Celebrating Two Little Victories in a Day: An NGO Journey

"Every little step counts," this is what I am sure of while writing this post. Months ago, I sat down with the executive director and other members of the team while going through the nitty-gritty part of planning. I must say that I am a new member in this organisation especially in a non-government sector. So, all of my conceptions and "misconceptions" were answered during the orientation and the planning phase. 

Getting into Contact

I am from Cebu but I had never visited and knew about the internal structure of Cebu City and its head. The most challenging part was being asked to make a barangay directory and the local government unit directory. I cringed at the idea of calling these city and barangay officials and itnroducing ourselves but then, I realized that our objective is to provide assistance to Cebu City's COVID-19 Response Team so I have to brave the task. After series of planning and calling and visiting government offices, the chance we had been waiting for was realized.

"Preparing for a Morning Huddle"

"Our advocacy officer introducing our organisation and our project"

"Our audience who are very proactive with our project. Thank you so much!"

Just today, September 17, 2020, our organization was given the chance to reach out our goals and objectives of our project at the Emergency Operations Center - Command Center. With the Chief Deputy Implementer of the City and the rest of the City Department Heads and the DILG, they listened and supported our advocacy. Although the courtesy visit and project presentation are just the beginning of our project, I could feel it was one baby victory for the team. 

Shadowing the Contact Tracers

As a nurse by profession, I must say that it was a privilege for me to join the Contact Tracing Assessment Interview of nurses and doctors who are leading the Contact Tracing Team of different clusters in Cebu City. 

"In the afternoon, we conducted the Contact Tracing Assessment Interview with four cluster leaders."

Together with the lead nurse interviewer, we had the chance to hold a DYAD Interview with the team leaders (North, South, East, West Clusters). As part of the non-government organization, I would say that the very essence of reaching out to the government is to identify the latter's problem so we could extend our help and assistance. Again, it was our second baby victory in a day!

(For confidentiality purposes, I couldn't disclose our interview and the respondents' answers.)

Future Activities

Of course, I know today is just the beginning of my service. Additionally, there are already sets of activities mapped out for the entire project duration. Although there are moments that the implementation phase could be challenging, I will try my best to always keep an optimistic mind and heart. As what the city councilor said during the EOC, "Let us all be proactive to solve this pandemic."

"Giving a courtesy letter in a certain barangay"

So, with our goals and objectives in mind, I know that our project will have a lasting input and effect in the barangays we aim to help.

In Sawang Calero

Personally, I am quite fascinated in this new environment. I couldn't imagine that I have gone this far - walking my way in these "notoriously" coined barangays in Cebu City and acting like a "real" local. The larangan, the tartanilya, and the old houses are all too cool and awesome for me. 

"I found this old house near where I am staying."

"Finally visited this place after almost a year"

And yes, not to mention the long walks I have hiking this urban jungle. This "frontliner's" life is something I did not expect but I am truly embracing it.

"Our Advocacy Officer with our Deputy Executive Director during the EOC"

Photo credit: Cebu City Emergency Operations Center (check their fb..hehe)

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