PS 125 Internship in Political Science

3rd Term AY 2020-21

Baguio City

Practicum
Journal

Hultgren Dole Olpindo Calixto

Date: May 13,2021 to concentrate and to not let
yourself be
ACTIVITY: 1st Model Senate Plenary Session distracted by unnecessary
things.

OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE: DATE: May 24, 2021

This first ever meeting we had was a new ACTIVITY: 3rd UC Model Senate
Session
experience for us since we were not used to
learning virtually. At first, not everyone was OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
able to attend due to the adjustments and ‘Twas my first time to hear
the term division of
even having problems with their connections the house. So I see that
majority was in favor
including me for I our hometown does not even when the topic
consignment is seen as
have a stable connection. So the bill discussed controversial. Dividing of
the house is helpful
is about the protection of women but in my in decision making.
observation, there are still lack of information
since some were not based in the family code. REFLECTION:
Just because your friend
voted yes, does not
REFLECTION: At first, I was intimated by the mean you should be similar
because there are
wittiness of my classmates that I was able to certain things in life which
you should not be
gather new knowledge that I can use in the similar in decision making.
Consider the fact,
near future and this will help me mold my pros and cons of the bills
being discussed.
confidence. This kind of internship will be of More importantly, do not just
go with the flow.
help especially for us as political science You have your own standing.
Learn to be firm.
students because a lot of critical thinking
should be applied in decision making and DATE: May 24,2021
policy making. ACTIVITY: 3rd Joint Meetings

DATE: May 14, 2021 OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:

ACTIVITY: 1st Committee Meeting Since I’m having difficulties
with my
connection, I wasn’t able to
cope up with all
OBSERVATION/ CRITIQUE: the matters discussed and
presented but one
Senators are seen actively participating. thing, the bill I was able to
listen has a good
Manifestations were given in order to expand intention because there were
senators
and further give explanations to the bills being showing their appreciation
and support to the
discussed. bill. This evidently shows
that it’ll be feasible.

REFLECTION: One thing I’ve learned is that, if REFLECTION:

you have questions and clarifications, do not Expressing of ideas is really
important to every
be ashamed of being recognized because it’ll individuals, may it be verbal
or written. I was
be of help for you in polishing your mind. You able to realize this during
the past meetings
tend think more critically. and even today.

DATE: May 21, 2021

ACTIVITY: 3rd Committee Meetings DATE: May 27, 2021
ACTIVITY: 4th UC Model Senate
Session
OBSERVATION/ CRITIQUE:
During this meeting, the bill that were OBSERVATION/ CRITIQUE:
presented still needs reevaluation for the fact When interpellation was
opened, I can notice
that there are information that needs to be full that the start of grilling
was present. Then
researched and to be discussed further. debate, a lot of queries were
asked to the good
REFLECTION: Even if we learn through the use sponsors which shows that the
senators are
of gadgets, not face to face, there is still a need showing interest with their
bill.

Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science

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REFLECTION:
Not every time, you are able to relax because DATE: June 8, 2021
battle is encountered everywhere so you must ACTIVITY: 1st Committee on
Labor
be prepared. Just like this meeting, a lot of
research and reading is need in order to OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
answer correctly the questions of the Undeniably, not every bill
being presented is
interpellators and other senators. perfect. There are parts
that are not clear for
other senators because it
shows confusion.
Moreover, a lot of question
were raised in
DATE: May 31, 2021 order to be satisfied as to
what’s the intention
ACTIVITY: 5th UC Model Senate of their bill.

OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE: REFLECTION:

One of the good sponsor discussed about No matter how difficult the
situation is,
adultery, during the discussion, I noticed that teamwork is never gone for
this committee. I
there are still lacking information that should learned that wherever you
go, you will always
be given emphasis especially especially on the need someone who will help
you because
penalty section. there are certain things in
life which you can’t
handle alone.
REFLECTION:
Not only the bills give us more ideas but the DATE: June 10, 2021
way the different senators interact with each ACTIVITY: 8th UC Model
Senate
other give us knowledge on why those kind of
things happen. Cooperation is very needed for OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
this kind of setup because if there is the There are bills passed for
second reading and
absence of cooperation, many of us will not in order to be passed,
division of the house is
gain knowledge. needed in order to go to the
next step which is
the 3rd reading.
DATE: June 3, 2021
ACTIVITY: 6th UC Model Senate REFLECTION:
Your one vote is very
significant as they say.
OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE: When voting, you should be
firm and you
During this meeting, dissolution of marriage should know as to why you
were in favor. Not
was brought up by one of the good sponsor just because your friend
voted for yes, then the
which highlights the protection of women as same should go with you. Be
firm and know
well as the children, to keep them away from your stand. Listen for the
possible advantages
abuse. Yes there are bills that cover the and disadvantages on why you
voted in the
protection and importance of women but this first place.
is the first bill presented in this session which is
a good sign that women should never be DATE: June 11, 2021
downgraded by the society. ACTIVITY: 2nd Committee on
Labor

