Narrative Experience In A Government Agency In Manila

The adventurous child in me was actually looking forward for the internship opportunity since first year. I wanted to spend my 200 hours in a big company in Manila. The idea was so beautiful, I’d be that young independent woman learning about work and life in a bigger city. That was until an upper class told us that it’s better if we have our internship in a government agency in Iloilo City since some advisers would require a weekly meet-up in school. My friend, however, asked me if I would like to have my midyear in NFA Antique. Back then, I was hesitant because the office is only 5 minutes away from home; very opposite of how I imagined my internship. Nevertheless, the thought of spending the vacation in my hometown seems to be a good idea
San Fernando, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique; which is 10 minutes away from the town proper is managed by Provincial Manager, Engr. Frisco Canoy. Occupying a hectare-wide compound, NFA Antique has 2 warehouses, a milling area, 2 offices, and a staff house. There is also a satellite office in Culasi, Antique and the manager and an employee has this “Culasi Day” every week wherein they visit their Culasi
They are very much willing to extend a helping hand to officemates as well as retired employees who are in need of moral and financial supports. NFA employees would rather call each other by their own or office-given nicknames and sometimes even call manager as “daddy”. They are, however, closer to employees in their department or to their assigned group mates especially to those who are of about the same age as them. Manager Canoy randomly divided NFA Antique employees into three group; in his last meeting with us interns, he said that it is his way of developing a stronger bond within the office. The groups consist employees coming from different departments and positions. In this way, he said, employees could gain personal developments. For example, a driver or a utility worker most probably have not imagined himself to lead in a flag ceremony but because of this grouping, they are given a chance to do so. A different group is assigned to facilitate different activities every month such as Celebrator’s day, Palaro, Team Building, leading the flag ceremony, and taking care of visitors. The manager is also approachable and makes sure that employees get to enjoy work and life as they get things done. In one of the Celebrator’s day, a celebrator was very thankful for his first birthday party with a cake and balloons. As an intern, I also felt how much NFA Antique appreciates the