Week 4 24SEP
PLA
NS 14
UNFOLDING
With much anticipation, we I noticed that their session
have finally observed a unfolded in a breeze. It was
Sangguniang Panlungsod difficult to fault them because
Session in Tandag City. they were all professionals in
It was their 35th regular their exercise of
session of the 6th parliamentary procedures. At
the same time, I tried to be as
Sangguniang Panlungsod of keen as possible in pointing
Tandag City, which happened
out errors in their
to be the birthday of SP proceedings.
Member Gay Tan.
After our observation, ma'am
We are thankful to Ma'am Ging met with us and asked
Ging for ensuring that the SP how the proceedings went.
recognized us as she ushered She also gave us nuggets of
us inside the session hall information regarding
before the proceeding development legislation. Our
started.
usual knowledge sharing is
informal, which we call in our
tongue "inato."
50
25SEP Week 4
15 PLA
NS
UNFOLDING
The first client we entertained in the
barangay office was a Shih Tzu puppy
registered in compliance with the city's Anti-
Rabies ordinance. The ordinance requires pet
owners to register their cats and dogs at the
barangay. I remember that during my first
duty in Bongtud, we had a client who asked
for a referral regarding the animal bite he
had sustained. Although he was a resident of
the Bongtud, the secretary still referred him
to the barangay where he got bitten. The
concerned barangay would have to identify
the cat owner and make them liable.
I assisted Ate Ruth with CBMS
data validation for the rest of the
day. I also observed the Lupon
Hearing that took place that day.
As our continued commitment to
explore Tandag City, we capped
our day with a hearty dinner at
Brew Central, another restaurant
owned by PB Pineda.
51
Week 4 26SEP
PLA
NS 16
UNFOLDING
With much care at how to go about the
provincial CapDev analytics, we decided to
proceed to the DILG Surigao del Sur provincial
office in hopes of meeting PD Alacaba and OM
Martinez. Unfortunately, they were both on
official business. So, we spent our morning at PO
tinkering on our outputs.
We met with Ma'am Ging in the afternoon and
finalized the BDC Learning Activity. I revised the
activity design and adjusted the ancillary
documents at her instruction.
52
This weekend is a little different because we 27 SEP Week 4
intended to pick up an exercise pace. For Saturday, 17 PLA
NS
Kuya Marlon and I woke up early for a quick run in
Tandag's beautifully built flood protection, locally UNFOLDING
called "Dawis." We also took the time to notice the
morning routine of the locals in the area. We saw
the docking of a fishing vessel with spider-like
poles in its body.
Also, we saw some residents
busy constructing large plant
boxes out of repurposed plastic
bottles.
We spent the rest of the day
going about our outputs and
performing our set roles. I
cooked as usual while Kuya
Marlon and Louda washed the
plates and utensils. We spent
the evening tinkering with our
portfolios.
53
Week 4 28SEP For this Sunday, Louda finally decided to join our
PLA
NS 18 jog. The three of us woke up early and went to the
“dawis” in Barangays San Agustin Sur and Telaje.
UNFOLDING
We jogged until we reached the end of the
concreted flood control. I realized that if only the
trash thrown in the Tandag river were permanently
cut-off, it could be a tourist attraction because the
water flowing in it is already pristine.
I prepped to join our
church's Lord's Day
celebration via FB live as we
returned home. Kuya Marlon
attended the 10 AM mass
while Louda opted to take a
morning rest. We nailed our
attention to our outputs in
the afternoon through the
evening. Also, Kuya Marlon
treated a Jollibee chicken
joy dinner.
54
29SEP W5 | PRIMED
19
On our 29th day in Tandag City, we were
able to join for the first time in their Monday
Flag Ceremony. It was a pleasant experience
because we have participated in such a
ceremony in person since 2020.
In the afternoon, we decided to personally
hand over the memorandum made by Ma'am
Ging for the BAT Triad (Barangays Bongtud,
Awasian, and Telaje) regarding the conduct of
the Barangay Development Plan Formulation
Primer slated on September 22, 2022.
We visited barangay Awasian first, followed by
Bongtud, and last barangay Telaje. Each
barangay is unique in terms of the governance
dynamics at work. PB Luib of barangay Awasian
is a picture of a leader that's always hands-on in
the affairs of the barangay. The young PBs of
Bongtud and Telaje have a different approach to
leadership than delegation. Both styles work.
55
30W5 | PRIMEDSEP
20
Each time we report for duty in the
barangays, I am the first person to be
dropped off by Kuya Marlon. It means I am
always the earliest in the barangay office
most of the time. Today was no different as I
arrived at the barangay office while it was still
closed.
There is a peculiar surge of clients in the
barangay office today. So while I was busily
encoding the design for Day 2 of the BDP
Formulation Workshop, which the BLGU will
fund, I occasionally assisted ate Ruth and
Hazel in entertaining some of the clients.
Also, I responded to their queries from time
to time.
After completing the Learning Activity Design,
I shared it with the team so they could make
one for their respective barangays. I also sent
the other attachments of the activity.