REFLECTION: OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:

In every issues we encounter in our lives, learn The majority leader always
gives emphasis and
to open your eyes to see the reality and ears to knowledge on every bill
presented. I was
hear the cries of the oppressed. Because as we amazed on how he expresses
his ideas as well
were surrounded by corrupt politicians, this is as the minority leader.
During the reading of
the time we realize to not be one of them. the bill, some of the
amendments were
Learn to start strategies on how we can go rejected by the good
sponsors for the reason
through these challenges and be able to help that the essence of the bill
might be changed
those in need. and might give other
intention to the readers.

Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science

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 DATE: June 15, 2021
REFLECTION: ACTIVITY: 10th UC Model
Senate Session
For someone like me that is not that
cooperative, I learned that being cooperative OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
and attentive should be practiced because it I observed that the senators
are becoming lazy
enhances the way you think and decide which since there are a lot of dead
airs. When asking
will help you in the future especially if you have the body to give
manifestation or ask
plans in running for a position or if you want to questions, some are not
participative and the
be involved in politics. same senators are being
recognized. During
this meeting, local
government was tackled on
DATE: June 11, 2021 donating rather than selling.
ACTIVITY: 3rd Committee on National Defense
and Security Peace, Unification, and REFLECTION:
Reconciliation This session taught me to be
patient and
always have perseverance
because in this life,
OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE: being determined is one key
to be successful
In this meeting, bills go through the same no matter how hard things
are.
process. During interpellation, questions were
asked and answered by the good sponsor but DATE: June 17, 2021
some the are questions that were not ACTIVITY: 11th UC Model
Senate Session
satisfactorily answered, second is the debate
and lastly, the amendment. So the body gave OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
their amendment in order to fix the bill and be The proposed bill undeniably
showed good
passed for the next reading. intentions however some were
against since
the good sponsor were not
able to answer
REFLECTION: some of the questions being
asked by the
Being one is the most important mindset majority leader.
everyone should have. If the good sponsors are
having difficulties in answering the questions, REFLECTION:
learn to understand and do not be judgmental As always, know your stand
and be firm in
since not everyone is intellectually perfect. every decision you make. Know
the reason
behind why you were in favor
or on the other
DATE: June 14, 2021 hand, why you were against it
because it helps
ACTIVITY: 9th UC Model Senate a lot especially in factual
events.

OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE: DATE: June 21, 2021

The most intriguing topic which is statutory ACTIVITY: 12th UC Model
Senate Session
rape was discussed during this meeting. Since
this kind of crimes is unending, it is just that we OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
should give emphasis to this kind of cases The bill’s intention was
explained by the
especially on the penalty every violator has to sponsor and we can see that
the intention will
receive. help our fellow Filipinos. As
a tradition,
manifestations were given by
the body as well
REFLECTION: as their support to the bill.
This should be an eye opener to everyone that
not only are the teenagers being raped. REFLECTION:
Regardless of age you have, everyone can be Expressing your idea is very
significant
victims of rape. You should always be vigilant especially in this kind of
setup. If you want to
and do trust everyone. If you suffer this kind of heard or if you want your
opinion to be heard,
abuse, be not afraid to speak up for yourself. speak and ask for
recognition. Do not wait and

Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science

4
regret that you were not able to express your Asking questions is really a
good practice
idea. especially if you want to be a
member of
politics. It will enhance your
intellect as well as
DATE: June 22, 2021 how you interact with other
people.
ACTIVITY: 3rd Committee Meeting on
Labor(TWG) DATE: July 2, 2021
ACTIVITY: 15th UC Model Senate
Session
OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
This is the time I have observed the negative OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
attitude of the minority leader for the reason Due to having the TWG, the
bills were fixed by
that she showed insult towards the sponsors. the sponsors. Not only did
they ask questions
She literally was grilling the sponsor and but also giving their
amendments to the
showed dissatisfaction. Instead of helping sponsor in order to fix the
contention of the
them, she laughs sarcastically. bill.

