Diwata-Women in Resource Development Inc. (Diwata Inc.) successfully held the inaugural session of its new mentoring series, "Network to the Next Level," in partnership with Raniag Minera of OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. The event, held at the historic Hill Station, Casa Vallejo, in Baguio City, gathered female leaders, mining professionals, and students from the Philippine extractives industry.
The session featured keynote discussions on navigating male-dominated industries, led by Ms. Tanya Cambetis, Didipio Mine’s Business Optimization Manager, and Engr. Rodalee Ofiaza, Diwata's 2025–26 President. Speakers shared practical strategies for professional advancement and advocated for creating more leadership opportunities for women within the sector.
“The pathway for women into leadership positions is not as clearly defined as it is for men,” said Tanya. “The ‘glass ceiling’ concept is still very much alive and something we must all collaboratively work on. What is the best way to ensure that we are identifying, developing, and providing the skills and tools needed for effective leadership to the women in our businesses?"
"Days like today are a great first step toward having these discussions and allowing us to share and reflect on the perspectives of others. Just because our own individual journeys and experiences have not looked like someone else's does not diminish those experienced by another individual. Growth is about understanding and validating other people's stories and working together to forge our path forward," she added.
Diwata’s Network to the Next Level initiates an ongoing series dedicated to the professional advancement of women within the Philippine extractives industry. Diwata President Engr. Rodalee Ofiaza said, "Network to the Next Level is designed to empower women in the resource development sector by providing practical mentorship and fostering meaningful connections. We are pleased with the turnout for this pilot session and are grateful for the support of our partners and distinguished guests.”
Event attendees included professionals from the Swedish Embassy, Canadian Embassy, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company, OceanaGold Philippines, Inc., SGV & Co., Ausenco, Mt. Camisong, Delta Earthmoving, Inc., the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Baguio City Mayor’s Office, NCIP, ERIEZ, OPAPRU, Project Faura, Supreme Elite, SLU Mining Engineering Society, and the Philippine Youth Association for Responsible Mining and Natural Resources (YAMAN PH).
This activity was likewise supported by Diwata Chairperson Ambassador Delia Domingo-Albert; Sweden's Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Anna Ferry; Counsellor and Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada to the Philippines, Ms. Eleonore Christiane Rupprecht; Executive Director, Office for Peace Sustainability – Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), ASec. Susana Guadalupe Marcaida; Office of Mayor Magalong, represented by Engr. Leandro M. Tabilog, Executive Assistant III; NCIP CAR, represented by Ms. Marissa T. Labintas, Administrative Aide VI; and Mt. Camisong Property Chairman, Ms. Ludette Querubin.
Diwata-Women in Resource Development Inc. is an organization dedicated to the professional advancement of women in the mining, oil and gas, and energy sectors in the Philippines. It provides a platform for networking, mentorship, and advocacy to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the industry.
