DOLE employee started as a GIP, now a lawyer

Gladys Myr V. Espiga graduated as Juris Doctor at Misamis University, Ozamiz City on July 20, 2021 (Photo Source: Gladys Myr V. Espiga)

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9 is what Gladys Myr Espiga takes with her day-to-day endeavor to become a lawyer.

Espiga started working at the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office X (DOLE-X) as an intern through the Government Internship Program (GIP) on June 15, 2015 after working in a private corporation when she realized that public service was her calling.

She was then absorbed as a Job Order Employee after completing the six-month program. While following her aspiration of becoming a lawyer, Espiga enrolled as a Juris Doctor at Misamis University in Ozamiz City.

Proving enthusiasm in the government service, Espiga was hired as Labor and Employment Officer I (LEO I) on September 25, 2017 then got promoted on January 3, 2019 as Labor and Employment Officer II (LEO II).

Throughout Espiga’s employment, she was exposed to different programs of the Department and was able to gauge a good balance between labor and management relations. Assimilating the concerns and plight of the workers, she realized that she can help through the practice of fair treatment.

Her opportunity to work under the GIP was a perfect timing for her. She took it as her first step in advancing her career in government service.

“I started as just an intern and becoming what I wanted to be is all that I still cannot imagine at this time. At first, I merely wanted to realize the dream of my father, which along the way, I came to realize that becoming a lawyer indeed makes me proud, satisfied, and fulfilled. I’d like to help those people who seem to get lost in our justice system. The journey was not easy but was all worthwhile," she shared.

Espiga's coworkers describe her as a natural leader who frequently takes the lead and manages things through her own initiative. She is capable of exercising critical thinking and rational reasoning. She is also a quick learner and works well under pressure.

Not only was her career thriving, Espiga recently married her co-employee a month before the Bar Examinations 2022 was released. It is believed that her beginnings are in DOLE and all best is yet to come in her personal life and work life in the Department.

"I am beyond grateful to this office," she remarked. This has been my journey and it has shaped me into the person that I am today. As a way of giving back, I pledge to serve the public with utmost diligence and renewed devotion. I choose to be here in the Department because if not for my work, my career and personal life would not have been as bright and promising as it is today. Thank you DOLE, unto you I am forever grateful.” (LMR/DOLE MisOcc/PIA-MisOcc)

Gladys Myr V. Espiga (left) and former Labor Inspector of DOLE-X Misamis Occidental, Lei Garette Miraflor (right). Espiga as GIP doing the documentation during the Job Fair for the year 2015 conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment in partnership with PESO Oroquieta at the Provincial Farmers Cultural Center, Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental (Photo Source: DOLE-X Mis. Occ. PFO)