56
3153 SEP W5 | PRIMED
21
On the morning of our In the afternoon, we After we finished the
31st day in SFW, we joined the “Analysis of Zoom activity, Ma’am
LGU CapDev Needs: A Ging decided prodded
finally came full circle to Reorganization on the that we take overtime to
observe the Sangguniang Guidelines” virtual activity complete all preparations
for the BDP Primer. And
Panlungsod Session of hosted by the Local so we did. We also
Tandag City. It was a Government Academy. discussed how to get
While on Zoom, I still about each topic and the
unique experience busied myself with the innovations we can inflict
because, during this preparations for the BDP to the session to engage
session, we witnessed Primer that would unfold the participants. Also, we
how they went about the waited for Louda to return
proceedings sans the Vice the following day. to the office from her
Mayor. I saw firsthand meeting with PB Guno
some of the lessons regarding the second part
taught us during the Local of the BDP formulation,
Legislation session of which is the workshops
with expenses that the
component 1. barangay will handle.
57
32W5 | PRIMED SEP
22
After ticking a check on For this primer, I gave the
our SP Sessions presentation in Session 2,
describing the barangay
observations, we are development process. I
finally putting a check started my presentation
mark on our Barangay with a video from Module
Learning Event with the
4: Local Government
conduct of our BDP Operations re “Once
Formulation Primer for the Upon a Government.” I
loved the message of that
BAT Triad. Our take on
the BLE is quite different 3-minute animation
because we choose to because it grandstanded
that local governance is
divide it into two. The supposed to be close to
first part is the primer,
where the Sangguniang its people. We closed
Barangays of the BAT the activity with a
Triad will work on yesterday, today, and
revisiting their barangay tomorrow activity
vision and mission in a described in drawing
plenary session. The what the BAT triad hopes
second part is the to become.
workshop on a localized
setting which shall be
participated by their
respective BDC.
58
33SEP W5 | PRIMED
23
A day after we conducted the BDP Primer, Kuya Marlon was sent to
Butuan City to attend the orientation on CapDev Analytics. While he
was away, we reported back to our official stations and performed our
usual routines. I busied myself preparing for part 2 of BDP Formulation,
which is the workshop proper. I coordinated with the BLGU on what to
prepare, whom to invite, and what to bring on Monday. In the evening,
while I was about to write my reflection, I discovered that my two
Frixion pens had already run out of ink. The good thing is that I made
sure to buy ink refills before coming to Tandag City. This experience
taught me that a tinge of foresight saves you from headaches.
59
34W5 | PRIMEDSEP
24
1
2 For this Saturday, I nailed
3
4 myself on the table and
designed the backdrop for our
workshop on Monday. I ensure
that the design is going to be
replicable for the workshop in
Barangays Awasian and Telaje.
I also designed the certificates
for all our barangay's
confirmed participants. I also
took the time to prepare the
slides and data capture forms
we will use for the workshop.
From dawn till dusk, I have
been typing and designing. I
realized that creating
backdrops and even a mere
certificate requires not just a
quirk of compliance but a dint
of passion for making it tasteful
and appealing. 60
35SEP W5 | PRIMED
25
On this Sunday, we proceeded with our usual
activities. I joined our Lord’s Day Celebration via
FB live in the morning. In the afternoon made final
preparations for Monday. For dinner, we invited
Rena, the AC III of DILG Surigao del Sur, to join us
for a hearty dinner at Liam’s Café. As usual, our
commitment has been to visit a local food shop on
weekends. But this dinner seemed to celebrate
our wins for the week that had passed. Afterward,
we proceeded to barangay Bongtud to print the
certificates for tomorrow’s activity.
Lord'sviDa aFyBCLelievberation TLainadma'gs 'sCaBfeest-!
61
Week 6 SEP
26
36MENTAL JUGGERNAUT
While on center training in Angels Hills,
Tagaytay City, I introduced a review material
in preparation for our comprehensive exam. I
called that material a “mental juggernaut.”
This week, I believe the three of us will go
through a mental juggernaut, especially in
ensuring that the barangays we assist can
make sound barangay development plans.
Barangay Bongtud is the first barangay to
hold part 2 of the BDC Formulation – the
workshops. As the first to conduct the
activity, we set the benchmark for the
remaining barangays. We started the day
with a workshop on updating our spot. Then I
refreshed them on formulating goals and
objectives based on the vision-reality gap. In
the afternoon, I introduced to the BDC of
Bongtud the simplified template they need
to fill out to develop sound PPAs for the
next six years. I was relieved as we closed
the activity because I saw that each
participant was zealous for the betterment of
their barangay. Seeing them in their A-Game
during the workshop is an encouragement.
Way to go, Bongtud! 62
SEP Week 6
37 27 MENTAL JUGGERNAUT
Today, I went through the SFW Validation
with some personnel from the Local
Government Academy. I got so dependent
on Louda for most of our photos in this SFW
that I forgot to screenshot my validation
window. However, I tried to capture a video
of Ate Ruth during her validation time. From
the video I recorded, I screenshot a portion
of her interview as a reminder of her lavish
approbations towards the things I have been
doing in the barangay so far.
After the SFW Validation, I asked Ate Ruth to
show me around the feet of the larger
Linungao Island as well as the cove of the
barangay. It was indeed a beautiful sight to
behold. It would be better if it were
improved according to the vision of the
barangay.
63
Week 6 SEP
28
38MENTAL JUGGERNAUT
After our workshop, we proceeded On Wednesday, we conducted the
to the fish pond of Punong BDP workshop for Barangay Awasian.
