Best in both Worlds

In making breakthroughs as a model and now as a public servant, how does Margarita "Marge" Gutierrez make everything seem like a strut in the park?

- LAURD SALEN

The modeling world and the public sector are equally cutthroat industries. One needs to have the heart and guts to flourish in these two vastly different worlds, which makes them perfect for Margarita Marge” Gutierrez.

Being the newly appointed president of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines PMAP) and undersecretary at the Department of the Interior and Local Government DILG), Gutierrez is no doubt a woman on a mission to shatter cliché-ridden notions on modeling and public service.

But not known to many, Gutierrez did not jump into public service out of the blue, in fact, she’s always had her eyes on helping the country: I was always surrounded by public servants—my grandfather and mother were both lawyers and public servants, and they inspired me to take the same path.”

Growing up in a home of local leaders helped imbue Gutierrez’s character with a strong sense of patriotism. I think it was because of these strong influences early on in my life that I developed a deep love for the country,” Gutierrez says. From a young age, I wanted to make an impact on the Philippines and work for the Filipino people. To sum it up, public service has always had a special place in my heart.”

So when she was offered a place at DILG, Gutierrez says it felt like fate.”

In taking the job, Gutierrez saw big changes in her life, especially in her workload: When you work in government, the work never really ends. From the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep, there’s always something that needs to be done.”

Admitting to feeling burned out at times, Gutierrez stresses that the impact of her work will always outweigh the exhaustion.