I was born in June, 1955 in a small town south of Manila, Philippines, the fourth of seven children. I am married to a fellow safeguards inspector (James C. Huenefeld) and blessed with a seven-year old girl (Theresa Marie). I joined the Department of Safeguards, Division of Operations B as an inspector in September, 1987.

The desire to join the Agency came in May 1986, when the Philippine Government decided not to operate the first Philippine Nuclear Power Plant. From 1980, I worked with the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (now known as the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute) while finishing my graduate studies in Nuclear Engineering (University of the Philippines, 1981). In my previous job, I worked as a quality assurance and safeguards inspector, and as a nuclear safety analyst. At the same time, I was a part-time faculty member of a Technical (Mapua) University in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. I also was a part-time faculty member in another university (Philippine Women's University) where I handled both undergraduate and graduate students in radioisotope methodology and nuclear chemistry.

Working as a Safeguards Inspector for the past ten years has brought me many memorable experiences. Having the opportunity to travel and see different parts of the world, enable me to improve intellectually, socially and culturally. These aspects of growth are possible in an international organization, like the IAEA. I find that having an adaptable nature is one of the most important assets for my job, being able to meet my safeguards responsibilities, while at the same time developing good rapport with my counterparts in the different countries I visit.

Although inspection activities are for the most part routine, unexpected operational problems can and do occur. Whether it be failure of inspection equipment, or unforeseen conditions at the nuclear facility being visited, safeguards inspectors must be resourceful in making sure that the inspection objectives are never-the-less achieved.

Safeguards inspectors are often accompanied by members of the State Authority and operators from the nuclear facilities during inspections. As a woman in a field composed mostly of men, it is normal to be "outnumbered". However, when assigned as the coordinating inspector, a woman must be firm and resolute in making decisions on the spot especially when confronted with difficulties or unexpected circumstances. In the Inspectorate, a woman’s role in the workplace is no different from that of her male colleagues.

Having the obligation to fulfil the role of a mother, a spouse and a professional at the same time is challenging. Scheduling and logistics are never ending. In spite of these, I manage my duties with little difficulty, thanks in large part to the understanding and support I receive from my family. Work does not prevent me having time to decorate my house with my own collection of self dried flowers and home made needle works. Living in Austria, learning to speak German, and making friends with the neighbors have been particularly rewarding.