September 1, 2022

My yesterday’s visit of Barangay Tagbayagan had been fruitful. Today I went back to the
barangay for an emergency meeting with the Punong Barangay regarding the documents I
requested, particularly, about the FDP posting at the bulletin board. Upon arrival, PB welcomed
me with a bit of a treat and prepared a snack before we he went on with our meeting. During
the meeting, PB explained to me that the reason why there were no list of notices of award is
that all would be projects of the barangay are still on negotiation phase, hence, there is still no
updated list for that matter. Meanwhile, PB proceeded with some queries related to the KP
issuance of summons as what we have discussed yesterday. He asked for some clarification of
the types of service of summons to the respondent and how it should be done. I explained the
matter to him and somehow understood the process. We then proceeded to discuss some other
topics that are frequent issues particularly on the issue of dispute under the Lupon. We then
capped our discussion by having some afternoon snacks and then capped our meeting for that
day.

Todays discussion with PB made me realized that to be a PB in barangay is the most challenging
task in all types of public servants. Punong barangays are the one’s directly involve with the
constituents. They are the first line of service when we speak about public servants. People from
all walks of life under his jurisdiction are his responsibility when it comes to public service. If
there is one public servant deserving of all heaps of praises, it is the punong barangay.

September 2, 2022

With all the activities that transpired during the start of our SFW for the month of August, it is
now time for me to prepare my daily time record (DTR) to be submitted at our provincial office. I
collated all the necessary documents for attachment and attached it on my DTR. I, together with
my co-apprentices had several accomplishments from our individual and team work plan
starting August 22, 2022, to wit: Preparation of Team and individual workplans; establishment of
our residence; LGU Profiling; Courtesy call with LCE, Vice Mayor, PB and other LGU
functionaries; Establishment of municipal and barangay workstations; observance of Municipal
regular session; and assistance to the formulation of CDP-ELA. Looking back at what we have
accomplished so far, I realized that as long as you keep in mind the task you have to accomplish
on a daily basis, you will surely not get overwhelm to all of the outputs required. In other words,
you have to do your task day by day and never skip what you have planned out.

After our DTR preparation, we continued with our preparation for the CapDev
formulation activity on September 7, 2022. We started reading the Toolkit on CapDev
formulation from LGA as our reference for our preparation on our session guide. We then ended
the day by submitting our DTR to our SFW supervisor.

September 3, 2022

This day I decided to take my well deserved rest. I did my usual chores every weekend and then
watch my favorite movies. My stay here in Rosario reminded me of my past way back college
days when I was studying in Cebu. The vibe is actually the same; hence, being in this kind of
situation is not really new to me. As early as highschool, I was trained by my parents to be
independent when I studied at our City, a 30km away drive from our home. It was not easy at
first but later on I learned to adapt. I realized that being alone has its advantages. You can do
anything you want without hindrance from anyone. However, it is not also advisable to be in this
situation for long periods of time without talking to anyone for it becomes an unhealthy lifestyle
as well.

September 4, 2022

Today is the Lords day so I decided to go to church. Afterwhich, I made some preparations for
Monday’s attendance to the 1st regular session for the month of September in Rosario. I feel
exuberant to attend an actual regular session since it would be my first time to do so.

September 5

Everyone was forming a line at the front of the municipal building as the flag ceremony was
going to start. Personnel from different offices wore their appropriate uniforms in different
colors corresponding to the team they were assigned to. But the elective local officials wore
their barong and filipiniana outfits since a regular session would follow after the flag ceremony.
Right after the flag rising, there were some announcements made by some offices. The most
notable one came from the Civil Service Commission for its monthly celebration. Right after the
flag ceremony, we immediately proceeded in the venue where the session was held. Here are
my some observations as the session started: All are very cordial with each other as they went
through the process; and session was very formal and they know what exactly they were doing.
However, there are still few steps in there procedure that needs improvement. Like when they
do the motion, it was very quick to the point that it was not clear what has been agreed upon.
There are times also that the one who speak was not able to deliver fully his message because
the presiding officer interrupted his/her especially when the PO assumed that he already
understand what the speaker was talking about. I realized that the PO was very forceful in his
ideas and he uses the pulpit to justify his stand since he is the presiding officer as what he had
always emphasized.

