For years, the energy industry has mostly been a man’s world. But at Alsons Power, things are changing — and women are redefining the field.
For years, the energy industry has mostly been a man’s world. But at Alsons Power, things are changing — and women are redefining the field.
At the heart of this transformation are three remarkable women from the Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) power plant in Maasim, Sarangani. Meet our power buddies Fritz Asuero, Kimberly Gaturian, and Charmaine Joyce Maningo — engineers, leaders, and role models. They’re not just breaking stereotypes; they’re helping to build a future where skill, heart, and determination matter more than gender.
Breaking barriers, embracing innovation, and empowering future generations—Alsons Power’s female Power Buddies Fritz Asuero, Kimberly Gaturian, and Charmaine Joyce Maningo are reshaping the role of women in the energy sector.
Defying Stereotypes
Knowing how tough it can be for women in the energy sector, Kimberly Gaturian, a Distributed Control System (DCS) Engineer at SEC, shows that women can definitely make their mark and succeed in the power industry.
“I don’t have to compete with anyone in this male-dominated field; I just have to compete with myself and be the best version of me,” she affirms.
As an engineer, Kimberly helps ensure the smooth operation of the plant through advanced technology and smart systems. One of her proudest achievements is the wall seal blower changeover process, which has significantly improved plant safety and even influenced the design of SEC Unit 2.
Engineer Fritz Asuero, in charge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC), knows what it’s like to be underestimated. People often assume women take longer to master engineering. But for Fritz, that only lights a fire within. “It’s not about being a man or a woman. It’s about passion and hard work.” Rather than letting this bias hold her back, she uses it as fuel to prove her skills, problem-solving abilities, and fresh perspectives in the workplace.
Currently, Fritz plays a key role in implementing Energy Management System, optimizing electricity use, and advancing sustainability efforts to further enhance the plant’s operational efficiency.
Then there’s Engineer Charmaine Joyce Maningo, a proud Maguindanaon who began her journey as a Project Control Engineer in 2014. Over the years, she took on bigger responsibilities — from managing warranties and saving the company significant costs, to overseeing the final acceptance of the plant’s Unit 1 and handling the warranty process for Unit 2 until 2021. She has since become a Juris Doctor and now serves as Regulatory Compliance Supervisor. Her combination of engineering and legal expertise is rare — and powerful.
“Alsons Power has a strong work culture that values expertise and fosters an inclusive space for women. Your success in the company is not defined by gender but by competence and determination,” Charmaine shared.
A Culture That Empowers, Not Just Employs
At Alsons Power, women are not just making their mark; they are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel. Through equal opportunities, mentorship, and a culture that values talent over gender, the company fosters a supportive workplace where women can thrive and contribute to shaping the future of energy.
“The plant may still be male-dominated, but the women here are among the best in their fields because we are valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to excel,” said Fritz.
Kimberly believes that Alsons Power enables women to leverage their unique strengths in engineering, particularly in driving innovation and advancing sustainability. “We may not be the ones physically hauling motors from the field to the workshop, but we have been trusted to develop an effective maintenance plan to prevent the need for removal in the first place. We can design automated controls to drive valves, reducing the need for manual labor,” she explains.
Women bring unique strengths to the industry — attention to detail, empathy, multi-tasking, and strategic thinking. And Alsons Power gives them space to shine.
Powering A More Inclusive Future
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the role of women becomes increasingly vital. Alsons Power celebrates their contributions through a culture rooted in care, inclusion, and equal opportunity—true to the Group’s brand promise: We Power with Care.
The Group is committed to building an environment where women can lead, thrive, and flourish—because at Alsons Power, the future isn’t just powered by energy, it’s powered by people.
