PMO-Iloilo’s ‘mother’ an epitome of strength and faith
EMILY Espeso joined the Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) Port Management Office (PMO)-Iloilo in 1989 when the then 15-year-old agency was just removed under the auspices of the then Ministry of Public Works and Highways. Consequently, she has today become the first and possibly the only woman to remain serving PMO-Iloilo for the past three and a half decades.
While Espeso started her career with PPA as a storekeeper and ascended the ranks until she was eventually promoted to the agency’s administration division manager, many in PMO-Iloilo see her as a strong mother figure who thrives in a male-dominated sector.
She is “Mama” to many PMO-Iloilo staff and officers, including the succession of port managers who have served the agency for the past 35 years. In fact, two of the leading managers of PMO-Iloilo regard her with much deference, affirming that her presence radiates the intensity and warmth of a mother.
“I would constantly guide them with their career paths, and whenever discipline needs to be a little harder, they would get an earful from me,” Espeso laughed.
Espeso looks younger than her age, 63. Her laughter-filled discourse demonstrates excessive energy and optimism for a woman her age and state.
It was when asked about her inspiration to be in the maritime industry that her strong, cheerful façade gave way.
“I joined this industry because of my husband; he used to be a seafarer. He later became a shipping agent for several shipping companies here in Iloilo and was admired and well-loved by the people in and out of the maritime sector. He passed away last December 28,” Espeso said.
“He was my childhood love, and we had just celebrated our 40th anniversary last year. It’s just that he is so loved by the Lord that he has to go ahead. I was so thankful that the Lord is very good to him because he did not suffer; he was able to receive his last rites, talk to his children, and spend a normal, loving time with me at the hospital.”
Espeso said her faith made things bearable for her and her family.
Looking around her office, it is apparent how the woman holds Christianity close to her heart. There is an altar across her table, and an assortment of Marian and Holy Family symbols dotted her office alongside her collection of plants.
It is through these sources of strength and purpose that Espeso stood witness to the evolution of port services in Iloilo for the past 35 years.
Her significant contribution to this side of Western Visayas’ maritime sector was honored by the Women in Maritime Philippines (WimaPhil), of which she was also a member alongside other distinguished women in the maritime industry.
“I strongly encourage women, especially the younger generation, to join maritime. It is a challenge, but I believe that what men can do, we can also do,” she said.