To improve its student immersion program and forge better ties with its partner agencies and schools, the University of Saint Louis’ (USL) School of Education, Arts and Sciences (SEAS) convened its On-the-Job Training (OJT) partner agencies and Practicum partner schools for a multisectoral meeting, August 5, 2016 at USL’s Bulwagang Teodulfo Domingo.
At the meeting, workplace competencies, expectations from SEAS trainees, and feedback on Louisian OJT/Practicum performance were presented by select agency representatives. Two student representatives also shared their accounts of their OJT and Practicum.
The meeting also included a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing after the discussion of the expectations and roles of concerned parties.
Dr. Emmanuel James P. Pattaguan, USL VP for Academics, mentioned in his opening remarks that the meeting and the MOA signing are new ways of doing things as USL continuously strengthens its partnerships and linkages in the region and abroad.
Dr. Delailah B. Valencia, USL President, together with other USL Administrators, attended the event.
Competencies, expectations and feedback
Dr. Purita Licas, Region 02 Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director, expressed gratitude to USL for sending trainees at the PIA.
She affirmed that the Mass Communication trainees became more confident when involved in feature and news writing, radio and TV programs, meetings, and administrative and technical support.
Director Licas also shared the “joy in knowing” that many Louisians trained at the PIA and other agencies became successful in their respective fields.
Sangguniang Bayan Member Norma S. Mabazza of Enrile, Cagayan commended the Legal Management and Political Science OJT students who are assigned at the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Enrile. “They never fail you,” said the official, who described the Louisians as working with the highest commitment and dedication.
Mrs. Louella A. Tomas, Information Officer III of the Philippine Drug and Enforcement Agency (PDEA) RO2, affirmed that “The OJT program is the best approach to bridge the gap between theory and practice.”
According to her, the trainees’ involvement in PDEA includes among others: attendance during court hearings and exposure to the work of Evidence Custodian. Mrs. Tomas further remarked, “Lousians always make a mark in their respective workplaces.”
Meanwhile, Psychology-major students are set out to school guidance centers, Human Resource offices, and special learning centers for their training.
Mr. Neil Cumigad, RGC, Guidance Coordinator of the Cagayan National High School (CNHS), shared that AB Psych trainees are given relevant exposure in CNHS which includes: identifying students with problems, identifying recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the national government, among other training experiences.
Prosecutor Ronnel B. Nicolas, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Province of Cagayan, pointed out, “what is really important is spiritual and moral competence.”
“On-the-job training is not simply about attendance. Rather, it is about training. Trainees should accept the challenge of obtaining mastery in tasks relevant to their field. Trainees should be adaptable to work demands,” he said.
On the other hand, the University’s High School Principal, Ms. Mary Ann A. Baquiran, shared, “In our hands lies the future of the future teachers, and in their hands lies the future of the next generation,” urging fellow partner school representatives to guide and train well the pre-service teachers. Pre-service teachers, according to Ms. Baquiran, are expected to master not only their subject matter, but also to have the ability to manage diverse learners.
Punctuality, courtesy, competent use of technology, responsible use of social media, handling confidential information, communication skills, creativity, and regular submission of relevant training requirements were the other matters discussed by the agency/ school representatives.
Trainees’ accounts of experience
John Miguel Bassig, a 4th year BSEd student, stressed on the ‘zeal of the Louisian culture’ that has provided him the skillset towards becoming a promising teacher.
Carmela Flores Canapi, a 4th year AB LegMa student, said, “While on office practice, I learned to appreciate what I have seen among government employees. Their love for work and loyalty to their profession could not be left unnoticed. I felt the urgency to be like them. They set me a good example. I am lucky for such an experience.”
In a nutshell
In her statement of gratitude, Dr. Therese May G. Alejandrino, SEAS Dean, said, “It is only in our collaboration, our dynamic synergy, our trust towards others, and our steadfast faith in God, to whom we anchor all our plans, that things are made possible.”
The SEAS department “looks forward for better collaboration with its partner agencies which help in empowering the students in their respective career prospects.”
The SEAS’ partners for its Liberal Arts and Teacher Education programs are: (1) Cagayan National High School; (2) Cataggaman National High School; (3) City Government – LGU Tuguegarao City; (4) City Prosecutions Office – Tuguegarao City; (5) Department of Environment and Natural Resources – R02; (6) Department of the Interior and Local Government – R02; (7) Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Cagayan Chapter; (8) Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – R02; (9) LGU Enrile, Cagayan; (10) LGU Solana, Cagayan; (11) PBS-BBS-DWPE Radyo ng Bayan; (12) Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – R02; (13) Philippine Information Agency – R02; (14) Provincial Legal Officer – Province of Cagayan; (15) Provincial Prosecutions Office –Province of Cagayan; (16) Public Attorney’s Office; (17) RBC Cable Master System; (18) Regional State Prosecutions Office – R02; (19) Tuguegarao East Central School; and (20) University of Saint Louis – Elementary and High School Departments.
