In the male-dominated world of Philippine construction, one woman stands tall—literally shaping skylines, airports, and industrial zones with grit, vision, and quiet resilience. Alice Eduardo, founder and president of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation, has turned what was once a small venture into one of the most formidable construction firms in the country.
From Modest Beginnings to Mega Projects
Founded in 1995, Sta. Elena started with foundation works—literally laying the groundwork for the nation’s biggest structures. Eduardo’s determination quickly pushed the company beyond the niche of piling and foundation services. Today, Sta. Elena has grown into a full-fledged engineering and construction powerhouse, handling projects from expressways and power plants to iconic commercial developments.
Among its landmark works are the SM Mall of Asia Arena foundations, NAIA Expressway, and various industrial facilities for multinational companies. Sta. Elena is also a trusted contractor for major conglomerates like Ayala, SM, San Miguel, and Meralco.
A Woman at the Helm
Breaking barriers in a sector dominated by men was not easy. “In the beginning, I had to prove myself twice as hard,” Eduardo has said in past interviews. Her leadership style—firm yet collaborative—earned the trust of both clients and engineers on the ground.
Her persistence established Sta. Elena as a reliable partner known for precision, speed, and integrity, traits that continue to attract top-tier contracts. Eduardo’s ability to balance the technical rigor of construction with the financial discipline of business management became the company’s winning formula.
Resilience as Foundation
Sta. Elena’s rise has not been without challenges. From the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997 to the global slowdown in 2008, Eduardo steered her company through economic turbulence with cautious optimism and long-term planning.
When the pandemic halted construction sites nationwide, Sta. Elena pivoted to ensure worker safety while keeping projects moving where possible. This resilience further strengthened its reputation as a contractor that delivers, regardless of circumstance.
Building with Purpose
For Eduardo, business success is intertwined with social responsibility. Through her foundation, she funds housing projects, medical missions, and scholarships. She has also been a key supporter of PGH (Philippine General Hospital), helping finance critical care units.
“Construction isn’t just about buildings—it’s about building lives,” she often emphasizes.
Sta. Elena’s Competitive Edge
What makes Sta. Elena stand out in a crowded industry is its ability to provide end-to-end solutions: from deep foundation and engineering design to construction management and project delivery. Backed by state-of-the-art equipment and a highly trained workforce, the company prides itself on consistently meeting tight deadlines without compromising safety or quality.
With infrastructure spending continuing under the government’s Build Better More program and private developers expanding aggressively, Sta. Elena is positioned for even greater growth in the coming years.
The Legacy Alice Eduardo is Building
Alice Eduardo is more than just the “Woman of Steel,” as the business press calls her. She has built Sta. Elena into an industry leader while redefining what women can achieve in construction.
Her journey is proof that even in industries bound by tradition and stereotypes, innovation and perseverance can rewrite the rules.
As Eduardo herself puts it: “We don’t just lay foundations—we build the future.”
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