MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ sovereign wealth fund, Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), convened a distinguished group of women leaders for its first institutional forum, “Women in the Workplace: Intimate Conversations,” in celebration of National Women’s Month.
The initiative was championed by MIC President and CEO Rafael Jose Consing, Jr., who underscored the growing influence of women in redefining leadership across industries and governance.
“Empowering women leaders elevates the entire institution,” Consing said. “That is the exact culture we are building here at Maharlika. Women make up over 43% of our workforce. At the senior level, we have 8 female officers working alongside 10 male officers to steer our mandate. And what is perhaps most telling is that our core engine—the MIC investment team—is actually predominantly women.”
Among the featured speakers was Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group and Publisher of The Filipino Times, who joined fellow leaders in a candid and reflective dialogue on leadership, resilience, and the evolving role of women in shaping institutions.
During the discussion, Dr. Remo highlighted the importance of strategic decision-making, opportunity cost, and reputation in leadership.
“The best leaders don’t just chase opportunities—they understand the trade-offs behind every decision,” she said. “Because every ‘yes’ is a ‘no’ to something else. In every decision, whether in business or in life, there is always an opportunity cost.”
Dr. Remo added that “the most effective leaders are not just those who see opportunities, but those who understand what they are willing to give up for them.”
“And ultimately, in a world driven by trust and visibility, your reputation becomes your most valuable asset—it determines which doors open, and which ones remain closed,” she said.
The forum brought together respected leaders from business, finance, and governance, including Mylene Abiva, Founding Chairman, Women’s Business Council; Cristina Concepcion, Founding President, Filipina CEO Circle, and Atty. Cecile de Leon-Agatep, Lead Counsel, ATI.
Through a moderated discussion, panelists shared candid reflections on leadership journeys, challenges, and the personal philosophies that guide their decisions.
The event was organized by the Corporate Services Group, led by Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita, Vice President of the Investment Management Group of Maharlika Investment Corporation and former President of the National Power Corporation, in collaboration with the Gender and Development (GAD) Technical Working Group, headed by April Wycoco, AVP Corporate Planning and Corporate Communications.
The initiative reflects MIC’s broader commitment to strengthening its internal culture through meaningful engagement, reinforcing that leadership is shaped not only by strategy and policy, but by experience, character, and shared stories.
The event forms part of MIC’s GAD initiatives, reinforcing inclusive leadership as a lived institutional value rather than mere compliance. It also aligns with the Philippines’ global standing as one of the most gender-equal countries in Asia and its upcoming role as ASEAN Chair in 2026—highlighting the importance of women in shaping inclusive governance and sustainable development.
