The fuel industry remains a male-dominated space, with women making up only 22% of the global oil and gas workforce—and only 20% of them reaching senior positions. But Caltex Filipina retailers are rewriting this narrative by taking charge of their fuel businesses and creating opportunities for more women to thrive.
This International Women’s Month, meet the inspiring women who are making waves in the industry and bringing Caltex with Techron clean fuels to motorists across the Philippines:
💡 Melissa Simeon: Leading with Resilience and Results
For Melissa Simeon, joining the fuel industry was an easy choice, thanks to its reputation as a stable and essential business. Inspired by her mother, Melissa put her business acumen to the test by becoming a Caltex Retailer alongside her husband, Jules. Their Marilao, Bulacan site began operations in December 2021, catering to motorists across Central Luzon.
Despite initial challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry, Melissa’s confidence never wavered. Her decades of executive experience in transport and boiler manufacturing gave her the edge to succeed. “I never saw being in a male-dominated industry as a limitation—only as motivation. I overcame this by proving, through leadership and results, that women can thrive in any industry,” she shared.
Melissa credits Caltex for boosting her confidence by providing valuable business insights, networking opportunities, and operational support. “I maximized these opportunities by staying engaged, continuously learning, and ensuring our stations provide the best service possible,” she added.
👩👩👧 Margaret Caballes-Jubane: Carrying on a Legacy of Empowered Women
Margaret Caballes-Jubane comes from a family of empowered Caltex women retailers spanning three generations. It all began in the 1960s when her paternal grandparents, Rufina and Sabiniano Caballes Sr., opened their first Caltex station in Davao City. Her father Wilfredo and mother Thelma Estoque-Caballes continued this legacy by opening their station in 1971, with Thelma eventually becoming a model site dealer and trainer for Caltex retailers in Visayas and Mindanao.
Inspired by her grandmother and mother’s success, Margaret joined the family business and became a Caltex retailer in 2005. “Being exposed to the fuel industry early on made it a lot less intimidating because the focus was always on compliance with global standards and business growth, regardless of gender,” Margaret reflected.
While she observed that women retailers often go under the radar, Margaret believes their natural strengths—such as attention to detail and nurturing leadership—allow them to shine. “Because we lead with heart, we inspire others and create an inclusive space where everyone can shine alongside us,” she added.
🙏 Vicky Alvarez: Trusting Her Instincts and Taking a Leap of Faith
Vicky Alvarez took a bold leap when she became a Caltex retailer. After her family acquired a 2,000 sqm property in Southwoods City during its early development stages in 2011, multiple fuel companies approached her about building the township’s first gas station.
Vicky chose Caltex after numerous discussions with acquisition agent Jeff Enriquez. “It was his determination and Caltex/Chevron’s reputable name that led me and my family to become a Caltex retailer,” she recalled.
Though initially hesitant about entering the male-dominated fuel industry, Vicky overcame her fears through faith and the support of the Caltex brand. “At first, I was nervous, but with my faith in God, I was able to overcome that fear. The Caltex training program was also instrumental in making me feel comfortable entering the industry—it allowed me to meet my peers,” she said.
Over time, Vicky learned to trust her gut instinct, which she believes is a unique and empowering trait among women. “This gut instinct is unique to women, and I believe it helps empower our decision-making in this industry,” she added.
🚀 How Caltex is Paving the Way for Women in the Fuel Industry
Melissa, Margaret, and Vicky all agree that the fuel industry is gradually opening up to women. “Opportunities will always open up for people with the grit and determination to succeed—regardless of gender. We are fortunate to be in a time when the results of our work as women speak for themselves and are duly recognized,” said Margaret.
The three women also expressed gratitude to Caltex for trusting and supporting female entrepreneurs in running retail sites nationwide. “Our business consultants from Caltex are hands-on in showing their support. Regular meetings with them throughout the year helped me feel supported as a woman,” Vicky reflected.
Melissa encouraged more women entrepreneurs to join Caltex’s mission of making clean and quality fuels accessible to Filipinos. “The fuel industry is not just for men—it’s for anyone with the drive to succeed. With Caltex’s support, dedication, and willingness to learn, women can thrive and make a real impact in this business,” she said.
These empowered women are proof that with determination and the right support, women can lead and succeed in any industry.