I believe this is not true. Although the presiding officer has the discretion and control on how to
run the session in accordance with the existing IRP and preliminary procedure, this does not
mean that he has the final say on whatever topic that needs to be agreed upon. A vote is
necessary especially on matters that affect public interest. Moreover, when it comes to the
manner of giving privileges speeches, the speaker should not be interrupted while he still
delivering his/her speech. If the topic might be discussed in another time or forum, the PO
should suggest to the speaker to end his speech at the moment.

September 6

This day was a bit tedious for us because of some preparations we made as we are about to
conduct an activity tomorrow on the formulation of CapDev Agenda. I, together with my co-
apprentices, divided the topics to be discussed based on the 9 steps on the CapDev Agenda
formulation. I was assigned to discuss steps 4 to 6 (PCM, CCM, PM and RM). I do most of my
preparation when I’m at my boarding house since I’m the type of person that is more effective
working alone. I would usually do discussions later with my peers when im done with my
preparations.

I was quite busy when I got home. I did my usual routine of studying my topic then
ensue self monologue. My boardmates took notice of my enthusiasm when they heard my voice
in my room. When I got out of my room to take a zip of water, my boardmates were making fun
of me about my self-monolouge when they saw me. After I was done with my preparation, I
went on to my bed and took a good night sleep.

Sept 7

Today was the D-day. The activity today was titled “CapDev Agenda Formulation” and was one
of our major outputs in our SFW component of our training. Hence, we made sure to do right
with the conduct of this activity today. The activity started around 10am. Everyone from the
TWG of all offices was present. We divided them into by 5 Sectors (Environment, Institutional,
Social, Infrastructure, and Economic) for the upcoming workshops. The activity started by our
Emcee Ms. Marjorie Dalagan as she coursed through with our preliminaries and
acknowledgement of the participants. She then introduced the first speaker for today, Ms.
Krisha Antonette A. Villanueva, to discuss the overview and context analysis of the CapDev
Agenda. Afterwhich, the participants were asked about the experience of conducting context
analysis (Causal loop and Stakeholders Analysis). They said that it was a bit tedious to do since
they were required to find all the necessary variables that are the causes of the problem.
However, they did express satisfaction since they were able to create a story and find the root
cause of the problem which required immediate intervention. The next one to discuss was me.
After conducting analysis, we then proceeded to capacity assessment. It involves two steps,
namely: Determining goals and objective and assessing capacity. In summary, I emphasize that
capacity assessment determines whether or not the LGU has the capacity to perform and
achieved their performance target. The next topic then was Prioritization and risk management.
I emphasize also that the purpose of this is to prioritize the identified interventions or PPAs to
be conducted and analyze the possible risk of its non-implementation. After my presentation, it
was followed by Ms. Marjorie Dalagan who presented the importance of Monitoring and
Evaluation, and Legitimization. It was highlighted the monitoring and evaluation is very
important for decision making, particularly, in identifying intervention or improvements
necessary for the future.

The activity ended with great appreciation of our participants. It was also a testament to us that
we did right in the conduct of this activity.

September 8, 2022

Municipal Station

Small victories need to be celebrated. Today we celebrated the success of our yesterday’s ac
tivity. We had a few snacks and decided to have lunch at a local restaurant (Nisar) here in
Rosario. We found out that the locals here are good at cooking. The usual dish served in
restaurants would turn out very special once you have a taste of it. In the afternoon, we made
some preparation for our work in the barangay workstation tomorrow. Our supervisor had a few
instructions on the review of the posting in the FDP board and the meetings conducted for the
BBIs program. She emphasized that meetings should be conducted regularly for audit purposes.

