“Hindi ko hinayaan na malubog ako sa depression, nagsumikap ako habang nagt-trabaho. At sa awa ng Diyos ako ngayon ay isa nang lisensyadong Civil Engineer, (I did not allow my myself to fall into depression, I persevered while working. With God’s grace, I am now a licensed Civil Engineer),” are the succinctly stirring words of DOLE-Apayao Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiary and recent board passer Queenie Jhane Blanco Remedios of Turod, Luna, Apayao.

Newly licensed civil engineer Remedios recounts the journey from her graduation to the challenges she overcame with the help of her internship under the Department of Labor and Employment – Apayao Field Office. She mentioned how her internship experience motivated her to successfully retake the Licensure Examination for Civil Engineers last April 2023.

Going back, the 23 year-old intern’s less-than-successful attempt in the board exam after graduation was acceptable, but failing the second after enrolling at a review center caused frustration and disappointment to slowly creep in. “Sobrang nalungkot po ako dati, pero nangako ako na mag-focus sa pag-review para maging proud ang pamilya ko (I was deeply saddened before, but I promised to focus on my review so that my family will be proud)”, added Engr. Remedios.

To reel from her recent board examination attempts, she began her government internship stint from February 16, 2023, when she was accepted and detailed at the Office of the Congressman of Luna, Apayao.

She recalls how working as a GIP revitalized her mental and financial state. It also served as an impetus for her to further persevere by studying during work breaks and even after office hours. She maximized her learnings with public servants who surround their workplace.

Engr. Remedios stated that she is among those who were academically affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing her and those similarly situated to have online sessions instead of actual field immersion. This also compelled her to do additional research and studies outside regular school hours.

She mentioned that she draws her inspiration from her very industrious parents who both worked as a farmer and laborer. She said that it is a huge accomplishment to graduate from the Northwestern University in Laoag City, surpassing financial difficulties being the fifth and youngest child in their family.

Continuing her internship after passing her licensure examination, Queenie Jhane expressed her gratitude to the Department of Labor and Employment for the invaluable opportunity to be engaged as an intern, attain professional experience, and to be of service to her fellow Iyapayaos. Engr. Queenie Jhane stays steadily rooted with all her learnings as an government intern and proudly looks forward to the doors opened for her future career.

She encourages her fellow aspiring professionals to follow their aspirations, find their inspiration, and work with dedication. She also encourages her fellow youth to avail of the Government Internship Program to enhance their academic learnings with real-world work experience.

Congratulations, Engr. Queenie Jhane B. Remedios!

end//Daryll B. Ponard with initial report from Apayao Field Office
LEO III – LIO Designate

Assistant editor: Kezialeya P. Costales
TUPAD Coordinator