For years, the energy industry has been dominated by men. But at Alsons Power, a new wave of female engineers is reshaping the field, proving that expertise and determination matter more than gender.

At the forefront of this change are three women from the Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) power plant in Maasim, Sarangani—Fritz Asuero, Kimberly Gaturian, and Charmaine Joyce Maningo. As engineers and leaders, they are breaking stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive energy sector.

Defying stereotypes

Kimberly Gaturian, a Distributed Control System (DCS) Engineer, understands the challenges women face in the industry. However, she remains undeterred.

“I don’t have to compete with anyone in this male-dominated field; I just have to compete with myself and be the best version of me,” Gaturian said.

Her work focuses on ensuring the plant’s smooth operation through advanced technology. One of her notable achievements includes the wall seal blower changeover process, which improved safety and influenced SEC Unit 2’s design.

Fritz Asuero, who handles Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC), is no stranger to misconceptions about women in engineering.

“It’s not about being a man or a woman. It’s about passion and hard work,” Asuero emphasized.

Asuero plays a crucial role in implementing the Energy Management System, optimizing electricity use, and advancing sustainability efforts to enhance operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, Charmaine Joyce Maningo, a Maguindanaon engineer-turned-lawyer, started as a Project Control Engineer in 2014. Over the years, she took on bigger responsibilities, including managing warranties, overseeing the final acceptance of the plant’s Unit 1, and handling Unit 2’s warranty process. Now a Juris Doctor, she serves as Regulatory Compliance Supervisor, bridging engineering and legal expertise.

“Alsons Power has a strong work culture that values expertise and fosters an inclusive space for women. Your success in the company is not defined by gender but by competence and determination,” Maningo said.

A culture that empowers

Alsons Power fosters an environment where women are given equal opportunities to lead and innovate.

“The plant may still be male-dominated, but the women here are among the best in their fields because we are valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to excel,” Asuero noted.

Gaturian echoed this, highlighting how women’s strengths contribute to the industry.

“We may not be the ones physically hauling motors from the field to the workshop, but we have been trusted to develop an effective maintenance plan to prevent the need for removal in the first place,” she explained. “We can design automated controls to drive valves, reducing the need for manual labor.”

Powering an inclusive future

As the energy sector evolves, women’s contributions become increasingly vital. Alsons Power remains committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunity.

True to its brand promise—We Power with Care—the company is ensuring that the future of energy is not just powered by technology but by the people who drive it forward.