GENERAL TRIAS CITY, Cavite (PIA) – A total of 250 employees from various tollway operators and concessionaires attended the 8th Tollway Industry’s Advocacy Caravan, focusing on gender equality and women empowerment.
Hosted by MPCALA Holdings Inc., the toll operator for Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax), Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex), and C5 Link segments, aimed to highlight and honor outstanding women who have broken barriers and excelled in roles traditionally dominated by men.
The caravan provided an opportunity for representatives from the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), tollway operators, concessionaires, and local government to network and collaborate to form partnerships and cooperation in advancing progressive initiatives on gender and development, which transcends beyond the tollway industry to the community that they regularly serve.
TRB executive director Alvin Carullo said that the program is vital to better understand the unique and nuanced issues that each sex and gender face.
“The event provided an invaluable opportunity for all participants to share and gain insights into their definitions of women empowerment and gender equality. We hope that the spirit of this event resonates not only within these walls but also across broader communities,” Carullo said.
Raul Ignacio, president and general manager of MPCALA Holdings Inc., urged fellow workers in the transportation industry to acknowledge the achievements of women across various industries.
“Together, let us continue to champion gender equality, create opportunities for women to thrive, and build a more inclusive and equitable society for all,” Ignacio urged attendees.
A testament to the commitment to making the industry open to more female leaders, Arlette Capistrano serves as the Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management at Metro Pacific Tollways South.
Capistrano gave advice to fellow aspiring leaders to always be willing to learn more and to lead by example.
“For young women aspiring for leadership roles, my advice is simple: pursue your passions, continuously educate yourself in your chosen field, and cultivate empathy. Listening and understanding others' perspectives are key qualities of effective leadership. Lead by example, supporting and guiding others toward their chosen paths,” she said. (RF/PIA-Cavite; with reports from MPT South)
