Practicum Thirteenth Week

Weekly Journal 13

 

Name:	Lance Lhouie M. David
Host Training Establishment (HTE):	City Environment and Natural Resources Office
Week Number:	13th Week
Dates Covered:	November 17 – November 21, 2025
Submitted on:	November 24, 2025

 

Concrete Experience

    In the thirteenth week of our practicum program, the CENRO Head, Sir Allan Marcilla, together with the Water Resources Management Team, organized a meeting at the Barangay Labangal Hall conference room to discuss upcoming projects, including the Information Education Drive for the Molok River project, along with its partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries. As OJTs, we were tasked to gather the attendance of the participants and present a brief overview of our findings regarding the historical background of the Molok River. We prepared for the event ahead of time by dressing formally to ensure we looked presentable for the presentation. We also planned to arrive early so that we could be at the venue before the CENRO team. During the meeting, I discovered the numerous partners and stakeholders involved in the project, including well-known companies such as Dole Philippines, SM Mall of General Santos, and academic institutions like the History Department. 

 

Reflective Observation

    When Sir Allan Marcilla asked for a volunteer from among us interns to present a brief summary of our findings, I initially hesitated. I doubted myself because I feared I might stutter or forget what to say in front of everyone. However, I eventually braced myself and, almost without thinking, stood up and volunteered, telling myself, “Bahala na.” That moment became a turning point for me. I felt a surge of confidence and realized that among the four of us, I was capable of presenting and sharing what I knew. I did not rehearse beforehand nor prepare a script. I simply trusted my knowledge and went straight to the front, confident that I could deliver the information because I had worked hard to research the historical background of the Molok River. Since I was familiar with the details, I spoke naturally and without hesitation. After delivering the presentation successfully, I learned that courage and confidence are essential in facing challenges. I realized that even without extensive preparation, one can still perform well if they put effort into understanding and mastering their tasks beforehand. I learned that doubts only hold us back, and sometimes we simply need to take the first step, stand firm, and not look back. 

Abstract Conceptualization

    From this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of how confidence, preparation, and self-awareness interact during professional tasks. I realized that theoretical knowledge becomes meaningful only when applied in real situations, such as public speaking and presenting research findings. My hesitation at first aligns with common concepts in experiential learning, where fear often limits performance, but stepping out of one’s comfort zone encourages growth. I also understood that mastery of the content is more important than memorizing a script. Because I had thoroughly researched the historical background of the Molok River, I could articulate the information clearly even without rehearsing. 

    This experience reinforced the idea that real learning occurs when we connect our knowledge to practical applications. It also showed me that taking initiative is a valuable skill, especially in professional settings where participation and visibility matter. Furthermore, I realized that stakeholders in environmental projects come from diverse sectors private companies, government agencies, and academic institutions. Understanding their roles helped me appreciate the collaborative nature of environmental management and the importance of communication in ensuring shared goals. 

Future Application

    Moving forward, I plan to apply the lessons I learned by taking more initiative during our OJT activities. I will volunteer more often during presentations, discussions, and tasks that require leadership, knowing that stepping out of my comfort zone helps build my confidence and skills. I also intend to prepare more effectively by ensuring I fully understand the topics assigned to me. Instead of relying on scripts, I will focus on gaining a deeper grasp of the content so I can communicate naturally and confidently. This approach will help me improve not only in public speaking but also in other forms of professional communication. 

    Additionally, I will practice engaging with stakeholders more proactively. Since I now understand how different sectors contribute to environmental projects, I will make an effort to observe, ask questions, and build connections whenever possible. This will help me develop the interpersonal and communication skills needed in future professional roles. Lastly, I plan to challenge self-doubt by reminding myself of this experience, how taking a chance led to a positive outcome. By applying this mindset, I hope to continue growing personally and professionally throughout the remainder of my practicum.