Practicum Fifteenth Week

Weekly Journal 15

 

Name:	Lance Lhouie M. David
Host Training Establishment (HTE):	City Environment and Natural Resources Office
Week Number:	15th Week
Dates Covered:	December 1 – December 5, 2025
Submitted on:	December 8, 2025

 

Concrete Experience

    In the fifteenth week of our practicum program, we were finally ready to present our main output for CENRO, which was the historical background of the Molok River and the socioeconomic survey of its residents. I prepared well and arrived early because it would not be ideal to be late for a presentation of such importance, especially since CENRO Head Sir Allan Marcilla and the entire Water Resources Management Team were expected to attend. However, upon my arrival, our supervisor informed us that we would proceed with Plan B. Since some of the attendees had not yet arrived, we were instructed to conduct water sampling first at three different resorts to maximize our time. We immediately proceeded with the task and managed to finish sampling all three locations in just three hours, which was a record time for our team and the fastest water sampling we had ever conducted.

    We arrived at the office around lunchtime and rested for a while because we were exhausted from sitting in the back of the pickup truck on our way back. After resting, my colleagues and I prepared for the presentation. When it was my turn, I delivered it humbly yet confidently, making sure not to miss any important details. In the end, everyone applauded the success of the presentation. Sir Allan mentioned that our findings about the Japanese structures in the river based on the narratives of our interview participants, particularly in Purok Maguindanao were very interesting. However, I still felt a bit unfulfilled because we were not able to visit or see the structures firsthand since they were located inside private property, and we did not want to cause any trouble by entering without permission. 

    On the following day, the motorcycle of our supervisor broke down because the elbow of the exhaust pipe had snapped due to rust and corrosion. I offered my help since I had experience in replacing parts like that, and fortunately, I always carry tools with me for sudden mechanical situations. We went to the nearest shop to buy the replacement parts, and I immediately attempted to install them. Our supervisor was surprised that I knew how to fix motorcycles. Everything was going smoothly until I tried to fit the newly bought parts and noticed that they were the wrong ones. Everyone was disappointed because the results were “palpak.” We agreed to return to the shop to exchange the incorrect part for the right one, and they decided to have the shop handle the repair instead of me.

 

Reflective Observation

    I realized that every effort we exerted in working on our project truly paid off not only for the completion of our subject requirements, but also because we were able to deliver meaningful work for the CENRO office and contribute something valuable to the community. Looking back, the tasks we went through were exhausting, printing numerous documents, going from one place to another under the heat of the sun to locate respondents, collecting and interpreting data, and dealing with overlapping academic schedules. Despite all these challenges, the outcome of our work gave me a sense of fulfillment, pride, and accomplishment. 

    I also realized that building skills is essential when facing unfamiliar situations in life because it allows us to respond effectively when the need arises. In the past, I learned how to fix minor motorcycle problems from basic disassembly and assembly of parts to simple diagnoses that help identify what is broken. These skills gave me an advantage during unexpected situations like our supervisor’s motorcycle breakdown. I felt proud that the time I spent observing, practicing, and researching paid off, even though I have not yet undergone formal schooling or training for that specific technical skill. 

Abstract Conceptualization

    The concept of Bandura’s Social Learning Theory best explains my experience because much of what I learned during my practicum and even in my personal life was gained through observation and imitation. The theory emphasizes that people learn by paying attention, retaining information, reproducing actions, and being motivated to model behaviors, and this reflects how I was able to adapt, develop competence, and apply practical skills in unfamiliar situations. In the CENRO office, I strengthened my abilities by observing how my supervisors conducted fieldwork such as water sampling, interacted with people, and documented or gathered data. Similarly, my skill in diagnosing and repairing minor motorcycle issues also emerged through observing others such as my uncle at home as well as through online videos, tutorials, and research, which I practiced and refined independently. 

Future Application

    In the future, I will apply the lessons I learned by continuing to engage in observation, active participation, and consistent practice. I will make it a habit to pay close attention to how experienced professionals perform their tasks so I can model their methods and adapt them to my own work. Whether in technical tasks, fieldwork, or community-related responsibilities, I will seek opportunities to shadow mentors, ask questions, and observe best practices. I also plan to continue building practical skills by exploring tutorials, researching new techniques, and practicing them until I become more confident and competent. By staying observant, open-minded, and motivated to learn from others, I will be more prepared to handle unfamiliar challenges and develop skills that will benefit my future career.