“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Theresa

Ms. Lucia S. Alan is the current Officer-In-Charge of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office II. A biological mother of three (3) and a loving mother of the employees of the department.

Ms. Alan wasn’t born with a silver spoon to feed her nor was she given much opportunities when she was a child. She wasn’t an achiever; neither was she the smartest among her siblings. However, she was the most hardworking, the most street-smart and the child everybody loved. She was a simple girl, striving to be the most that she can be.

As early as 9 years old, she was taught by her mother to cultivate plants, one skill in which she mastered to make her source of ‘baon’ at the time being. At such a young age, she already knew the importance of not being a burden to her family.

When she entered high school she became a house helper to support her finances in studying. Throughout her schooling, she has been semi-independent from her family through looking out for her own financial needs.

Upon going to college, she was indecisive of what course she would take, Agriculture was the ‘in’ course back then, however, due to her stature and timid personality, she opted to take a course less taken: Social Work. Through her journey in being a registered social worker, she realized that helping others is her one and true calling. She managed to graduate and pass the board examination while still working as a house helper. Her typical day begins at 3 AM, preparing to go the market to buy food for the day for the family she works for, cleaning and tidying the house at 4 AM and going to St. Paul University Philippines at 7 AM. Life has been tough for Lucy, a lady like her wasn’t the cream of the cup, her family’s economic status didn’t make life less difficult but she made it her asset in becoming a social worker who understands her client well because she identifies herself in them.

Ms. Alan was first employed in Plan International working as a community organizer in the remote areas of Amulung and Alcala for two years after which got employed in the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office II. From then on, she has continually actualized her lifelong commitment in putting service above herself.

Ms. Lucy has unquestionable integrity. With her almost 30 years of service, she has rendered pristine work free of any allegations of corruption. Combining an ironclad hold on rules with the required flexibility of a leader, she has attained a perfect balance which assists her in her functions as the former Field Office head. She was never quick to judge others on allegation but was always quick to act to ascertain the truth. Her service is really one that is “Serbisyong Walang Puwang sa Katiwalian”.

 

 

Her commitment to her work is a character her subordinates look up to. She is an influence of working above what is required. She sets an example to the employees of how work is to be done. She is always welcoming: open to suggestions and sees collaborative effort as an asset in the organization.

Most certainly, Ms. Alan lives by her values mentioned in Matthew 25:40 “Whatever you do to the least of your brethren you do unto me.” This, as a social worker by heart and by deeds, is her driving verse in exemplifying a true epitome of an empowered woman.

### Story by: Brendan Tangan