GINA M.

ILUSTRE
On the Job Training
Coalition for Bicol Development
January – March 2018

Narrative Report
The Coalition for Bicol Development (CBD) is a regional network of provincial, city and
sectoral formations that is committed to establish an institutionalized effort that will unify and
strengthen capacities of Non-Government Organizations and Provincial Organizations in the
Bicol Region in maximizing their potentials to respond to the challenges of regional
development (CBD Website).

Last December 11, 2017 we, the AB Political Science students with my classmates
namely Giselle Torero, Sheralyn Vichozo and Jessica Dasmariñas of Partido State University
had our pre-orientation at the Coalition for Bicol Development (CBD), located in Naga City.

During the Pre-orientation, we submitted the documents that were required us to submit.
We formally started our internship on January 4, 2018 where we also had formal orientation
about CBD, its internal and external organization. The Orientation also serves as a regular
meeting of the CBD Secretariat wherein certain matters have been discussed such as the review
of 2017 assessment, OJT Plan and the Calendar of Activities.

On the first week of our training, we read books from the CBD library for us to be able to
familiarize and gain knowledge about how this organization works. We were tasked to read the
book about Federalism because we need to make a stand whether we’re pro or against Fed. On
January 10, 2018 we made a kit for the incoming CBD first board meeting that happened last
January 11, 2018 at the Pilgrims hotel. I’ve been tasked to take down minutes but asked favor to
my co-OJT to do it for me because I have to travel for my exam the other day. Sheralyn and I
were tasked to do the transcription of the full-blown minutes and that’s what we did for almost a
week.

CBD being the organization who wishes to support and an advocate of Poverty Reduction
helps people in many different ways. On January 16, 2018 we’ve been tasked to consolidate the
data for the re-Status of Mayon, through this task I become aware on what’s happening in Albay.
The Mayon Volcano spaws lava and many residents near the area were affected and badly needs
help. This is why on January 17; our office had a meeting about the status of Mayon Volcano
which focuses on Disaster Risk Reduction Coordination Hub. In regards with this, we were
tasked to canvass goods for the relief operation wherein we conducted quotation at LCC,
Puregold and Cabral. Afterwards, we did the beautification of the CBD Library, we made
decorations and arrangements.

I realized how our office makes actions on the current events wherein being the watchdog
of the government has come to life. This was when we’ve been tasked to observe the receiving
and retrieving of the ballot boxes for the Robredo – Marcos Electoral Protest. I don’t know how
the people behind this work do their job but one thing is for sure, it is really easy for them to take

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GINA M. ILUSTRE
On the Job Training
Coalition for Bicol Development
January – March 2018

advantage because if you are the one to observe the process it’s very difficult to identify who are
the persons authorized to touch the ballot boxes because there is no identification results of
having no uniform.

We also given tasked to organize the MBOs directory, do the profiling and organize the
documentation or photo album of the organizations with the help of the Ocampo Senior High
School Immersionists. As part of our activity, we also encouraged to help to the beautification of
the backyard of our office wherein we make garden for plantation of vegetable and plants.

In Celebration of the Valentine’s Day we decorated the office for us to feel the spirit of
love. We took pictures and celebrated the Valentine’s Day on February 14 with a simple meal.
On Febuary 7, 2018, we accompanied Ate Cel to send the documents to the CODE-NGO thru’
LBC. The next day, we do the re-quotation for the follow up of the goods we canvassed.

As part of the CBD advocacy we were engaged to a task where cooperation and man
power is highly needed. Through the repacking of the relief goods to be given to the people
affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption, I felt that I was a productive student of my field of
study because as a student of Political Science it is our duty to engage in social works and
development. I feel lucky being part of the team for Mayon Volcano Emergency Response. We
had our repacking for 2 days dated February 18-19. Yes it was tiring but seeing how the people
respond to the actions we took, we might say to ourselves that the efforts and sacrifices were
worth it especially to the people in Camalig Albay. You could see in their eyes that they really
were thankful on what they have received. We conducted the distribution on 20th of February.

Last February 28 we attended the seminar on TRAIN Law or the Tax Reformation for
Acceleration and Inclusion – RA 10963 held at Ateneo de Naga University. The seminar was
attended by many citizens of Naga who are tax payers. It was informative because it was hosted
by the personnel of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), one of the speakers was Atty.
Josephine G. Gomez.

I’ve been always a delegate and a participant of the training seminars and workshop
being conducted by the Coalition for Bicol Development since I was in second year college. I’ve
known this organization before I become an on the job trainee of the office. But being an intern
was quite different from being delegate or a participant and I can say that it was interesting. I’ve
learned many things during my stay as OJT I’ve discovered many facts that helps me realize the
difference between the four walls of the classroom and the reality world. These realizations and
learning’s I’ve found could be my helping stone to be applied when the time comes that I have to
face the challenges with my chosen career. So, with this I should say, Thank you a lot Coalition
for Bicol Development for having me and giving me all the opportunities that you entrusted in
me for the past years - until now.