May 4, 2006
I think I’m evolving.
Before, I couldn’t even make a phone call to a teacher or to government offices, and I used to get overly shy (not to mention scared) when it comes to interviewing people…
I made phone calls to the provincial government in Trece Martires on April 26, hoping to get information on OFWs and government programs. (I called them up first to make sure that they have the data because Trece is a long way from Imus.) I was instructed to go to POEA and to DOLE (Rosario branch) instead.
On April 29, I got to interview two barangay chairmen in Imus, thanks to my uncle who introduced me to them. My uncle’s also a barangay captain, but I decided not to interview him because he is a relative (ethical reasons). I met with my uncle at around 9:30. At my age, it would be weird to go to an interview with a chaperone, but I thought I would need a support system. He was glad to go with me anyway.
I chose to interview former OFWs. I thought that it would take me some time if I try to reach even half of the total number of barangay chairpersons in Imus. There are 97 barangays here... You do the Math, dear reader…
Found out that the barangays are having problems with budget, but I also found out that OFWs rarely seek help of barangay officials. It was also interesting to know their views, both as public servants and former overseas workers,
I did not get the information I was looking for, but they sure gave me the idea on how to proceed with my research.
May 3. I decided to call the Mayor’s office to set an interview with the mayor. I asked them if I needed to write a letter, but they told me to just be there by 9AM.
May 4 – Judgment Day. Scary… Just the thought of going to the municipal hall alone to interview the mayor gave me goosebumps…
I got here before 9AM, because I knew that I had to summon all the courage in me just to ask the secretary if I could go in for the interview. I don’t know what got into me but I suddenly shifted into “bibo” mode when I got there. I can’t believe how confident I was.
I introduced myself to the mayor, but because there were many papers he had to sign and needy citizens to attend to, he asked me if I could wait until he finishes talking to the others. Being a mayor is not an easy task.
The interview went smoothly, though we had to keep it short because he had to officiate a wedding (that’s what the secretary told me the day before). The interview lasted for 14 minutes and 14 seconds. The mayor’s very accommodating.
Thoughts:
1. Don’t be afraid to make phonecalls especially if you really need to. Walang mawawala sa ‘yo kung tatawag ka, pero malaki ang mawawala sa ‘yo kung hindi mo gagawin. (Finally, got that into my head)
2. I was right, people do expect too much from the government, and some people ask too much…and I won’t even elaborate. It’s too shocking…
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