Barangay Luib and had our early We cramped inside their session hall
dinner consisting of grilled freshly for the workshops. Just like barangay
caught tilapia. Since the pond sits
below the Evacuation Center of Bongtud, the participants from
Tandag City, we took the time to Awasian are very zealous in planning
view it and took some pictures too.
for the future of their barangay. I
appreciate that some of the members
have strong foresight on the
topography of the barangay.
64
SEP Week 6
39 29 MENTAL JUGGERNAUT
After our SFW Validation via the It was a great relief for us because we
Zoom platform last Tuesday, the finally concluded the Barangay Learning
regional SFW validation followed Event requirement of this SFW. Yet, we
through today. ARD Donald are only halfway through since we are
Seronay, LGCDD Chief Annabel bound to create a terminal report about
Yangson, and LGOO IV Karen Grace it, which entails working on voluminous
Gabinete visited our respective documentary requirements. Also, we
barangay stations to check in on us. must package the BDP of our assigned
Coincenditally, today is the BDP barangays before we leave Tandag City,
workshop of Telaje, the assignment which requires much work.
of Louda. After the regional
validation, Kuya Marlon and I helped
Louda with the remaining workshops
in the afternoon.
65
Week 6 SEP
30
40MENTAL JUGGERNAUT
Today, we met with Outcome Manager Martinez
for the preparations for the Capacity Development
Analytics of the Province of Surigao del Sur on
October 10, 2022. While in the provincial office,
we met Vice Governor Alameda and had selfies
with him.
In the afternoon, we returned home to prepare for
the Latin-themed family day at LGU Tandag City. I
cooked chili con carne for the tacos and paired
them with a cucumber-turnip salad, and brought
them to our cottage as the “true to the theme”
menu we were tasked to prepare.
The family day was nothing short of fun as each of
us jived to the music of the bands hired for the
fete. We also bonded with the DILG Tandag City
personnel over a plethora of food and drinks.
That fun-filled family day was a fitting exclamation
to a very remarkable September 2022.
66
Opportune
67
TANDAG CITY BOULEVARD
PHOTO BY IMI LOUDA B. ESPINA
OCTOBER 68
41OCT We welcome the first day of October with a
01 hangover from last night’s family day
celebration, where we indulged in fun
shindig and loud merrymaking till midnight.
At around 10 in the morning, I started setting
up my laptop to accomplish some outputs
for the SFW. While I engrossed myself in
building my portfolio to make it up to date, I
heard the voice of Ate Ruth call our office
name. When I went outside, I saw that the
Sangguniang Barangay of Bongtud is in the
beach resort of the Pimentels.
At about 11:30 AM, Mayor Roxanne, who
happened to be in the villa, invited us over
lunch. When we arrived at the villa where
they were staying, we saw the Sangguniang
Barangay of Bongtud finalizing their BDIP in
preparation for the critiquing and
corresponding packaging of the BDP. So I
grabbed the chance to help them.
After lunch, we returned to our abode and
continued accomplishing our outputs.
69
October 2 happens to be the birthday of my 42OCT
brother-in-law, whom I greeted via my social 02
media handle. In the morning, I am back to my 70
usual Sunday routine. I joined the Lord’s Day
celebration of the Free Reformed Church of
Australia via their youtube live platform since the
FB live Butuan Reformed Church is experiencing
technical issues.
Around lunchtime, the close-in guard of Mayor
Roxanne went to our abode and informed us that
Governor Ayec invited us to ride their jet ski. It
was already the second time they had invited us to
ride their jet ski, so it felt awkward to refuse their
invitation.
We took turns driving the jet ski, and then on my
turn, an amalgamation of thrill and fear rushed into
my system—fear in the sense that I was not a
master at driving such a water vehicle. But the
moment I got the hang of maneuvering it, the thrill
pumped in my veins, and I wanted more. On my
route, I reached Linungao Cove. I had wanted to
take a roundabout Mangkagani Island; however,
the growing waves made me iffy about the idea.
After the rush of our water activity, we joined the
Pimentels in their lunch anew. We chitchatted
with Mayor Roxanne, PB Charisse, and Governor
Ayec as if we were already their close friends.
When the sun started to set late in the afternoon, I
took a solo dip on the beach fronting our
property.
After that, we went to the market to purchase our
food supply for the week and capped our day
with a hearty dinner of lomi, lumpia, and fish fillet
in a local restaurant in our barangay.
ante
43pen OCT
ulti 03 Antepenultimate:
mate the Last Three
We have officially started the
countdown to close this Supervised
Field Work journey. At the start of the
“antepenultimate” week, I proceeded
to Barangay Bongtud because Ma’am
Ging was not around. Also, I am
checking in on the progress of the
BDP preparations of the barangay as
we draw nearer to the critiquing on
Wednesday.
In the morning, I followed up with Ate
Ruth on the BDIP. She sent me a copy
of their draft PPAs under the Social
Sector, to which I have given
comments for improvements. I also
assisted her with K.P. cases that she
entertained.
In the afternoon, I assisted her in
coming up with their Citizen’s Charter
in compliance with DILG MC No. 2010-
142 and with the R.A 11032. I also
created an excel spreadsheet tracker
for their cases so their recording might
be digitized. This tracker is also a
response to the request of Ate Ruth in
one of our daily conversations.
I capped the night by preparing a
hearty dinner of sauteed red mung
bean, garbanzo, and mustard greens.
