Being able to break old molds is a crucial part of leadership—especially in 2022. This is something Atty. Margarita “Marge” Gutierrez knows well as the new Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary. Along with her work here, where she begins her fresh, next chapter in public service, comes another fun fact: she is also the head of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP).

These seemingly different worlds share similarities, Marge attests. “I don’t think these worlds are contrasting at all,” the multihyphenate says. “Many of the qualities that make me a better public servant are rooted in my multiple backgrounds. It’s not a matter of artistic vs. analytical, or creative vs. corporate; it’s a matter of balancing the artistic and the analytical, like incorporating creativity in the corporate or government sphere.” 

Indeed, what makes Atty. Marge Gutierrez a leader to watch has everything to do with her many worlds meeting.

Celebrating A Diverse Background

As one of the leaders steering the ship at PMAP, an organization of models run by models themselves, Marge knows the importance of change on an institutional level. This applies whether it’s pushing for the protection of models as working professionals or leveling the playing field for women. “I’m beyond fortunate to be in the position to make changes in the industry, particularly when it comes to inclusivity,” she shares about the latter. “I aim to prove with action and results that gender is a non-issue in delivering impeccable professionalism. I aim to overshadow any misguided biases about models in general.”

And these biases do need to be kept in check. In the case of this changemaker, the character-building, work ethic-enhancing experiences at the fashion organization prepared her well for her role at the DILG. “It may sound farfetched, but many of the qualities that help me thrive in public service were cultivated during my time at PMAP,” says Marge. “These are competence, determination, creativity, and flexibility, to name just a few.”

The disciplines of modeling and law, she adds, trained her to follow rules to the letter and then turn to resourcefulness and flexibility to innovate and discover unconventional approaches. She explains: “Ultimately, my strategy with both modeling and public service is to take into account the needs and wants of others and turn them into a reality through competent, effective performance.”

The Road to Public Service

Marge spent most of her professional career working in the private sector but in 2021 decided to set her sights on public governance. “Since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to follow in my mother’s footsteps and become a government lawyer,” she shares. “But when my mother opened her law office in 2011, I decided to put my dream on hold to help her.” Her recent appointment as the DILG Undersecretary for Plans, Public Information, and Communication, then, was her way of pressing play again on a long-time dream, one that she made sure to prepare for well.

Marge laid the groundwork by working with non-government organizations and collaborating on projects such as Liter of Light, an initiative spearheaded by social entrepreneur Illac Diaz. This is a global grassroots movement committed to providing affordable and sustainable solar light to people with limited or no access to electricity. She also took part in the Ilaw ng Tahanan Project, which trains inmates of the Correctional Institution for Women to produce and sell low-cost and sustainable solar energy lamps. “While I was happy in private practice, my heart always yearned for the dream I thought I’d given up,” she adds. “When the opportunity to be in government came about, it felt like fate.”

A Multihyphenate’s Perspective

As the new Undersecretary in charge of Plans, Public Information, and Communication, Marge has rolled up her sleeves to pour her time and attention into top department endeavors. “We have a lot of things in the works that I’m excited about; various projects and programs that will be great for the country,” she shares. This includes an anti-illegal drug program focused on demand reduction. 

What’s important while pursuing this new chapter of hers, of course, is taking a holistic approach. She reminds that as a public servant, the work should be for the Filipino, a group she embraces as a diverse one “made up of so many different sectors, fields, and personalities.” She expounds: “There are times when we need to think out of the box, and being multifaceted and skilled in various, seemingly distant fields is so crucial when it comes to that.”

Though Atty. Marge Gutierrez is about challenging the status quo, what fuels her is an age-old classic: a passion for the work. “It’s [the] passion that continually pushes me to strive harder and juggle all the things that I do, and it’s the Filipino people who keep me inspired; I believe these multiple duties and endeavors make me a more capable, holistic public servant,” she says. “I would give that advice to anyone who wants to go into public service: stay inspired and love what you do.”

Get in touch with Atty. Marge Gutierrez thru her email:mng@mngutierrezlaw.com or Instaram account @marguti713.

—alike.com.ph

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