REFLECTION: REFLECTION:
Being rude to someone does you no good. If Throughout this session,
participation should
someone needs your help, do not hesitate to always be practiced. In order
to have a better
help them. Never laugh and belittle someone bill, help from the body is
very much
because you will never know what might appreciated and needed.
happen tomorrow.
DATE: July 5, 2021
DATE: June 24, 2021 ACTIVITY: 16th UC Model Senate
Session
ACTIVITY: 13th UC Model Senate Session
OBSERVATIONS/ CRITUE:
OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE: Some senators are questioning
the bill
At first, the session was good but later, the presented since some parts are
confusing.
sponsor was not able to answer the questions Until it was laid on the
table.
of the interpellator. I have observed that the REFLECTION:
co-authors as well as the co-sponsors did not I’ve realized that before
filing a bill, we should
show support to the sponsor since it was seen think about the pros and cons.
Be prepared for
on the unanswered questions. any possible questions.
Conduct a research
and read further for you to be
familiarized
REFLECTION: about the topic.
Teamwork is always needed. Do not let one
member to do all the work. If everyone DATE: July 8, 2021
participates and give their ideas, it will be good ACTIVITY: 16th UC Model Senate
Session
outcome. There is always a time for enjoyment
and a time to being serious. OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
The interpellators give their
support to the bill
DATE: June 28, 2021 through giving manifestations
and such. The
ACTIVITY: 14th UC Model Senate Session bill filed is to protect the
citizens from any
harm.
OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
Sponsorship speech is helpful in order for the REFLECTION:
body to understand the contention of the bill. Show your support to a certain
thing through
But this meeting, what was mentioned during expressing your idea. If you
want to be
the speech was repeatedly asked by the supported then do the same
thing.
interpellator.
DATE: July 12, 2021
REFLECTION: ACTIVITY: 17th UC Model Senate
Session

Practicum Journal | PS 125 Internship in Political Science

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 DATE: July 20, 2021
OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE: ACTIVITY: 21st UC Model Senate
Session
After the bill about the protection of women
and children, there are good intentions of it OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
hence, it needs polishing because there are There are senators still
abstaining yet they
certain parts that need to be reconsidered. don’t give reasons as to why
they abstain. In
kind of case, they should go
with flow but have
REFLECTION: their reasons on why they
abstain from voting.
In order to be a good legislator, you need to do
a lot of reading and let yourself be familiarized REFLECTION:
with the contention of the bill. We should This session taught us that no
matter where
encourage ourselves to express and participate you go, your opinion does
matter. Always
in every activity that we can gain knowledge. know your stand.

DATE: July 13, 2021 DATE: July 22, 2021

ACTIVITY: 19th UC Model Senate Session ACTIVITY: 22nd UC Model Senate
Session

OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE: OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:

Most senators were in favor since the bill was Some senators does not value
the importance
explained thoroughly. As usual, manifestations of their votes. Some abstain
due to certain
were given and questions were asked to test reasons but they don’t know
it’s for the bill to
the sponsors if they really know the point of passed for second reading. It
means they were
their bill and their main aim. not listening to the discussion
of the bills and
they only go with the flow.
REFLECTION:
In order to have a good outcome, we should REFLECTION:
participate in order to be connected with each As for the lesson I have
learned today, do not
other. In this way, we can contribute for the take sides. It is always better
to be neutral and
betterment of the bill. examine both sides.

DATE: July 19, 2021

ACTIVITY: 20th UC Model Senate Session

OBSERVATIONS/ CRITIQUE:
This was the time I delivered my speech and
was a good experience. I realized that speaking
for others is very important. My topic is about
the agricultural sector and some have showed
their support through giving manifestations.

REFLECTION:
Being the voice for those oppressed means a
lot to them. It is saddening that we are
surrounded by corrupt politicians and we do
not receive full support from them. They
ignore the backbone of the society and focus
on petty things. This should be a lesson to
everyone that we should not be one of them,
rather, eliminated those kind of negative
political image.

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