D.P.A (Straight from the Camp)
By Francisco B. Lindero, Jr.

Learning bits

The past three days was so tedious because I was caught amidst strings of engagements. Though thing happened as scheduled, I failed to anticipate the pressures that came along. My energy was almost drained to zero level that I could hardly stay awake until TV Patrol World ends. I was really exhausted both physically and mentally. Nevertheless, the experiences were so fulfilling that I almost forgot to monitor the progress of Congressional inquires into “jueteng” controversies implicating the First Family.

There were three major engagements I was up to. There was a monthly report that needed two days before the month ends, a seminar workshop and a date with my wife. The latter was no big deal as it seemed. But, I never take lightly the moments that I can be with my wife for a movie and a dinner in one of our favorite restaurants. I want to be the best man I can be during these moments. As any gentleman does for his loving and understanding wife! Last Wednesday night, I was again in my best form as I brought my wife in a restaurant where we had her favorite sinigang na sibingan, talaba and boiled boneless bangus! But, the event was not easy for me as it seemed. I was challenged. On that day, I attended a seminar workshop that engaged me to lots of mental exercises. I was almost physically “incapacitated” during that dinner but I did not allow the weakness of my body spoil that moment. I tried to be energized. Not as a matter of obligation but for love. Do I hear I'm sweet? Yes, I am. Because, I am in love. Are you not?

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The preparation of monthly compliance to central office was another moment that left me beautiful insights. Monthly compliance comes once in thirty days. Obviously. And, I was doing this thing since the past three years with my present job. But, my report for month of May was not finished easily than I normally did. Why? Because I did it alone.

I used to rely to my assistant in preparing my daily reports. I have to. Working in a government service will not spare one to engage in multi-tasking system. And, an assistant is seemingly an indispensable partner to do less important work in each of the designations you have. Otherwise, you can't function as effectively and efficiently you hope for.

Preparing a monthly report with the unfinished daily reports of my assistant was infuriating more than I could imagine. I was really mad. But knowing that deadline was only few hours ahead, I could only close my eyes and did a compromise. I made the monthly performance reports without giving justice to actual accomplishments of the operating units. Though I can still make up this month, the truth remains: I failed to give due recognition to the efforts of operating units with the unrecorded accomplishments. Yes, it might not be my fault. But, justice does know whom. And this bothers me!

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The seminar workshop was more interesting and enlightening than I expected. It was about the Institutionalization of Communication, Public and Media Relations in Government. Though the office I am with is not directly involved in public relations, I found the inputs very relevant. I am a public servant and yet little did I know of the importance of a legitimate body or office that is concerned with public and media relations in our Local Government Units and governmental agencies. Maybe most of our Local Chief Executives and heads of agencies also know little of its relevance. The very reason they never make a move to bring this matter before the proper body.

At present, no statute has commissioned the appointment of Information Officer to carry out the mandate in that capacity. The information officers we have in our municipalities and cities and respective agencies are yet on designated status. They are information officers in addition to their myriads of other designations and plantilla assignment. Thus, if we are disinformed, misinformed and / or malinformed, it is because nobody has given a serious attention to this very sensitive and significant role in our organizational structure. This is what I learned. And I hope, you also do!!!

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For comments and suggestions, e-mail me at rogatepnp@yahoo.com or text 09193161190.