71
44OCT ante
04 pen
ulti
mate
We attended the Barangay Visit activity of the
City Government of Tandag at the
Multipurpose Hall of Barangay Bongtud. It is a
“Serbisyo” Caravan of the City Government to
all 19 barangays, with Bongtud being the
venue for the culmination of the three-week-
long activity.
Kuya Marlon and Louda took the opportunity
At lunchtime, Ate Ruth came to the to have their second dose of booster shot
office, and we had our meals together. during the said activity. After that, they
I helped entertain walk-in clients in the proceeded to their respective barangay
afternoon since Hazel was busy on the assignments while I returned to the barangay
Barangay Visit. office to encode my observation of the
legislative process of the Sangguniang
As a way of treating the barangay Panlungsod of Tandag City.
workers who helped make the
Barangay Visit a massive success,
Punong Barangay Pineda treated us to
a BBQ dinner at the city’s boulevard.
72
ante
45pen OCT
ulti 05
mate
On this rainy 45th Day of our Supervised Field
Work, we reported to DILG Tandag City to meet
with Ma’am Ging to discuss the updated game
plan for our Capacity Development Agenda
Formulation in Tandag City. While the city has
already conducted its ELA sometime in August of
2022, they have yet to develop a CDA.
While waiting for ma’am Ging to arrive at the
office since she was coming from an official
business, I busied myself finalizing the certificates
for the Barangay Learning Activity that we
conducted because those certificates needed to
be signed by Mayor Roxanne. I also scanned the
attendance sheets, pre- and post- LAE, and
Learning Activity Design and Plan.
In the afternoon, we proceeded to
Barangay Bongtud to critique the PPAs
they will include in their BDP. I must say
that I learned new things from Ma’am
Ging about the use of spot maps in
planning activities and a niftier way to
group interventions.
At night we continued with our usual
routine of accomplishing our outputs.
73
46OCT ante
06 pen
ulti
mate
With less than 20 days till our SFW
journey ends, our team is starting to
complete our outputs. So, while we
were in the DILG Tandag City, we
busied ourselves encoding outputs and
collating attachments for scanning or
interpreting data into information.
The work environment each time Ma’am
Ging is around is quite hectic. Today,
many visitors came into the office to meet
her. Some consulted for her opinions on
some issues while some made an exit
appearance, as did the BFP Chief of
Tandag City, who will be transferred to
Bislig City starting tomorrow.
After lunch, we proceeded to Barangay
Awasian for their turn to be critiqued for
their BDP PPAs. The critiquing was
much faster than Barangay Bongtud
because Kuya Marlon could adjust the
PPAs based on the comments he
gleaned from yesterday’s critiquing.
74
ante
47pen OCT
ulti 07
mate
Today we met Outcome Manager Martinez for the second
round of coordination meetings regarding the conduct of the
Provincial CapDev Analytics for the Province of Surigao del Sur.
This time she already presented a program.
After our meeting, I created the CDA Inventory survey via
google forms. The data generated will be used in the analytics.
I also made a folder in my google drive where I placed the
template for the workshop to be used for the CapDev
Analytics. Both documents will be prework materials for the
LGUs to accomplish before September 14, 2022.
In the afternoon, we proceeded to Barangay Telaje for the
critiquing of their BDP outputs. After the critiquing, we joined
the team building of DILG Tandag City.
75
According to Stephen Covey, the 7th 48OCT ante
habit of highly effective people is 08 pen
ulti
sharpening the saw. And sharpening the mate
saw it is – DILG Tandag City is on a team
building!
Today, we had our team building at
Pacific Island Resort. We had fun games
and “getting to know each other”
activities. We sang our hearts out over
videoke from a phone connected to a
Bluetooth speaker and microphone. We
also swayed our hips left and right during
momentary dance songs.
The one-two-three-four pass card game
caused us to evoke loud laughter. We
also played the name-a-thing game,
where each had to name an object that
could be found in a particular place. The
person who repeats the answer from
other players will pay a consequence.
In the afternoon, as the sun set, we took a
dip in the sea and had fun swimming
along a series of waves dumping on the
shore.
Yet, earlier today, I took the time to sort
some documents for our output because,
as any apprentice would, the output is
everything at the end of this SFW
journey.
76
ante
49pen OCT
ulti 09
mate
Every Sunday has become an errand day for the three of us.
As I awakened, I laid out my stuff and chose a set of clothing that would last me for
two weeks. The rest of my stuff I already packed in my luggage. I am already
prepping for our exit in Tandag City after this SFW. This way, I will not have to cram
packing my stuff and be susceptible to leaving valuables.
After which, I washed the clothes that I wore during our team building. I realized
that I could make this a routine for the remainder of our stay to save on laundry
expenses.
In the afternoon, I joined the celebration of the Lord’s Day in the Free Reformed
Church of Melville, Australia, via YouTube live.
Then, I joined the team as we nailed ourselves to the work table, accomplishing
output-related materials.
77
50OCT penultimate
10
We are finally in the penultimate week of this SFW journey. This week is also our
last stretch to conduct our city MLE, CDA Formulation, and the Provincial CapDev
Analytics for the Province of Surigao del Sur. We will pour out what remains of us
for our group outputs.
We must catch up because of factors we have little control over. I am pretty
distraught just thinking of the volume of outputs we still need to package, yet I face
the remaining 12 days of this journey one day at a time.
