TRAILBLAZERS. Meralco customer care representative Bien Zoleta and female linecrew Mary Rose Calasin redefine success beyond the workplace–proving that women can excel in any industry.
Despite global strides in closing the gender gap, true workplace equality remains a work in progress—especially in industries historically dominated by men. Take the energy sector, for example, where women still make up less than 20% of the workforce, according to the World Energy Employment 2024 report.
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is championing diversity and inclusion in the Philippines. As the nation’s largest electricity distributor, Meralco is lighting up homes and businesses and paving the way for women to shine in their careers.
This International Women’s Month, Meralco celebrates the trailblazing women who continue to break barriers, redefine success, and inspire change.
Bien Zoleta: A champion on and off the court
🏆 GO FOR GOLD. Bien Zoleta made history in 2019 as the first Filipino to clinch two gold medals in Soft Tennis at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. She defied the odds and repeated her triumph in the 2023 SEA Games, even after an ACL injury.
A customer care representative by day and a four-time SEA Games gold medalist by passion, Bien Zoleta exemplifies excellence both on and off the court. She’s also one-half of the 2024 World Pickleball Champion duo—a testament to her unstoppable drive.
Having been with Meralco for over 12 years, Zoleta credits the company’s support for allowing her to balance a thriving corporate career with her athletic pursuits.
“Because of Meralco, I’m able to pursue my passion for sports while excelling in my professional career,” Zoleta shares.
Her journey is nothing short of inspiring. In 2019, as the Philippines hosted the SEA Games, she won historic golds for Soft Tennis. Overwhelmed with pride, she recalls how Meralco’s empowering work environment was crucial to her success.
“Meralco made me realize that I am not just an employee—I can go beyond my role and contribute to the community through sports,” she says, crediting the company’s athletic leave benefit, which allows her to train while fulfilling her corporate responsibilities.
Her 2023 SEA Games victory was even sweeter. Not only did she reclaim her double gold medal status despite an ACL injury, but Meralco partnered with the Philippine Soft Tennis Association and Quezon City’s local government to introduce the sport to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“It’s fulfilling to know that my work isn’t just about personal success—I’m able to give back to the community as well,” she adds.
Mary Rose Calasin: Reaching new heights as a female line crew
⚡ BREAKING BARRIERS. From an office job to climbing electric poles, Mary Rose Calasin proves that women can excel in any field—even in the tough, physically demanding power distribution world.
Swapping her desk for a hard hat, Mary Rose Calasin defies gender norms as a line crew member at Meralco. Joining the company in 2023 after completing the Meralco Linecrew Training Program (MLTP), she has become a symbol of grit and determination in an industry where women are still a rarity.
“People are often surprised to see a woman in this role climbing electric poles,” Calasin shares. “But that only pushes me to do better. I know I’m inspiring others to believe that women can do this job, too.”
Her career switch wasn’t just about following her passion but about creating a better future for her family. As the seventh of eight siblings, her stable job at Meralco enables her to care for her elderly father and support her loved ones.
“Meralco is an amazing company, and I never take this opportunity for granted. Every day, I strive to learn, grow, and inspire through my work,” she says.
Meralco pioneered the training and hiring of female line crew in Southeast Asia in 2013, proving its commitment to gender inclusivity. Today, the company proudly employs 25 female line crew, with Calasin among them.
One of her most memorable moments? Restoring power lines in Quezon City after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in late 2023. As she worked tirelessly, she saw community members cheering her on. “That’s when I realized the true impact of my job,” she recalls. “It’s fulfilling to know that people believe in my skills and are inspired by my work.”
EMPOWERED WOMEN. Meralco, through One Meralco Foundation, supports aspiring female electrical engineers under its MpowHER scholarship program. Meralco executives and electrical engineering students are seen in the photowho are beneficiaries of the program.
Powering a more inclusive future
Zoleta and Calasin are living proof that women can thrive in any field when given equal opportunities. Their stories reflect Meralco’s unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment.
Meralco’s advocacy goes beyond just providing electricity—it’s about illuminating a brighter and more equal future. As a pioneer signatory of the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs), the company is taking concrete steps toward fostering a gender-diverse workplace.
Through its #Mbrace program, Meralco is actively working to increase female representation in its workforce to 40% by 2030—an ambitious yet vital step toward true gender equality.
As the world continues its fight for a more inclusive future, Meralco stands as a beacon of hope and progress, proving that when women are empowered, entire communities shine brighter.