The Power to Be You: Embracing Authenticity at AboitizPower
What does it mean to bring your whole self to work—especially when your identity challenges long-standing industry norms?
When Yanyan Manzon, an AboitizPower Land Solutions Specialist, sat down for an interview, she shared a personal experience as a transwoman who had undergone sex reassignment surgery.
“When I don’t have to mask parts of who I am, I can focus more fully on my responsibilities and bring my best ideas forward.”
In a male-dominated industry like electric power, her decision to be fully transparent was an act of quiet courage. Regardless of her identity, Yanyan was hired by AboitizPower because of her capabilities.
AboitizPower’s formal journey in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) began in 2019, sparked by a small but passionate legal team. From monthly employee stories and Pride forums to Safe Spaces Act learning sessions, DEIB gained traction quickly.
In 2021, the company expanded HMO coverage to include same-sex and common-law partners, offering equal benefits to employees regardless of marital status.
By 2023, with over 3,000 employees, AboitizPower adopted its first official DEIB policy, reinforced by partnerships with groups like the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE).
Everyday inclusion took shape through internal campaigns like #EverydayPrideDay, new hire forms with preferred pronouns, and content delivered in local dialects.
In June 2023, AboitizPower joined the Philippine Pride March for the first time, taking the company’s values beyond its offices and into the streets.
These efforts validate a March 2025 study published in Current Psychology, which found that organizational trust significantly influences employee pride and performance. This suggests that when employees perceive their workplace as authentic and values-driven, they are more likely to feel engaged, committed, and empowered to perform at their best.
Pride in the Control Room
For John Alekhine Dionisio, Assistant Control Room Operator at GNPower Dinginin in Mariveles, Bataan, being openly gay in a traditionally masculine environment might have once felt risky. But not here.
His team leaders, Eric and Luis, don’t just treat him professionally—they connect with genuine interest. “We talk about my personal life,” he shared, smiling. “Masarap maging bakla sa trabaho.” (It feels good to be gay at work.)
He never even had to formally come out, as acceptance is simply part of the culture. His colleagues even consult him on SOGIE—sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Meanwhile, in Davao, April Gonzales, a proud lesbian and Control Room Engineer at Therma South, Inc., has built a nearly nine-year career with AboitizPower—finding love along the way. April’s partner works in the chemical laboratory, and their relationship has never been hidden or judged.
“From day one, it felt like home. I wasn’t treated any differently,” April said. “Because I’m accepted for who I am, I’ve gained the confidence to go beyond what’s expected of me.”
She’s been promoted twice and continues to thrive. “They don’t look at who you are—they look at what you’re capable of.”
Journey of Transition and Belonging
Justin Alec Rama, Vendor Accreditation and Performance Management Specialist at Therma Marine, Inc., began her gender transition later in life as a young adult. At AboitizPower, she didn’t just find a job—she found a place where she could truly be herself.
One moment stood out early on. At the office, unsure of which restroom to use, she was gently and firmly guided by Ate Sheila, a housekeeping staff member: “Huwag ka sa panlalaki mag-CR… doon ka sa girls na CR.” (Don’t use the men’s restroom… use the women’s instead.) That quiet affirmation told her she was seen and accepted.
Her supply chain team goes the extra mile by pairing her with female colleagues during work trips, checking on her well-being, and supporting her through the ups and downs of transition.
“The support makes me strive to perform well,” Justin explained, adding that she is never made to feel less and, amidst stress, is even encouraged to rest, recover, and return stronger.
At the same time, Yanyan Manzon, now thriving at Therma Visayas, Inc. in Cebu, proves that authenticity can exist even in traditionally male-dominated spaces. As the company’s first transwoman employee to undergo sex reassignment surgery, she blazed a trail just by being honest from day one.
“Pride Month is not just a celebration. It’s a protest for collective well-being,” she said.
Despite initial doubts about whether a “man’s world” would accept her, she found a culture grounded in respect. “My queries and opinions are always acknowledged.”
John’s joyful candor, April’s steady confidence, Justin’s brave transformation, and Yanyan’s quiet revolution show that when people feel safe to be themselves, they perform better, live better, and lead with purpose.