Meet engineers Fritz Asuero, Kimberly Gaturian, and Charmaine Joyce Maningo — trailblazers who are breaking gender barriers and redefining what leadership in energy looks like.
Breaking barriers with skill and grit
Gaturian, a Distributed Control System (DCS) Engineer, is one of the driving forces behind SEC’s efficient operations. Far from being intimidated by the male-dominated environment, she embraces the challenge.
“I don’t have to compete with anyone in this field; I just have to compete with myself and be the best version of me,” she shares.
Her proudest contribution? The wall seal blower changeover process — a critical safety improvement that has influenced the design of SEC Unit 2. Through her expertise in smart systems, Gaturian plays a key role in ensuring the plant runs safely and efficiently.
Asuero, who handles Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC), also knows what it’s like to be underestimated. “It’s not about being a man or a woman. It’s about passion and hard work,” she asserts.
Her technical skills and innovative mindset have been instrumental in implementing SEC’s Energy Management System, enhancing energy efficiency, and supporting sustainability initiatives.
Maningo, a proud Maguindanaon, began as a Project Control Engineer in 2014 and steadily rose through the ranks. She managed the final acceptance of Unit 1, oversaw warranty processes for Unit 2, and later transitioned into law, earning her Juris Doctor degree.
Today, she serves as the plant’s regulatory compliance supervisor — a rare and powerful combination of engineering and legal expertise.
“Alsons Power has a strong work culture that values expertise and fosters an inclusive space for women,” she says.
A culture that lifts women up
At Alsons Power, inclusion is more than a buzzword — it’s a lived reality. The company actively cultivates a culture that rewards competence, encourages innovation, and provides equal opportunities for men and women alike.
“We may not be the ones physically hauling motors, but we design systems that reduce the need for manual work,” Gaturian explains. The company empowers women to use their strengths in strategic thinking, empathy, and technical problem-solving to drive change.
Asuero adds, “The plant may still be male-dominated, but the women here are among the best in their fields because we are valued and respected.”
Building a future powered by people
As the industry evolves, so does the importance of inclusivity. Alsons Power is committed to a future where leadership is defined not by gender but by grit, expertise, and compassion.
True to its brand promise, “We Power with Care,” the company is building a world where energy isn’t just about electricity — it’s about empowering people. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
