OJT REFLECTION

I started my On-the-Job-Training at EcoWaste Coalition last April 19, 2010. Actually, it was my first time to go there not knowing that after having my orientation about the things that they do in their office, I can already start working. At first, I was really nervous because I don’t have any working experience and also, it’s a new environment for me because I have to deal with people who are a lot older than I am. I was really shy for the first few days of my OJT because I was still observing the people around me and I became very conscious especially on how I act and behave in front of them. But after a few days of being shy and aloof, I was already starting to share my ideas about things and I was already comfortable and confident whenever I’m with them.
During the OJT, I was able to join 6 of their events. The first event was a press conference held at Max’s Restaurant in Quezon City Circle. It was about who among the presidentiables has a great concern to our environment. I this presscon, I was assigned to prepare media kits and to take pictures while the conference was going on. The second event was about having a bill in the senate about our environment. There were discussions made by different speakers and some journalists and lawyers were present during this event. I was seated near the entrance gate to accommodate the guests in terms of letting them sign the attendance sheet, make their name plates, give them media kits, and assist them to their respective seats. The third event was about making bags, notebooks, hats, placemats, bookmarks, etc. out of recycled materials. This event was held in front of a small and poor community to make them realize that they can earn money out of these things. To make this event attractive, EcoWaste Coalition invited the winners of Miss Earth 2010 to model and promote the recycled bags and hats and to encourage the residents to recycle and to dispose their wastes properly. The fourth event was held in Silang, Cavite which was about the hazardous effects of the stinky air that Cleanway Corporation releases. During this event, the people who lives near this corporation, went out of their houses and joined us. All of us wore gas masks, while some carried placards stating to close the corporation due to its unhealthy air. Different speakers were also present and each one of them was given the chance to express themselves regarding this issue. In my part, I was tasked to take still pictures and to record the things that happened during this event. The fifth event was held in a school in Quezon City. The title of this event was “Oplan Baklas” which was about taking off posters and banners during the last election. We gave materials like cutters, gloves, etc. to the volunteers of EcoWaste Coalition who were present during that day. Also, representatives of Miss Earth 2010 joined and helped us to make this event possible. At first, I was just taking still pictures and recording the event. But later on, I was already helping in peeling off the posters that were glued on the walls of the school. I was really tired and exhausted after the event because the weather during that day was very hot and humid. But when I saw that the event was a success, I was really happy and fulfilled. The last event which I was able to attend was held in Smokey Mountain and Pier 18. At first, I was nervous because it was my first time to visit these places but at the same time, I was also excited because I knew that this will be a memorable day for me. In Smokey Mountain, we were tasked to segregate different kinds of trash like bottles, plastics, utensils, Styrofoam, cups, etc. I was really shocked when I saw many big trash bags that were full of garbage and when I found out that big trucks were the ones disposing these waste materials. I never imagined that this kind of situation happens in their place every day. While I was segregating these waste materials, I realized how lucky and privileged I am with the kind of life that I have. Also, I realized the importance of proper waste segregation because I was able to experience the hard task of separating garbage from one another. After an hour and a half of segregating, we had our lunch together with the people in-charge of waste management in their place. After eating, we had the time to rest for a while and to discuss our realizations and ideas regarding waste management. Then after, we already went to Pier 18 which is located at Tondo, Manila and near Smokey Mountain. At Pier 18, we just observed the place and after a few minutes, we heard about different issues and concerns that happen in their place. One issue is about the improper disposal of light bulbs (CFL). We were able to witness the improper disposal of these light bulbs and we also had the chance to listen to the people on what they do with the light bulbs before disposing them. Based from the statements of the people, the EcoWaste Coaltion and steering committee were able to point out the wrong practices and what health implications it can bring to each one of them. After visiting this place, I became aware about the realities of life specifically about the current situation of the poor people in our country.
In my whole stay at EcoWaste Coalition, I can say that I am proud because I was able to do office work (filing of media reports, making calling cards, making and editing an instructional video, compiling a list of different media stations and newspaper journalist, etc.) and at the same time doing field works which require communication skills especially in dealing with people of different sectors. I enjoyed my OJT at EcoWaste because of the service that they offer to the people, which I was able to experience. My stay at EcoWaste made me a better person in terms of protecting people and preserving our environment.