Meet our new AO: Marielle Eugenio

Meet our new Admistrative Officer, Marielle Eugenio as she talks about her background and interests in this spotlight article.

1. Can you tell us more about your background?

I was born in Manila, raised in Muntinlupa, and later moved to San Pedro, Laguna. As an only child raised by a working single mother, I became independent and responsible at an early age. I am currently a wife and a mother to our 3-year-old son. After graduating, I took and passed the Civil Service Exam, and I began my career in the private sector before transitioning into government service. These experiences have strengthened my adaptability and ability to work well with different kinds of people. Overall, my background has shaped me to be disciplined, resilient, and committed to continuous growth.

2. What are your current interests or what is something that you wish to work on as an Administrative Officer (AO)?

Outside of work, I value spending quality time with my little family, especially my son. It helps me stay grounded, motivated, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. As an Administrative Officer naman, I aim to lead and contribute to an office environment that is professional and collaborative. I want to help build a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and able to perform at their best. I also recognize that I still have a lot to learn, and I see myself as a work in progress, always. I’m committed to continuous improvement, applying what I already know, and always doing my work with integrity and accountability. As a public servant, I believe that it is really important.

3. What are some of the highlights of your current experience being an AO at the Department thus far and what do you look forward to?

Being an Administrative Officer at the Department of Linguistics has been a very positive experience for me so far. I feel comfortable in the office, and I genuinely enjoy being part of the team. I’ve taken the initiative to explore the department’s website to learn more about its functions and people. The guidance of our Chair has also been very valuable, as it has helped me better understand how the office operates. In terms of administrative work, I’ve been able to adjust well since I already have some familiarity with the processes. However, I recognize that there is still more for me to learn to fully manage the office effectively. It also helps that I previously worked in an academic unit, where I became familiar with similar systems and processes. Moving forward, I also aim to learn a new language through the department.

4. What is something that you enjoy during your leisure time?

As someone who wears multiple hats — a mother, wife, daughter, friend, and employee — I value having quiet moments to myself to reflect and appreciate life as it is. While I also enjoy watching movies/series, listening to podcasts, and reading books, most of the time I prefer to simply sit down, relax, and recharge on my own.

5. Finally, do you have anything else you would like to share?

Honestly, I was surprised by this interview, as I never imagined being featured. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity, especially for my new role, the office, and the colleagues I now work with. I’m very happy to be part of the department, and I already consider it a second home. I look forward to continuing to work with such great people and learning from them. I am committed to providing quality service and contributing to a positive workplace environment. I also strongly believe that transparency and accountability are essential values that all government employees should uphold in their work. Above all, I give thanks to God for everything, as He continues to guide and protect me.