Women Builds: DATEM honors women empowerment in the workplace

DATEM takes pride in the role of its female employees in delivering sturdy and quality projects and contributing to its reputation as a trusted builder in the construction industry.

Frodalyn Landicho-Magnaye started as a rebar engineer in 2015 and admittedly struggled when she was starting in the position, but she took on the challenge of working in construction.

Frodalyn Magnaye started as Rebar Engineer in DATEM in 2015 and eventually become the Rebar Section Head leading a team that provides strong hold in every structure constructed. DATEM bridges the gap for women seeking employment opportunities in construction industry.

“At first, it was hard for me to come up with drawings since I only knew the basic commands in AutoCAD back then. Also, I got overwhelmed by facing challenging responsibilities such as regular site inspections and shop drawing submittals, but I try to find the good in every endeavor even if it’s hard in the industry we are in, and I always pray.” Magnaye looked back. 

 Guided by a positive mindset and advice from her mentors at work, Magnaye strived and now, as Rebar Section Head, she is hands-on in providing appropriate measurements that will give a strong hold on every building project. 

“I experienced being compared to male colleagues however I don’t mind it. As a leader, I am calm and focused in delivering my work and gearing myself to be part of the solution. I believe that applying soft skills approach enables my team to interact conveniently and work with others seamlessly,” Magnaye shared. 

It is also a tough but rewarding journey for Leneth Escullar, Commercial and Cost Management Department Head, who has worked at DATEM for 16 years.  

For her, it is good to be in a workplace whose values are aligned with hers and whose impacts resonate with all employees. 

“Working in DATEM instilled in me the desire to work dedicatedly with compassion for the people we are working with. Learn to walk away from situations that deviate from the values you uphold and always be humble,” she added. 

Landicho and Escullar are just two of DATEM’s female leaders who shape the company and provide unrelenting service to developers and partners in the name of nation-building. 

At present, DATEM employs a total of 212 female employees assigned to its office, project sites, and yards. 

Of these female employees, 129, or more than half, are assigned to the planning and construction of projects at the sites, a working environment commonly dominated by men. Five (5) of these are project managers leading the construction of buildings and projects, and 23 lead departments and belong to the management and executive committees.

DATEM commits to an inclusive workplace where every employee can foster the skills they need to develop and strive in the industry they pursue.

“The sense of trust is not only manifested in the service we provide but also in how we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee can develop and secure growth. We strive to bridge the gap for women seeking employment opportunities in a commonly perceived as male-dominated industry and make them empowered as they work in the name of building sustainable excellence,” says Erl Carating, DATEM Human Resources and Administration Division Head.  

Guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8)—Decent Work and Economic Growth, DATEM ensures to implement programs and work environments that prevent incidents of discrimination against an employee or applicant in terms of gender, race, religion, or cultural affiliation. 

ADVT.