So, this very Monday, I nailed myself to the work table and accomplished the
following:
1. I developed our CapDev Stat Generator. I also went ahead and processed the
statistics for our BLE.
2. I digitized our Pre and Post-LAE;
3. I prepared the Excel Template for our upcoming workshop on CDA.
I have accomplished much today, characterized by my sore, bent back.
78
51penultimate OCT
11
The cram is prevalent as we inch closer to
the last day of SFW sans City Learning
Event, updated CDA, and Provincial
CapDev Analytics. Boy, oh boy!
We nailed ourselves to our cramped office
when we entered the office. Each one of us
encodes what we can for our outputs.
I busied myself finalizing the terminal report
of my barangay learning event. I also made
our new drive we uploaded our SFW
documents and relevant MOVs.
At night, we returned home and prepared
for our activity.
79
52OCT ppeneunltuimltiamteate
12
Today is the start of our two-day CapDev Agenda
Formulation. Yehey for that! I was in charge of
making the online pre-evaluation form. Yes, online.
We utilized the available technology to make our
task less tedious. I presented the context analysis
consisting of workshops on causal loop and
stakeholder analysis. The process was quite tedious,
especially the former. What I find interesting is that
an excellent causal loop can create a transseptal
picture of a complex issue. However, making the
stories land in the performance and capacity
change matrix becomes challenging. I think the
causal loop is better used in the CDP formulation
than the CDA formulation. We ended the day with
a hearty soup at a local restaurant to celebrate this
hilt milestone.
80
53penultimateOCT
13
And we have concluded the CDA
Formulation Workshop of Tandag City!
It was a tedious process, but we made
sure that we could accomplish the
things expected of us. Now, the
packaging commences.
Yet we cannot sleep early tonight
because we have to prepare for the
Provincial CapDev Analytics of the
Province of Surigao del Sur. We are
tasked to prepare the prework, and it
will be a tough night.
81
54OCT penultimate
14
And that’s a wrap!
The final learning event that
we were tasked to facilitate
is finally over.
With the presence of the City and Municipal Planning and
Development Officers and the Field Officers of DILG
Surigao del Sur, we presented the Provincial Capacity
Market Analysis-Support to Upscaling Organizational Grit
of Local Government Units.
I was tasked to discuss the Market Segmentation process
and the result for the province. I urged all LGUs that fell
under Q3 and Q4 to step up their game and at least move
past Q2 by next year.
We wrapped that activity with a short Team Conference of
the DILG Surigao del Sur, where I expressed my gratitude
for their support of our journey.
82
55penultimate OCT
15
It has been a worthwhile Saturday
amidst the business it brought us.
Today, in Tandag City, is a routine
brownout. Yet, we still reported in the
city hall because the departments that
could not join the two-day CDA
formulation workshop in Villa Maria
Luisa Hotel requested a crash course on
the matter. The good mayor obliged
and allowed us to use the generator for
the day’s activity.
It was a fun experience because the head of the office on
cooperatives invited the accredited Civil Society Organizations in
the city. She involved them in crafting the Capacity Development
intervention they hope to be given in three years.
I admired the quality of output of the
Sangguniang Panlungsod and how she singled
out that the Sangguniang Members should be
trained to become more proactive legislators,
not reactive ones.
After the tedious crash course, Mayor Roxanne
C. Pimentel invited us for dinner in Uptown
Café. We had good chitchat over a delicious
dinner.
83
56OCT penultimate
16
This Sunday, I met with LGOO VI Byran F.
Edulzura, the MGLOO of Libjo, Dinagat Islands. He
is in Tandag City because their LGU is finalizing its
Executive-Legislative Agenda. We met in Shacene
and had a good time catching up since it was our
first time meeting since January of this year.
After lunch, I returned home
and nailed myself to the
packaging of my barangay
managing learning event
output. At 12:30 am, I was
able to package my output.
The experience has been
tedious, and we are just firing
up. We have yet to package
the CDA of Tandag City and
then reflect on the CDA
Analytics.
Indeed the cramming of packaging
the outputs of this Supervised Field
Work is cumbersome. But we shall
thrive because that is how we are
meant to be.
84
LAST
Stretch 57OCT
17
Today we assisted the LGU
functionaries of the Municipality of
Libjo, Dinagat Islands, as they paid a
courtesy visit to Tandag City.
The delegation led by Mayor Melody
Llamera Compasivo, Vice Mayor Sultan
Arnel Edera, and MLGOO Bryan F.
Edulzura benchmarked Tandag City’s
Disaster Risk Reduction Management
Office and its evacuation center.
It was a refreshing sight to behold
because we saw how the young mayor
of Libjo took the time to observe and
glean lessons from the city’s best
practices.
After their visit, the team and I
returned to the office to continue
writing our outputs despite having a
rough day to think about because of
our consistent late nights,
compromising our sleep.
Yet again, here we are, pounding the
keys of our laptops and crafting what
we can with whatever quirk of genius is
left in us.
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LAST
58OCT
18
Stretch
We are down to our last Tuesday here
in Tandag City. Albeit busy, but
grateful that we are finally at this
stage in the SFW. A few weeks ago, we
were elated to have spent our first
Tuesday in the city filled with what-ifs,
but today, we are grateful.
Time flies quite fast, even faster when
you have work. The group outputs for
this SFW are pretty overwhelming.
