Reycel Villas is a beneficiary of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Government Internship Program (GIP).

She was raised in an affectionate home by her merchandiser father and housewife mother, as their only child. Reycel graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from college in 2014, after which she applied for various positions around the city to pursue her aspirations.

With the support of DOLE’s GIP program, she has been able to gain valuable experience that will help shape her future career path.

With the energy and enthusiasm of a fresh graduate, she had high hopes for getting call backs from employers. Unfortunately, none came. This was a harsh reality check but it did not deter her from pursuing her dreams. She knew what she wanted to achieve for herself and her family and was determined enough to make it happen. It has been an ongoing journey of self-discovery as she strives to use all of her abilities in order to reach success.

GIP opened the door to an unexpected journey when she decided to apply for the program, despite her initial hesitation. She was assigned as an intern at the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in Isabela City and had a chance to learn more about government service while developing her skills through seminars and training. It was also an opportunity for her to demonstrate what she is capable of and make use of these capabilities in meaningful ways.

Following the conclusion of her internship contract, she was asked to stay on as a volunteer. After several months, she earned job order status and eventually gained permanent employment with the Local Government Unit of Isabela as a Labor Employment Officer in the PESO after two years.

Her story is a testament to the fact that rejections can often be blessings in disguise. She had to endure difficult times, but her hard work and perseverance paid off, allowing her to become self-sufficient and help both her family financially as well as contribute meaningfully towards achieving greater goals at the office.

To this day she remains an integral part of the organization, always ready and willing to serve with humility despite having come from humble beginnings with a promising future ahead. END/With reports from PESO Isabela City and DOLE ICFO