September 9, 2022

Our location today was at our respective barangay workstations. As I arrived at the barangay
office of Tagbayagan around 7:50am, it was still closed. I waited for several minutes and at
exactly 8:10am in the morning, the secretary arrived. I then proceeded at my area were my
table was located. The secretary informed me that their barangay captain has attended a
seminar on __________. The day unfolded with only a few people visited the office. Most of
them were there asking for barangay certifications. Since the barangay was not busy at the
moment, I had the opportunity to review our accomplishments and activity tracker.

Before I made my exit, I talked to the secretary for a few reminders by our supervisors
particularly in her instructions to FDP and BBI meetings. I then went home at around 5:30pm.

September 10, 2022

Weekends has been my sort of comfort days this SWF component. With all the things
happening during weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays are a relief to me. This is the time that I can
reflect on myself about life. And I can do the cooking as well, one of my favorite hobbies of
mine. But today, I did another hobby of mine which is driving motorcycle. I did a tour around in
Rosario looking for place to unwind. I found it near in brgy. Tagbanayag- a vast ricefield where I
can view it a top of a small mountain. The view was breathtaking. It reminded me of my home in
Motorpool, Tubod, Surigao del Norte. I realized that relaxation is a must for someone who has
done loads of work in order to rejuvenate himself for another task. Today’s experience is one
worth keeping.

September 11, 2022

Sunday is a very special day for me because it’s a day where I can worship my Lord. This time, I
went to a local born again church here in Rosario for my Sunday worship. I believe that
spirituality is necessary for the well being of a person. According to studies, spirituality is the
basic foundation of building a nation. It somehow provides the standard of what is right or
wrong in a society. Without it, everything will fall into oblivion. In a personal perspective, it gives
you the required balance in life. It shows you the basics of what is right and wrong on what to
do with your daily struggles. It keeps you abreast of doing things that contributes to the overall
well-being in a society. It does not matter of what color of religion you have but about having
something to believe in. It keeps you grounded at all times and suppresses you to do things that
are excessive. Just as academic is important, so too is spirituality.

September 12, 2022

Today is another regular session for us to observe. We thought that the session for today would
be the same last time but we are in for a surprise. If the session last time was smooth sailing,
this time there is a little bit of tension brought by debates between the members of the
sanggunian. The presiding officer is incessant in dominating the whole proceeding. This, I think,
because of his background as brgy. Captain were he has almost control over everything. In fact,
his ideas would always prevail leaving the local legislative body nodding their heads. Although
everyone was given the chance to speak, any ideas that the PO does not agree with will surely
not be given consideration. Under the rules on parliamentary procedure, if the house is divided
on an issue, a voting should ensue between members. In the case of Rosario, it is not true. This
would be part of my recommendation for improvements on the conduct of local sanggunian
session.

September 13, 2022

Yesterday’s session was tedious because of the atmosphere it projected. Today, we had a few
discussions with our Supervisor about what transpired during the session. We explained here
these few observations: 1. The way the motions are being handled are a bit confusing since it is
very fast. Sometimes a motion was already seconded when in fact there is still no first yet. The
other members will just nod in unison of the improper motions; 2. The presiding officer is very
dominating. He sometimes insists on his idea without even undergoing the voting process; and
3. Withdrawals of motions were prevalent although it is improper to do so. After discussions
with our supervisory, she instructed us to make recommendations out from our observations
made. The day unfolded accomplishing our draft recommendations and reflections for the day.

September 14, 2022

Several days had pass, our team has made quite some progress. By this time, we have
accomplished at least 30% of our work plans. We then reviewed our tracker while waiting for
our supervisor’s instructions. After a few minutes past 8, our supervisor went out in her office
and talked to us and delivering us the good news with respect to our Provincial CapDev needs
activity as one of our outputs. The province of Agusan del Sur has scheduled its ELA-CDA
formulation somewhere in Butuan City. Our supervisor had arranged a schedule for us to attend
on the next day around 1pm in the afternoon where the CDA formulation will commence. There
we will be observing on how the CDA process will proceed and make our reflections afterwards.
We then submitted to ma’am rena our draft recommendations with respect to the sessions we
just have observed for her opinions and comments. The day unfolded finalizing our reflection for
the day.