Even more, the Provincial CapDev
Analytics of Surigao del Sur, like the
other provinces in the Caraga region,
were not given much care by the
regional management. Yet, as LGOOs,
we always work with what we have.
So, today, we reported to the city hall,
opened out laptops, and worked on our
outputs. After the clock struck 5, we
proceeded to dinner in our favorite
café in the city. While having dinner,
torrential rain poured out.
This kind of weather is a downer. Your
body responds to the harkening of
sleep because rainy weather is bed
weather. Yet, I beat my body and am
passionately working on my outputs as
of writing this piece.
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LAST
Stretch 59OCT
19
It is our 59th day of a supposed-to-be 60-day SFW
but, in reality, a 62-day journey to be one
milestone forward to becoming a full-fledged Local
Government Operations Officer.
We spent our day in the DILG Tandag City anew
with the same hustle, wrapping up our outputs. We
are grateful that the HRMO has lent us Sir Jerard
Keano C. Antonio to help us consolidate the
CapDev Agenda of the offices of the City
Government of Tandag.
As a game plan to inch forward with the remaining
outputs, I finalized and packaged our team's City
Managing Learning Event output while they
consolidated the data.
As our arrangement has been, I remain to be the
last touch of our outputs. However, I am also
responsible for some narratives.
As I write this piece, I am finalizing our reflection
on the Provincial CapDev Analytics of Surigao del
Sur.
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LAST
60OCT
20
Stretch
Of tears of joy and a great sigh of relief, we
printed the 2023-2025 Capacity Development
Agenda of Tandag City. It resulted from sleepless
nights polishing the outputs of the office and the
LGU partner agencies of the LGU.
Remarkably, today is our 60th day of SFW.
Symbolically and literally, we have peaked with an
output so dear and integral for the development of
the LGU.
I can only thank the good Lord for the fantastic
reward after the back bending, brain desensitizing,
and eye-burning hustle. Yet, this is just one
hurdle. The following week will be a back burner.
Yet, I am grateful.
This journey is a rich piece of precious memory
forever etched in my core as a source of
encouragement and inspiration.
On the 6oth day of SFW, PRAISE THE GOOD LORD!
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LAST
Stretch 61OCT
21
From the start, the destination has always been on getting to this moment,
our exit conference.
My heart flutters in thanksgiving for the two months that have passed
because, finally, we were able to hand over the fruits of our labor to the
LGUs we have worked with – Barangay Bongtud and the City Government
of Tandag.
It was not without hardships and a grueling struggle to deliver what was asked of us, but
definitely, everything fell into the right place as it should.
In the morning, I handed over the barangay development plan of Bongtud. In the
afternoon, through the exit conference, we handed over the Capacity Development
Agenda of Tandag City and our observation report to the legislative process.
What a sweet day this has been.
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62OCT LAST
22
Stretch And the last day of our Supervised Field Work has finally come.
I started this day by preparing the slides that Punong Barangay
Charisse Valentine P. Pineda will use for her State of the Barangay
Address. I prepared the enhanced Vision and Mission of Barangay
Bongtud along with their Goals and Objectives. I included their sectoral
goals and objectives and the significant projects under each sector
they will pursue in the next six years.
In the afternoon, we went straight to the covered court of Barangay Bongtud for the Barangay
Assembly. I had the privilege of reading the message of SILG Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. for the
constituents present. It was a surreal experience because I got to be the mouthpiece of the SILG in
expressing his message of encouragement to the barangays.
During the barangay assembly, the ever-active Tandag City Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel, Vice
Mayor Eleanor D. Momo, and a handful of Sangguniang Panlungsod Members. Each gave their
speech.
In the evening, we were treated to a surprise send-off organized by Mayor Roxanne and CLGOO Olivia
P. Bagasbas. It was a very hearty evening filled with mutual thankfulness from the admirable mayor to
us and vice versa.
I was holding back my tears during the send-off because I never imagined that I would get acquainted
with a City Mayor who treated us as her friends. During our two-month stay, we joined her and her
family to eat lunch and enjoy fun activities that left us dumbfounded because we did not expect such a
reception. She even let us stay in their beach house for this SFW. I can only wallow in gratefulness.
The day ended with me, the good mayor, Ma’am Ging, and the rest of the team singing our hearts out
through the song “That’s What’s Friends are For.”
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EXIT CONFERENCE
91
EXIT CONFERENCE
92
EXIT CONFERENCE
93
BARANGAY ASSEMBLY
94
Observations
INSIGHTS
T he Batch 54 I commend Mayor Roxanne C. Shortly after that, the LGU
Supervised Field Work Pimentel for being hands-on with what commenced their Barangay Visits
(SFW) I was in was a is happening in the LGU. which is the bi-annual service caravan
thought-provoking, It was the penultimate week before of the city. The good mayor attended
character-building, and the SGLG National Validation when we all the barangay visits and even
perspective-changing met her. During the preparation personally administered vaccines
experience. during the house-to-house
My stay in Tandag City for the last two meeting, I observed how heavily vaccinations. She was a licensed nurse.
months has emboldened many facets invested she was in the process. Each
of my being. These came to be time my supervisor, CLGOO Olivia P. What I admired most about her is that
because of the interplay of Bagasbas, points out governance areas beyond work, she did not let her
circumstances that has induced me to that need to be threshed, the former stature become a hindrance to
the following realizations. will immediately proceed to the table of befriending us. I believe we befriended
the concerned functionary and inspire the good mayor during our SFW.
