InLife: Women’s leadership for good

In Philippine society, the strength of women is not learned. It is inherited. Long before colonization, our culture viewed women and men as equals. Babaylans, datus, queens, princesses, mothers, and daughters shaped our communities. Even when patriarchy arrived, the Filipino family remained firmly matriarchal. Women have always been at the heart of who we are.

At InLife, the resurgence of this “Pinay Power” reached a defining moment when Nina Aguas assumed the helm as executive chair. Nina has long exemplified the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of the Filipina. In every chapter of her high-charged corporate journey—culminating in her leadership of InLife—she has shown, beyond question, that women lead with both strength and vision.

Yet what makes her story even more compelling is how she has balanced this demanding career with the equally profound calling of managing a home and raising children. She has shown that success is not confined to one’s career; it is also reflected in the quiet triumphs of motherhood, the discipline of nurturing a spiritually oriented family, and the grace of creating harmony between work and life. Her life shows that success can thrive in both the boardroom and the household. With heart, purpose, and unwavering resolve, a woman can lead at the highest levels while keeping her family at the center of her world.

At InLife’s 115th anniversary celebration at the Shangri-La The Fort on Nov. 25, 2025, Nina addressed a distinguished full house audience with a message that captured both history and hope:

“One hundred and fifteen years. When you sit in this chair, you feel the weight of that number in a particular way. It is not only a milestone in our corporate life. It is the story of lives lived with purpose. Because of you, this institution did more than survive. It mattered.”

Her tenure reshaped the composition of leadership at InLife. Women now hold four of nine board seats. In our management committee, 13 of 23 leaders are women. Here, glass ceilings do not simply crack—they do not exist. At InLife, merit is earned through performance, not by gender.

Women’s empowerment at InLife is a shared value embedded in our systems, leadership, and everyday decisions. In our daily operations, women comprise 61 percent of our employees. Our human resources team ensures inclusivity through strong antibullying, antidiscrimination, and antisexual harassment protocols. These help ensure that empowerment is grounded in safety and dignity. Flexible work arrangements support working mothers. Nursing stations and support groups foster belonging. These commitments have earned us recognition from HR Asia, affirming that women’s empowerment at InLife is practiced, not proclaimed.

Our agency force reflects the same story. Women make up 70 percent of our agency population, of which 72 percent are financial advisors and 59 percent are agency leaders. They are builders of businesses, advocates of protection, and partners in nation-building.

Our impact goes beyond our walls. Our multi-awarded Sheroes program has touched the lives of 11.3 million Filipinas. Sheroes equips women with financial education, health literacy, entrepreneurial opportunities, and protection solutions, such as SheCares and Entrepinay. Empowered women transform their families’ financial futures.

The InLife Foundation reaches marginalized women. We help victims of violence regain confidence through job readiness programs. We offer training on baking, wellness, financial literacy, data analytics, and artificial intelligence so they can earn from home. Our Data Science Scholarship has already produced 78 Filipina graduates, many now earning triple their previous income. Every initiative is anchored on giving women access to opportunities that change lives.

Our advocacy for women is part of our commitment to sustainability. InLife’s environmental, social, and governance sustainability division helps integrate sustainability across the company. Women’s empowerment is a pillar of responsible, future-ready governance.

Our promise of “A Lifetime for Good” is not just a tagline; it is a cherished mission. When we empower women, we strengthen families, uplift communities, and help build a more inclusive Philippine future.

For 115 years, we have remained faithful to this promise. And as we enter our 116th year, and future-proofing InLife, we all share in Nina’s vision that “the century ahead be even more worthy of the trust that built the first.”

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Noel Andres M. Perdigon is InLife’s SVP-chief sustainability officer. He was formerly InLife’s CISO, DPO, and CRO. His global career spanned 39 years. InLife is the Philippines’ first and largest Filipino life insurance company. With 56 offices nationwide and an expanding digital footprint, InLife delivers financial protection driven by its enduring promise of “A Lifetime for Good.” For details, visit inlife.com.ph

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Women Who Lead is an initiative of PhilWEN.