September 15, 2022

The provincial ELA-CDA of Agusan del Sur started around 1pm so we decided to depart from
Rosario to Butuan around 8:30am. It was a 2 hour travel time so we still have some few hours to
prepare upon arrival. The activity was held at Almond Resort, one of the prestigious resorts in
Butuan City. We arrived at the venue early so we had witnessed their ELA formulation. The
participants were tumultuous in sight although they were grouped by Sectors. We saw them in
unison with their discussions. They were on the process on identifying PPAs already. Here are
our observations during their ELA-CDA Formulation: 1. Their process on CapDev Agenda
formulation is not the same as what we have learned during the residential training. After
undergoing VRG, they proceeded on identifying their goals, objectives, and PPAs. CDA
commence directly to answer what is the needed Capacity development with respect to the
implementation of the PPAs identified. In short, they did not follow the 9 steps on capacity
agenda; 2. All of the local functionaries are present since the local officials are all present as
well. The governor and the vice governor are always on top of the situation. They even join
during the formulation of their CDA. Full support of the local government is on display.

To cap it up, we will discuss the process on the CDA formulation in our separate
reflection on the matter. As for the general observation, their process is easy to understand so
the participants were able to go with the process smoothly. However, not undergoing with the
proper CDA formulation might miss out some of the most complex issues that would really
answer to the needs of the LGUs. They might identify the less needed complex issue rather than
the most important one without following the ideal process.

September 16, 2022

This day was the time we visited our barangay working station. I arrived at my station around
8:00 am. There I was welcomed by the barangay secretary. She then informed me that the brgy.
Captain was not around because he attended a seminar. Since it was Friday, the office was a bit
lonely. They were a few clients but mostly they just ask for barangay certification for personal
use. The situation actually is not disheartening since it also gave me the time to review all of my
accomplishments during the week. I then also had an opportunity to study more about
Katarangungan Pambarangay Law since most of the queries from the local official revolved
around it. I had also the opportunity to review the BBI programs requirement on meetings and
minutes, as instructed by our supervisor.

The day unfolded still a bit quite…

September 17

Thanks God it’s Saturday! (T.G.I.S). If you are familiar with this show back in the 90’s, then it only
means your old already.hehehe anyway, weekends are my favorite days of a week. I would
literally wander around especially on Saturdays. Today I decided to watch my favorite series
“The House of the Dragon”. This show is actually close to reality. The world we are in is all about
survival. No matter how ideal you are with your beliefs, reality will always sink in first. That is
why for me, I always balance myself in dealing with people- not too trusting. Denying reality
because of your idealistic beliefs will always make you vulnerable to the abuses of many. Living a
balance life will always protect you from it. After watching movies, I then read a few pages of my
favorite books before I end up the day.

September 18

Sundays are all about worship to the Almighty above. I always believe that living a spiritual life is
all about practicing what you preach. It’s not just going to church every Sunday but living day by
day like Sundays. Our supervisor, for example, is a practicing Christian. Her dedication in her
beliefs radiates on her daily routine. She always live the day as if her last making the most out of
it. According to her, she always strives for the best in her work, not for men but for God. That is
why no matter how tired she seems to be, she still manage to smile and laugh with us. Her aura
is impulsive. And I am very glad that she is our supervisor for this SFW component.

September 19, 2022

Today sets another milestone for our SFW component II of our training. This day will be the start
of our 3 day Barangay Learning Event (BLE) for the 3 barangays of Rosario as we have scheduled
last week. The first on our schedule is at Barangay Sta. Cruz. This is also the barangay working
station of my co-apprentice Ms. Krisha Villanueva. Our venue was at their covered court with at
least 35 participants. As we arrived at the venue, the participants are already there preparing to
welcome us. Hon. ______________ approached us and was very appreciative of our initiative to
conduct this activity entitled “Strengthening Barangay Based Institution (BBI): Orientation of the
roles and functions.