I will begin by telling you my them to deliver.
observations and insight about LGU I admit I did not imagine that we
Tandag City, my training area. After the SGLG National Validation, the would be rubbing elbows with the good
Tandag City city shifted to a more festive vibe fitting mayor, joining their family in their
What I appreciate about Tandag City for their 10th-year celebration of the weekend gathering, tete a tete about
is that it is governed by a mayor that is Sangkaan Festival. The good mayor work and life in the confines of their
over and above the affairs of her LGU. was present in all activities of the fiesta resort, and on shindig, while we sang
week. our hearts out during the send-off that
9 5 she gave us.
Mayor Roxanne was a sincere, down- Supervisor Teammates
to-earth, and remarkable woman and I firmly believe in the adage, "second The Nomad ELMs, as we call ourselves, are
leader. And her leadership was well impressions are just valid as the first ones; the apprentices on SFW in Tandag City. Our
reciprocated by a band of functionaries they only came late." team comprises LGOO II Marlon C.
that performed to the beat of her The moment I received the notice that I Monterola and LGOO II Imi Louda B. Espina.
would be on SFW in Tandag City and be
drumming.
under the tutelage of CLGOO Olivia P. I have come to know each of them deeper
I commend the 6th Sangguniang Bagasbas, I had instant reservations. Most during the two months we've lived together.
Panlungsod of Tandag City, headed by people in the region regard her as
Vice Mayor Eleanor D. Momo, for forthright and strict and have a penchant Kuya Marlon, as I call him, is the one that I
showcasing notable performance as a for making one uneasy—all these made consider our main think tank. I observed that
legislative body. sense when I met her. he has a penchant for building rapport and is
a leader in every word. His clear headspace
I observed that the members regularly Yes, she is forthright because she gets and vigor in delivering our outputs are very
hold committee hearings during the right into the heart of the matter when she commendable.
delivers her message. She is not a people
week. Also, they have regular sessions pleaser. Instead, she is principled.
making the legislative measures on
time. She sticks with the rule and is not
bothered to be labeled unpopular. And I
I also commend the department and loved it about her.
unit heads of the LGU. During the
SGLG National Validation, I saw their It still echoes in my heart that she said, "I
zeal and drive to deliver. It was for am a billionaire of words, and when I give
their 5th SGLG Award, and they them, I mean it." She meant that she
showed that they could. During our values her words and means everything
capacity development agenda from her mouth.
formulation, we saw how eager each of She is strict because work is work, and
the offices in coming up with their that is good leadership. Yet, beyond that,
CDA. Those who could not attend the she was a mother to the DILG Tandag City
two-day workshop requested a special family and me. I felt her sincere
session on a Saturday. compassion for all of us. Ma'am Ging, as
we fondly call her, is people-centric.
What was admirable was that
Saturday was a routine power She cared for each one of us as if we
interruption, yet we pushed through. It were her children. She made sure she
was also because the city mayor would talk to us every time she was
around. She regularly organized our
allowed us to use the generator for the weekend get-together cum family building. I commend Kuya Marlon for putting up with our
special session. She made me feel at home. naivetes. He sure became our father figure and
big brother during the SFW. I confess that any
There is still much room for During our managing learning events, she LGU that he handles in the future will feel
improvement in the local governance would always bring our morale up and blessed for having him – a true LGOO.
and public administration landscape in remind us that we got this.
Tandag City. Still, if they remain Louda and I have known each other since I
steadfast and continue with their I am blessed and praise the good Lord joined the department in 2017. And our
reputable brand of service, they will be for knowing Ma'am Ging. I will never trade friendship is characterized as blunt and short of
sure to realize their vision. the experience for anything. She is God- sugarcoating. 96
sent.
During our SFW, I would call her out many times First, I believe the guidelines were rushed, and
because of her constant nap times and blank several gray areas confused us, the apprentices.
stares. Perhaps, Louda taught me to be more We even had to go through position papers and
expressive and not tolerate laxity. I know it hurt clarificatory letters coursed through some of our
her, but I had to take the call else we lag behind coaches from component one. The structure of
our plethora of outputs. the outputs, especially the apprentice portfolio,
Yet, Louda fits the bill of a good events host. In all seems to have redundancy. I suggest that the
our managing learning events, we let her be the guidelines should have been adequately consulted
emcee because that is where she shines. with the pool of training management across the
Overall, I am grateful for our dynamics because department to make it even more substantive.
we were able to push each other to the best of
what we could in this journey. Second, the validation process should have been
fair to all. If it is via face-to-face modality, it is true
across all apprentices. Let it be across apprentices
The Supervised Field Work if it is via the Zoom platform. I do not find it fair
that some were visited face-to-face while others
settled for a Zoom platform validation. I believe
Indeed, there is truth in the acclaim that nothing beats witnessing what the apprentices are
experience is the best teacher. I am writing to doing firsthand.
express my gratitude to the department through
the Local Government Academy for the SFW. It Yet, in all these, I am grateful for the SFW. This
was a great practice that should be continued in experience is forever etched in my memory as
the next round of apprenticeship programs. profound and poignant. It expanded my
However, there is still room for improvement in perspective as a member of the DILG corps of
the overall conduct of the program. professional civil servants.
