MBFI Reflection #1
Today, exactly six months and ten days since I transferred work, I am going to write the difference between the job that I left behind and the job that I have now as a Program Assistant at MBFI.
When I arrived at MBFI I was confident enough that I could handle almost anything and everything that the management would give me. After all I came from a government institution with only twelve people (Executive Director, 4 technical staff, 7 administrative staff) running everything. My assignments in my previous job included: (1) handling a convention of scientists with more or less two hundred participants; (2) being an editorial staff of several publications (scientific journal, monograph and annual report); (3) coordination with the media for all the news releases in major events; (4) representing the Academy in different gatherings/meetings pertaining to gender and development, maintenance of the Academy’s scientific library and the likes. These were all on top of my official assignment as the one who handled the Academy’s scientific linkages function – both in the local and in the international arena.
I entered the Foundation during the awarding phase of the 2007 COPS. Sir Paul and Khalid had prepared everything for the awarding ceremony. All I had to do was observe and assist them in polishing minute details for the event. I used to wonder why there had to be a lot of people involved in the awarding ceremony when from the place I came from, only three or four staff were required to attend and assist in the conferment of a National Scientist in Malacañang. When the day arrived, I saw how organized everything was. Then I understood that these people were there to perform their tasks properly and accordingly based on what was planned.
A few weeks after the said event, Sir Paul announced that I would be the one to assist him in handling the 2007 TOWNS Search. I was so excited. Finally! I have work. With all the coordination meetings, preparation of materials and documents for the final judging, awarding ceremonies and winners’ forum, work really came pouring in. I was hesitant to ask help from people as I was used to doing things on my own but they have been generous enough to offer their help whenever I needed one. There were times when I became discouraged and disheartened by everything. I felt like I was a fresh graduate learning the ropes all over again.
After six months of being involved in the Foundation, I came to realize a lot of things. My stint at one of the government’s recognition and award giving agency exposed me to a selection and judging process that is very much different from what the Foundation is doing. Although I have nothing against the processes in my previous job, in comparison, the technical and scientific way the Foundation evaluates each nominee and finalist is much more impartial.
I admire the way people work here. To impress their employers, employees would often say that they give their 100% to their work. In the Foundation this statement is not just another word of the mouth. Officers and staff really give their 100% to their work which can be seen in the events and outputs each unit have. People are not contented with an “ok na ‘yan” output. Thing have to be reviewed, commented and if possible perfected in every angle. The opportunity to strive for excellence and growth are recognized and addressed. And that, I think, is where the difference with other institution lies.
I must admit that I really had a hard time adjusting. The process continues as I had to learn and unlearn a lot of things but whenever I feel down and distraught, I would always try to remember that before I got accepted here in the Foundation, I prayed for a work that would help me grow as a person and as an employee. With the Foundation’s tagline of excellence, I know that there are still things to change and improve in me but for now I am thankful.