For public servants, when did you know you wanted to work in the government?

Back in college, one of our professors told us that if we wanted to change the system, we had to be part of it, to work from within, with passion and a genuine commitment to serve the people. It was a simple idea, but it stayed with me long after that class ended. Over time, it quietly shaped how I saw my future. That was when I realized I wanted to work in government. I didn’t have a clear role in mind, and maybe I still don’t, but I’ve come to understand that what matters most to me is the sector I choose to serve, more than the title I hold.

After graduating, I applied to several government agencies until I learned about an opening for a PDO with no required work experience. I applied without high expectations and was surprised to be selected. Walang backer at tanging lakas lang ng loob. Later on, I learned that I had ranked third among the applicants. Somehow, things fell into place—the top two candidates withdrew, and the opportunity found its way to me.

It is a technical position where I was exposed to policy and legislative work within the executive branch of government. We were tasked to prepare position papers on proposed bills filed in Congress, draft opinions on public queries related to our agency’s mandate, and attend legislative meetings, hearings, and consultative meetings. I was fortunate that my co-workers were also passionate about their work. It was also during this time that I realized how knowledgeable government officials and personnel are—most of them are true experts in their respective fields.

Ang babata pa ng mga co-workers ko sa team (early and late 20s). Even our directors, nakikita ko kung gaano sila kahigpit sa mga output na lumalabas sa aming opisina. Dapat malinaw at sumusunod sa 3-7-20 working days rule. Makikita mo talaga yung dedikasyon nilang mapabuti yung bansa at mapatupad ng maayos ang mandato ng aming ahensya.

Kaya hanggang ngayon, naniniwala pa rin ako na mayroon pag-asa kung lahat ng tao sa gobyerno ay tunay na lingkod-bayan.