Mariano Marcos
State University

Straight Direct Talk 2.0: Ethanol producer exec discusses women’s role in renewable energy

By Wimbledon Bosque

Engr. Queenie Rojo, Executive Director of the Ethanol Producers Association of the Philippines (EPAP), discussed the vital role of women in driving the future of renewable energy during the second season of 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 held on March 26 at Mariano Marcos State University’s (MMSU) National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC).

As a catalyst for countryside development and climate change mitigation, she shared EPAP’s continuing efforts as a 12-member association to advance fuel ethanol production while ensuring sustainable and profitable outcomes for farmers. 

With extensive experience in the renewables and environmental sector, including sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, feasibility studies, biomass, and event management, Engr. Rojo has been a consistent advocate for women’s participation in the engineering field.

In her discourse, she elaborated on the impact of women in renewable energy, particularly in decision-making, rural development, and sustainable consumption. She also outlined persistent barriers among women, such as gaps in technical skills, cultural and social norms, and limited access to financing, encouraging the women students to claim their space in these areas.

“Women are not just beneficiaries; they are essential agents of change in the energy transition,” she said.

Representing MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., Vice President for Administration and Finance Fides Bernardo Bitanga acknowledged the significant presence of women in the university workforce. “I am glad to be surrounded by women. In many workplaces, including MMSU, women make up a significant portion of the community. You have the numbers, and more importantly, the capacity to help shape the future and become agents of real transformation,” he said.

Meanwhile, NBERIC Director James Paul Madigal expressed his appreciation to Engr. Rojo for accepting the invitation and acknowledged the expanding role of women in the renewable energy sector. “Conversations like this affirm that women are not just participants in the renewable energy movement; they are leaders and innovators,” he said.

Vice President for Resource Generation and Management Bjorn Santos was also present. He praised the women participants and expressed the importance of strengthening faculty-student research collaborations, particularly in emerging and enabling technologies.

Gender and Development Director Nataliza Llapitan thanked Engr. Rojo for highlighting opportunities for women in engineering-related fields and encouraged female students to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated industries. “Let us not hold back. Magsilbi tayong liwanag sa mundo,” she said.

Participated in by sociology and engineering women students, the activity forms part of NBERIC’s continuing initiative to promote inclusive dialogue on renewable energy and strengthen awareness of gender-responsive practices in the sector.