(Metro Manila, Philippines) It has been known ever since that becoming a mother is always a difficult task to take on, but one that fulfills a woman. Nonetheless, some people, such as Anne Camille Andria, thinks that having children and pursuing career goals make being a woman more complete. From this, she has fulfilled both her motherly duties and the demands of her work as far as life has taken her.

So as life taught her, Anne believes that there is more to being a woman.

“Hindi ka babae lang…May mga kaya ka pang gawin, dahil tayong mga babae, matatag tayo,” she said.

Anne’s contract under Government Internship Program (GIP) ended in December 2022, but thankfully, at the end of the same month, she learned that she had successfully passed her eagerly anticipated licensure exam.

Despite the completion of her contract, she continued to serve the public out of a desire for doing so and worked for Public Employment Service Office (PESO) on a volunteer basis for almost three months. Anne’s supervisors appreciated her work ethic, which enabled her to ascend to the position of Labor and Employment Officer I in the same office.

Anne is a devoted daughter to her parents and the mother of a 3-year-old child. Her biological mother and stepfather nurtured her while she was a child in Caloocan City, providing for both her academic and basic needs. Because her parents’ supervision is sufficient for her, Anne’s life carried on even without the presence of her biological father.

In 2018, Anne earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a major in technology and livelihood education and had persevered with her studies to pass her licensure exam after graduation.

While getting ready for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), Anne got a teaching job in a private institution in Cavite not only to widen her skills and abilities in the field but to help financially provide for her family.

But then came COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, affecting all the business operations around the country—including Anne’s employer.

Years later, Anne learned about the Government Internship Program (GIP) vacancy at the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in the City Government of Caloocan through one of her close friends.

It never occurred to Anne that she will enter public service but little did she know that her curiosity in the field will one day land her a job.

“Nakakataba po na nakikita ko po na masasaya ‘yung mga beneficiaries sa mga programang naihahatid ng ating pamahalaan. Nakakatuwa po itong klase ng trabaho dahil marami akong nakakasalamuhang ibang tao,” said Anne when asked how she finds the whole GIP experience was for her.

Overall, Anne is a representation of a determined woman who triumphs for both her family and herself.

“Maraming salamat po sa PESO at DOLE. Dahil po sa ganitong oportunidad, nabibigyan ang kabataan ng experience sa set-up ng trabaho. Dito rin naipapamalas ang aming mga abilidad. Sa panahon ngayon, mahirap mag-apply at maghanap ng trabaho, kaya nagpapasalamat po ako at isa ako sa mga nabigyan ng chance.”

The DOLE GIP, a component of KABATAAN 2000 under Executive Order no. 139 s. 1993, and DOLE Administrative Order No. 260-15, provides opportunities for young workers to demonstrate their talents and skills in the field of public service.

END / Mary Jane Murillo and Jalen Lewis Boco