10 Years of Breaking Barriers: The Women of Aboitiz InfraCapital Lead the Way

“At Aboitiz InfraCapital, we are not just building infrastructure—we are shaping the future. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we take pride in the women who have been instrumental in breaking barriers, leading with purpose, and driving progress. Their resilience, innovation, and leadership inspire us to create a more dynamic and empowered industry for generations to come.” — Cosette V. Canilao, President and CEO, Aboitiz InfraCapital

As Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) marks its 10th year, the company celebrates a decade of innovation, transformation, and impact.

A key driver of its success is the remarkable women who lead across various business units, proving that leadership, expertise, and resilience know no gender.

From engineers and project managers to water experts and corporate leaders, the women of AIC are paving the way for the next generation, challenging norms, and redefining what is possible in the infrastructure sector.

Championing People and Culture

As Chief People and Culture Officer of AIC, Jing Briones understands the power of people in shaping industries. Having worked with multinational companies before joining AIC, she takes pride in fostering meaningful impact by supporting infrastructure development and economic growth. “Women now hold more influential roles across sectors, balancing careers, families, and communities. We have more opportunities to contribute meaningfully to business and society,” she shares. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding organizations through the pandemic, ensuring businesses could continue serving their purpose while prioritizing employee well-being.

Her advice to aspiring women leaders? Stay curious, embrace challenges, and never shy away from opportunities to learn and grow. Build a strong support network, trust in your capabilities, and always lead with confidence and integrity.

Bridging Infrastructure and Social Good

As Reputation Management Officer at Apo Agua, May Che “MC” Capili is passionate about fostering inclusive work environments and championing equitable opportunities. She has mentored high-performing team members and led community development programs, ensuring that essential services like clean water reach underserved areas. “The momentum is undeniable,” she says. “By fostering inclusion, we can create a workplace where every individual, regardless of gender, thrives.”

Donna Lobingco, Marketing Services Officer at Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, echoes this sentiment. Her career has evolved from organizing mall events to leading business engagements on an international scale, supporting foreign investment and economic growth. “It’s fulfilling to see how our efforts contribute to the country’s progress,” she shares.

Elevating Safety and Community Impact

For Chinky Magbanua, Environmental Safety and Health Officer at Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., breaking barriers means challenging perceptions. “I wanted to show that women can lead in safety, drive change, and inspire others,” she says. One of her most fulfilling achievements was spearheading the Aboitiz Vaccination Program, protecting thousands during the pandemic. “It was a celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and the community coming together,” she reflects. The success of the program, driven largely by women, highlights the power of collaboration and leadership in critical moments.

Driving Operational Excellence

At LIMA Water Corporation, Rizi Rossan Javier has dedicated her career to asset maintenance and project management, ensuring operational efficiency in water infrastructure. “More women are breaking barriers in leadership, engineering, and finance,” she observes. Inspired by a female leader in her career, she highlights the importance of mentorship: “True leadership isn’t just about results—it’s about empowering others to become their best selves.”

Her colleague, Ameelou Dela Cruz, Procurement Supervisor at LIMA Water, credits her mother’s resilience for shaping her career. “Giving your best in everything you do leads to satisfaction and accomplishment,” she believes. Being part of key infrastructure projects, including Enterprise Resource Planning system implementation and the MEZ2 Bulk Water project in Cebu, has been a proud milestone in her journey.

Strength in Leadership

Georgy Riz Lubaton, Associate Manager at Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (operator of Matan-Cebu International Airport or MCIA), has spent over a decade in the aviation industry, witnessing the evolution of women’s roles in leadership. From working in Cebu Pacific Airlines to leading apron safety programs at MCIA, she has defied expectations. “Women of today have proven we are strong, technical, strategic, and intellectually capable of excelling in traditionally male-dominated fields,” she asserts.

Sheryl Bartolome, Vice President – Head of Legal, Sustainability, and Governance at Unity Digital Infrastructure Inc., shares this conviction. “Being a woman is not a hindrance to career progression in the Philippines,” she says. She recalls an early career moment—cross-examining a top official who later commended her expertise—as a defining experience in breaking barriers in law and governance.

Leading the Way Forward

Bernadette Umbac, Supply Chain Manager at Unity Digital, reflects on the evolving role of women in the workforce. “Women now choose career paths that defy traditional expectations, with greater support for work-life balance and leadership opportunities,” she says. For her, mentorship has played a crucial role in her success, emphasizing that growth, not perfection, should always be the goal.

These stories are just a glimpse of the inspiring leadership, resilience, and innovation that define the women of AIC. As they continue to break barriers and lead the way, they prove that the future of infrastructure is not only built on expertise and innovation, but also on the strength, vision, and determination of women who dare to lead.