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In my speech during the miting de avance of our My mentor, CLGOO Olivia P. Bagasbas, showed me how
laboratory government election in component one (1) of to position the DILG as a supervisor and provider of
the apprenticeship program, I shared one of the tenets technical assistance to the LGU. I am astounded at the
that propel me to improve my craft as a local government high regard of the LGU towards her. She expressed that
operations officer, which is to “bake theories into action.” It the esteem she earned has validated her dedication to the
has become one of my ardent goals in this sparse job she loves.
Supervised Field Work (SFW) journey – to put to good
use the head knowledge transferred to me in this She told me to do it right, and I will earn the LGU’s trust.
Apprenticeship Program. She maintains that my efforts would bear beautiful fruition
if I remained steadfast to what is just and right. She
Over the past grueling months, the apprentices have been encouraged that an LGOO should nurture the LGU by
immersed in various disciplines aimed at developing our quickening them in times of laxity, encouraging them when
multiple trade hats, that of being a mentor, coach, trainer, they are weary, and giving them credit when it is due. She
facilitator, and advisor. And the last two months have been acclaimed that the LGU would lavishly reciprocate my
set to amplify the utilization of these competencies efforts if I lived by these.
through first-hand, on-the-field experience.
It is said that repetition is the mother of habit and habit
I believe the SFW has changed me in ways that the mother of character. Because of this ethos, I heavily
exceeded my expectations. It has convinced me that chewed on the aforementioned nuggets of wisdom that my
there is hope in local governance and public administration supervisor taught me.
if only the LGOOs are passionate about living out the DILG
ethos of being Matino, Mahusay, at Maaasahan. Each time I go to the barangay, I interact and build
rapport with the functionaries. I even insisted that I be
I am grateful to the good Lord for orchestrating that I will seated inside the Barangay Secretary’s office so that I
be stationed in DILG Tandag City for my SFW. I believe would be able to interact with the clients and observe the
the DILG-LGU dynamics in the city are quaintly ideal and dynamics in the barangay. And the move has proven
worthy of emulation. favorable to me because it has resulted in my friendship
with the barangay functionaries, especially the Punong
Barangay of Bongtud, Charisse Valentine Pimentel Pineda,
SBM Charie Kaye Macapala, Barangay Secretary Ruth L.
Luengas, and Barangay Treasurer Vilma T. Lozada.
Our routine consisted of daily trivia that I called “vitamins,”
where they asked me questions on barangay governance.
I answered them with what is within the ambit of the Local
Government Code, DILG policies, and other national
policies. Sometimes, I also throw in ideas to improve their
services.
Overall Reflection & Self Appraisal
98
I enjoyed the informal manner of collaborations that we Character-wise, the months of interaction with my fellow
forged because it was when I let my guard down that I apprentices has helped me become comfortable with my
won their trust. skin to the point of being audacious in calling out a mistake
for what it is.
During our managing learning events, I learned new
techniques for conducting development planning. Our day-to-day life in Tandag City was never short of the
things that irked and frustrated me. One has dealt with a
I learned that raising the participants’ morale is always fellow apprentice's sluggish and lethargic ways. Such
essential and making them realize that they are the best behavior was a downer to our team, and as the days
consultants for their barangay or offices is key to progressed, I mustered the courage to call it out.
committed participation. In this manner, they will take full
responsibility for the development planning. The results of It felt right to confront a fellow apprentice's laxity and
our learning events amplify that. sluggard behavior because I know we should be brothers
and sisters' keepers and pursue that which will make us
The reception we received from our participants for the better. After the series of confrontations, she told me that
Barangay Development Planning and the formulation of the what I did was right because she admitted that she
Capacity Development Agenda has been tremendous. struggles with having a clear head space and focus.
Punong Barangay Pineda said she now has a complete I learned from that experience that true friends and
grasp of what barangay development planning is like. She sincere officemates should be compassionate to each
said that the activity we conducted has helped her steer other by encouraging one another to be better and veer
clear toward the new vision they have for the barangay from ways that do not build up, even if the means of doing
because, for a long time, their BDP has been a copy-paste it had to be a head-on confrontation.
product.
Speaking of relationships, being under the tutelage of
Mayor Pimental shared a similar sentiment when she CLGOO Bagasbas has expanded my valuation of building a
expressed that she now finally understood the Capacity community of friends in the workplace instead of building
Development Agenda. up a workforce sans friendship. And of this lesson, I made
a great stretch to be a friend to functionaries with whom I
To this end, I maintain that the LGU functionaries must interacted during my sparse stay in Tandag City. Perhaps
grasp their integral role in implementing national policies as the most remarkable was being considered a friend to the
often summated in the code-mandated plans because good mayor and the rest of her family members.
when they do, an LGOO is spared from the messianic
complex characterized by being an “unofficial head Since we are staying in their beach house, most
executive assistant” to the LGU. weekends, they spend time in our area. And whenever
they were around, they always called for us and spent time
As my supervisor constantly reminds us, LGOOs are to chitchatting about work and life.
nurture and capacitate. And the effectiveness of the
LGOO on these is evidenced by LGU functionaries who Also, we have created a bond with our supervisor that will
perform as they ought. transcend beyond the confines of the SFW. She ensured
that the mentorship would not end with us bidding our
farewells.
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