After we have set up our materials, we then proceeded with our activity. Here are some
observations during the activity: 1. The participants are very attentive and participative,
especially during our pre games before the start of our proper discussions; 2. As we applied the
adult learning method, some of the participants were able to express their opinions from their
vast experiences on how they performed the BBIs; 3. The resource speakers were brilliant,
modesty aside, as they were able to fully explain the topics they discussed; 4. Lastly, the
participants, as one of their take-aways, were so glad that their knowledge of the BBIs were
increased because of the training.

As the activity unfolded, I realized that the greatest award you can received in the
conduct of an activity is when your participants have fully understand what you are trying to
impart to them. You will feel this by how much appreciative they are with you by singing songs
of praises.

September 20, 2022

Our next stop is Brgy. Tagbayagan, my working station. Travel time is around 10 minutes. As we
arrived at brgy. office, I immediately talked to the brgy captain and thank him for preparations
he made for this activity. However, he immediately explained as well that the venue is only at
the hallway of the barangay office since there are only few local functionaries who have
committed to attend the activity because of some equally important matters they have attended
as well. But at least, all the programs under BBI are still well represented. This time, I want to
highlight the barangays overall functionality. Brgy. Tagbayan is among those barangays that are
highly functional with respect to their BBIs. This is because their barangay captain is very active
in his duties despite the fact of him being a senior already. The barangay secretary as well is
smart and intelligent and has an excellent comprehension. Our speakers have no difficulty in
explaining the roles and functions, including the functionality indicators of the programs under
BBIs because they already know full well their respective duties.

The activity unfolded on a high note. Although they are already familiar of their roles and
functions, there are still some nitty gritty details they still learned in the activity.

September 21, 2022

This day was the last stretch of our BLE. Our location would be at barangay Wasi-an. I just want
to highlight one of the very important, the most interesting, and talked about BBIs which is the
Lupon Tagapamayapa. Just like in the previous schedules, this topic is one of the most talked
about especially in the area of jurisdiction and venue. I was the one tasked to discuss the
functions of the Lupon and I’ve made extensive preparation on it. With my background in law, I
was able to explain fully well to them the functions of the Lupon. In the Q&A segment, most of
the questions revolved around jurisdiction especially on cases under the revised penal code and
civil cases. There is one particular question which is difficult to answer if you do not have a
background in law. Thankfully, I was able to explain to them the right answer.

To culminate our BLE for this week, it would say it was the most productive in all that we do
here in SFW. All that we have learned in the residential training was more than worthy enough.
We applied all types of managing learning event depending on our audience. We have come to
developed a style that could adapt at any given time as the situation calls for it.

September 22

Celebrating small victories is a way of validating your efforts in your endeavor. This day was
supposed to be it. Unfortunately, I had a loose bowel movement (LBM) late night and was not
able to report at the office early morning. Due to such, I developed a hemorrhoid and it was so
painful I could not even sit properly. Worst, my temperature went up and got a fever. So I
informed my Supervisor that I could not come to the office today because of my situation. All I
did today was rest for my full recovery. I also took some medicine to get cured of my sickness.
Luckily, my fever subsided and was able to recover. However, the hemorrhoid is still there and it
gives me a little bit discomfort if I sit for long periods of time. Hope that this will not complicate.

September 23, 2022

I was partially recovered today without fever but my hemorrhoids still giving me discomfort.
Nonetheless, it is nothing that I cannot manage so I was still able to report in the office. The first
thing that I did was to prepare the necessary attachments for my terminal report of the recently
concluded activities. As I went browsing the Pre and Post evaluations reports, I was delighted to
know that the participants were very much appreciative of our initiative in conducting the said
activities. There is one comment of the participant that really stuck in my hand and that is he
really now understand the rules on jurisdiction and venue. For me it was a testament that I
really am competent in explaining things that are understandable to the ordinary person.

After arranging the documents, I then started my terminal report and was able to accomplish it
halfway through.

September 24, 2022

Friday it is and it’s time again to report at my barangay working station. I arrived at around
7:30am and there I saw PB in his office. After a few minutes, PB approached me to ask
something about an issue regarding venue for amicable settlement. The complainant was from
another barangay that is not within Rosario. Normally, the lupon has no jurisdiction but it turns
out it has due to the following facts of the case.

