“It’s been so surreal.”

This was the remark of Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela Remigio, presidential assistant for Northern Luzon, when asked what it was like working with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, during the Girls Talk with PIA (Philippine Information Agency): A Conversation on Women Empowerment and Individuality online series on March 8.

For the past year, Remigio has been going around northern Luzon with the end goal of bringing Malacañang closer to northerners.

She has met governors of Luzon provinces, town and city mayors, regional directors and heads of agencies of national government agencies to listen to their concerns and forge  meaningful partnerships.

With dedication and commitment of realizing Marcos Jr’s vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas,” Remigio ensured she was actively involved in policy initiatives and social events for her to hear and know the situation on the ground which in turn, provided and extended her office’s assistance.

“I have met highly-accomplished individuals who have greatly affected how we are able to do our work. Not just in our work but also in our personal life,” Remigio recounted.

She is in awe of the power and passion of female elected officials such as Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David of La Union and Gov. Marilou Cayco of Batanes to lead their constituents.

“We need more women leaders. It’s different when women take the lead,” said Remigio.

Even when her work is mostly behind-the-scenes and not in the forefront, the assistant secretary takes it as a great responsibility to deliver the best service to the Filipino people.

“The Philippine government has been supportive of all the initiatives to support women and just the same, it’s a great responsibility as an individual who has always just stays behind the scenes and then you’re at the forefront. And you have to prove yourself capable of fulfilling of your tasks not just as a woman but also as an Ilokano,” added Remigio.

With her background in leading a non-government organization for women called the Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte, it became her guide as she took the lead in advancing the programs and services of the present administration in Luzon.

She has also shared how the president would remind her to “slow down” from all the numerous works that OPANL does.

“He did say to slow down but how can we? He is far more hardworking than any of us combined. He serves as an inspiration. He looks after his people. His collective vision for Bagong Pilipinas is something that we would like to aspire and achieve,” Remigio recalled.

With all her attempts to slow down, the assistant secretary makes sure she has time to take care of her health and balance her time with her family.

She shares some tips for working mothers like her by seeking God’s guidance before the day starts, keeping a heart of humility, and continuing to learn and improve her craft.

Asec. Ana advises women leaders not to disregard or hold back leadership as this is a calling.

“If you have that opportunity do not disregard this calling. You must listen to this calling and when you feel that there is this calling, you have to improve yourself and make yourself more fit for the job,” said Remigio.

No matter how small or big a job is, Asec. Ana says to seize every opportunity and make their impact known to the whole world. (MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)