Jasmin Coleen Intia, Science Research Specialist II, Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), The Philippines

1) What does public service mean to you? Can you share more about your role in the public sector? 

Public service is a public trust, a privilege, and a calling. For me, it is an opportunity to give back to the Filipino people whose taxes helped make my education and opportunities possible. 

More importantly, I believe public service cannot simply be a job—it has to come from the heart. Policies, programs, and projects may be measured through outputs and indicators, but meaningful public service begins with genuine concern for people. As its core, it is an act of stewardship and gratitude. 

In my capacity as science research specialist focusing on science communication, I help bridge the gap between science and society.

My role is to ensure that scientific knowledge does not remain confined to laboratories, journals, or experts, but reaches the people it is meant to serve. Through storytelling and strategic communication, I work to make science more accessible, relatable, and relevant to everyday Filipino lives. 

For me, public service is ultimately about people. Whether communicating science, developing programs, or shaping policies, the goal remains the same: to create opportunities, improve lives, and contribute to nation-building in ways both big and small. 

2) Tell us about a project you championed. What impact did it have on the community? 

One of the initiatives I have championed is strengthening strategic communication through programs that use storytelling to connect science with people’s everyday experiences. 

Science that is not communicates is science that may never reach those who need it most.

Through films, stories, and public engagement platforms, we have helped bring science closer to communities, inspiring learners, educators, and citizens to appreciate how science shapes their lives and futures. 

3) As a young professional, how has your unique background or perspective allowed you to identify a solution that others in your organisations might have overlooked? 

For a long time, communication was often treated as an afterthought in science. Coming from a communications background, I saw an opportunity to position communication not as a supporting function, but as a strategic partner in achieving scientific outcomes. 

My perspective helped champion the idea that science and communication are inseparable. Research creates knowledge; communication ensures that knowledge reaches and benefits people. 

4) What is your personal strategy for maintaining your creative energy when faced with bureaucracy? 

I always return to my “why”. Whenever challenges arise, I remind myself why I chose public service in the first place: to serve people and create positive change. 

Purpose fuels persistence. Combined with discipline and diligence, it helps me stay motivated when progress feels slow. 

5) If you had just one area to invest in to accelerate transformation in the public sector (regulation, technology, talent, etc.), which one would you choose and why? 

I would invest in both technology and talent, but if I had to prioritise one, it would be talent. 

Technology can enable transformation, but people drive it. Skilled, values-driven, and innovative public servants are the ones who can maximise technology and turn ideas into meaningful outcomes for citizens. 

6) What is your greatest ambition as you grow in your public service career? 

My ambition is to help institutionalize strategic communication across government and contribute to the democratization of science. 

I also hope to inspire more young people to enter public service and become transformational leaders who see governance not merely as administration, but as an opportunity to improve lives. 

7) What is a “universal value” that connects everyone in your department – from interns to directors – and how do you use that to drive collaboration? 

A shared commitment to serving people. 

Regardless of position or rank, we are united by the belief that our work should create value for citizens. Focusing on this common purpose helps align teams, strengthen collaboration, and remind us that every project ultimately exists to serve the public good. 

8) What is the best piece of advice you’ve got for the next generation of public servants? 

There is hope, and the people are counting on you. 

At a time when trust in institutions can be challenged, integrity, humility, excellence, and service matter more than ever. Be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Stay honest even when it is difficult. Always place the interests of the people above your own. 

Public service is not about power; it is about stewardship. 

9) What is a myth you wish to debunk about young public servants? 

That young public servants are inexperienced, uninspired, or incapable of driving meaningful change. 

Across government, I have met young professionals who are creative, innovative, and deeply committed to solving public problems. Age is not a limitation to leadership. Fresh perspectives are often exactly what institutions need to adapt and improve. 

10) Write a letter to your future self in 2035. 

Dear future me,  

I hope you are happy and have become the person you aspired to be. 

I hope you never lost sight of why you entered public service-to help people, tell stories that matter, and make science meaningful to society. I hope you have touched more lives than you ever imagined and inspired others to be a force for good. 

May you remain grounded in humility, guided by integrity, and driven by service. Continue learning, continue listening, continue chasing your dreams and continue creating opportunities for others.

Most of all, I hope you still believe in the Filipino people and in their capacity to build a better future together. 

With gratitude and love, 
 
Your 2026 Self