Brgy. Tagbayan is situated at the end of the boundary of Rosario. The next barangay
adjacent to it is already part of San Francisco, another municipality. Brgy Tagbayagan would
become a special case when it comes to venue if one of the parties would belong to the
adjacent barangay which is part of San Francisco. The respondent of the case resides in
Tagbayagan and the complainant was from the adjacent barangay part of San Francisco. For this
situation, PB asked for my advice if whether or not lupon of Tagbayagan has the jurisdiction to
handle the case. I told PB to call the parties, both respondent and complainant, to come at his
office for possible discussions with the case. I told him that he should ask the parties if they are
willing to settle the case in the lupon and would abide by the amicable settlement if decided. If
both parties would agree, then the lupon can have jurisdiction over the case. If not, then the
case could be settled only at a proper agency, perhaps the court. This is in consonance of the
rules on venue under the Katarungan Pambarangay Law. PB was very impressed that I know all
of it, hence, he prepared a good lunch for all of us in the office. I was very amused by his
reaction; however, as for me it is just natural to know this since I am expected to know it as an
LGOO. 

September 25, 2022

Weekends are supposedly my rest day but I decided to use my personal pass slip to visit my
wife. It was a long whole month that I haven’t seen her. However, I was supposed to return back
around evening since the pass slip is only good for the day and does not allow me to stay there
for long. It was refreshing to see her. It reminded me the reason why I am doing what I have
been doing in the first place- to make her happy. It was a jubilant reunion to us. We made every
second count. We dated around the city and eat the best food Surigao has to offer. We
cherished our love by reminiscing the very reason why we have been together until today and
the many years to come. My love for her goes strong every second I am separated with her. I
hope that if ever I become a field officer, I would be assign in a place closer to her.

September 26, 2022

Yesterday seems so fleeting to me. Hours had passed without me noticing it. There is truth in
the saying that time does not stand still when you are with your love ones. Today, I’m back here
at Rosario and I was so lonely. I have felt the burnt of loneliness right after I leave my wife. But
such is the reality that I’m in which I must to face. I need to move on and be strong for her sake.
To keep me back on track, I remembered that there will be a validation for the apprentices to be
conducted by the LGA tomorrow. I need to prepare myself for any possible questions that the
interview would ask of me.

September 27, 2022

At exactly 8:30am the LGA hosted a zoom meeting for the validation of its apprentice under SFW
component. All of us were anxious as to what would be the questions all about. But my team is
very confident that we would be able to answer whatever question would be asked since we
have been doing all the requirements asked by the LGA. However, it turns out that the
validations is just a meet and greet a “kamustahan” segment with the LGA and the apprentices.
It was good for LGA to check on us as to our progress. The meeting reminded us of our
obligation and to keep on track of everything we do until the SFW component will end come
October 22. The meeting also sent us the signal that we need to keep serious with our reporting
outputs.
September 29, 2022

Visiting someone to check up on them is not an easy task specially if your age is already catching
up to you. But it didn’t bother to our Assistant Regional Director, Donald Seronay and LGCDD
Chief Annabel Yangson, who did just that. Just like a father to his children ARD Donald Seronay
visited us not only to check our ongoing outputs on the SFW immersion but also our well being.
He asked if how we are doing inspite of all the rigorous time we invested finishing our outputs.
He reminded us to strike a balance between work and life. Ma’am Annabel Yangson also
checked our progress with our outputs, including our daily journal. We also had a good laugh
sharing our experiences in the field. But in all seriousness, he reminded us to do well with our
outputs. He specifically instructed us to connect everything we have accomplished to the
objectives of this field immersion since that would be the measurement to our success. After a
few minutes of chitchat, ARD Seronay, together with Ma’am Yangson, we took some pictures for
ourselves to serve as memory worth keeping. After that, the visiting team bid there farewells to
us.

September 30, 2022

Yesterday, I was the one who got visited. This time I’m the one who did the visit at my work
station. When I arrived at the office, It was