March marks the celebration of International Women’s Month, and for 2026, the Philippine maritime industry reaffirms that inclusivity is its compass—essential for the sector's future growth.
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan has framed leadership in the sector as a commitment to service over self-validation.
"Being a woman in leadership isn’t about proving yourself—it’s about lifting others as you rise," Malaluan stated. This approach guides agency efforts to support women in a traditionally male-dominated field, ensuring their technical expertise and unique perspectives are recognized as essential pillars of the country's maritime progress.
Meanwhile, Merle Jimenez-San Pedro, President of Women in Maritime Philippines (WimaPhil), emphasized that women are no longer just peripheral figures in shipping but are central to its evolution.
"Today, we celebrate the dedication, power, strength, and contributions of women in maritime," Jimenez-San Pedro said. "Women have always been at the heart of our families and society—they are leaders, mentors, innovators, and changemakers in this male-dominated industry."
She noted that the impact of women spans from grassroots community building to high-level industrial leadership. According to the WimaPhil President, their influence is a vital catalyst for the welfare of the global seafaring workforce.
For Mary Ann Pastrana of Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corp. (APFC), this month-long international observance serves as a "vital reflection on how far we’ve come in the traditionally male-dominated maritime and logistics industries." As Pastrana highlights, the rise of women as captains, engineers, and leaders proves that opportunity should be open to all.
She added, "By embracing diverse perspectives, we don’t just achieve equality; we build a stronger, safer, and more sustainable maritime industry. However, progress requires more than words—it demands a commitment to mentorship and inclusive workplaces."
For those in leadership at APFC and beyond, the goal is to ensure the next generation of women sees a clear, unobstructed path to success. "When we act to empower women today, we ensure the entire maritime community moves forward together."
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is marking the occasion under the theme "WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society." Guided by the sub-theme "Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas," the celebration draws inspiration from ancestral spiritual leaders to recognize the intelligence and compassion women bring to modern governance.
Officials describe the initiative as a way to honor a legacy where authority is grounded in wisdom and community responsibility rather than hierarchy.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago has decentralized these ideals through its Port Management Offices (PMOs). Local activities include the "Takbo at Serbisyo para kay Juana" Fun Run in Batangas and gender-fair language sessions in Agusan. These efforts are designed to strengthen Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, reflecting Santiago’s view that leadership stemming from "heart and intelligence" is a long-standing trait of Filipina leaders.
To institutionalize this representation, the PPA launched its new GAD logo and a new mascot, Engineer Tala. The logo uses symbols such as a lighthouse and the North Star to represent guidance and stability, while Engineer Tala serves as a relatable icon of female competence in port engineering. Appearing alongside the established mascot Pepe Asensado, Tala signals a shift toward a more representative organizational identity where technical roles are no longer limited by gender.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is reinforcing these values through the #SaferforHER initiative, which aims to remove barriers to entry and advancement. The DOTr has called on the industry to "speak louder and stand stronger for a world where women are recognized as essential in building an inclusive and progressive society." The advocacy focuses on ensuring that all women, from high-ranking officials to passengers, are treated with dignity across the entire transport system.
This collective effort aims to make the journey toward maritime progress a shared success.
