Standing (left to right): MBC Programs & Projects Unit Director Roxanne Lu, KPMG CEO Sharon Dayoan, Columbian Autocar (KIA) President Ginia Domingo, Infosys Country Director Ayhee Campos, Convergys Chair Marife Zamora, General Manager of The Clorox Company Marites Dagdag, Sr. Vice President of Optum Global Inc. Karen Batungbacal, President of Sunlife Management Riena Pama, ALPP Project Lead Lenlen Mesina and MBC Executive Director Coco Alcuaz .

11 October 2018 — The Makati Business Club met with some members of the Filipina CEO Circle (FCC) to discuss gender diversity in the workplace, especially in top management, and how to elevate women’s roles in Philippine corporations. Sharing their own stories of triumphs and struggles, the FCC women imparted important lessons in balancing personal life and career, and in overcoming the obstacles that threatened the achievement of such. They highlighted the importance of belief in oneself and to take on every opportunity given to them without hesitation if they want the role and finding the right support system to help them too.

FCC started as a support group for women in the corporate workplace. Its focus is to give career women encouragement in reaching their full potential and help them break the glass ceiling in their respective organizations. The mission and vision of the group very well compliment the ongoing research and advocacy project of the Makati Business Club and Philippine Business Coalition for Women’s Empowerment (PBCWE) called, “Addressing the Leaking Pipeline in the Philippines (ALPP): Evidence-based Research and Advocacy for Gender Diversity in the C-Suite”. It seeks to present gender-related issues and realities in Philippine companies, highlight best practices of gender diversity & inclusion in the workplace, and recommend interventions that will prepare and support women to take on C-level positions in companies.

The meeting and focus group discussion is part of the ALPP study set to be launched in March 2019.