers were Arlene A. Romasanta, Rhea-Luz R. Valbuena, Zaida Angelita P. Lazaro, and Meralco executive Melanie T. Oteyza.
The forum focused on the growing role of women in advancing cybersecurity, ethical artificial intelligence, and good governance in today’s digital landscape.
In her keynote, Oteyza emphasized the evolving meaning of leadership, saying, “Leadership is not defined by age, title, or sector, but by purpose, courage, and the impact we choose to make. Across Asia-Pacific, we are living through profound transformation—driven by artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and governance. These forces are reshaping how we learn, how we work, how governments serve, and how trust is built across borders. Across these frontiers, women are not merely adapting to change. Women are leading it.”
She also underscored the importance of collaboration, adding, “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.”
Through initiatives like She Leads 2026, Meralco continues to promote inclusive leadership and support the development of future-ready professionals in the region.
The event brought together leaders from government, private sector, and academe, including representatives from regional energy groups and institutions. Among the speakers were Arlene A. Romasanta, Rhea-Luz R. Valbuena, Zaida Angelita P. Lazaro, and Meralco executive Melanie T. Oteyza.
The forum focused on the growing role of women in advancing cybersecurity, ethical artificial intelligence, and good governance in today’s digital landscape.
In her keynote, Oteyza emphasized the evolving meaning of leadership, saying, “Leadership is not defined by age, title, or sector, but by purpose, courage, and the impact we choose to make. Across Asia-Pacific, we are living through profound transformation—driven by artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and governance. These forces are reshaping how we learn, how we work, how governments serve, and how trust is built across borders. Across these frontiers, women are not merely adapting to change. Women are leading it.”
She also underscored the importance of collaboration, adding, “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.”
Through initiatives like She Leads 2026, Meralco continues to promote inclusive leadership and support the development of future-ready professionals in the region.
Mar 30, 2026
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