At the training

Here's what I've been doing for a while now.

I've been assisting the ongoing training of the project I'm working with. It's been two months since it started, and we still have another two months to go before  our trainees' graduation.

The Team in Baler, Aurora

Currently, we have 25 trainees, which we call AgRiDOCs, coming from different parts of Luzon. AgRiDOC stands for the Agricultural Development Officers of the Community. They are expected to be new breed of extension workers equipped with new knowledge and skills capable of creating change in communities. They are technical experts, as well as, development agents.

Age range from 22-40 years old, most of them are middle-aged. And for two months I am surrounded by adult people that I had to think in a mature way as well. They are experts in their own field and I admire them  as they grew passionate about the new things they are learning so far. For the months they are here, they will have to complete six modules, which are packed with interesting topics  designed to be experiential and fun.

Training Mangement Team

For two months of working with them, I have come to know almost all of them. Of course there are times that it feels boring because I see the same people everyday, but most of the time I feel blessed to be part of their batch, which is the pilot-batch by the way. Its great to be with this bunch of idealistic and amazing people. 

A Farmer

He is not a farner, he's just one of our trainees picking up the weeds early in the morning....

One morning I met this farmer  whose farm is adjacent to where our trainees do their experimental plots. I have heard of him but it was my first time to meet him. He is old. He commended us for our efforts in documenting the training so well - which at first was a compliment. But after he told us his stories, I realized he was a little bit sarcastic.

....as he picks it up, he throws it with all his might across the other side of the field.
While our trainees were busy doing this. I listened to the real farmer's stories.  

He mentioned that most projects make good outputs and reports yet not all are well implemented to farmers. He had a point. So I listened further. I know this is not just about how Government do things in the wrong way. His reasons root from something - maybe a grudge, I don't know. Regardless of what that is - this old farmer gave me a thing or two to ponder. 

My Hangul Class

Who have thought that working here will fulfill one of the items on my life's checklist- going to Korean Class.

Working back in Manila, I remember myself going to Korean Cultural Center to see the possibility of enrolling to their Hangul lessons. But it didn't happen, my work shift never permitted me to. But the thought never faded, and it so happen when I'm already here they are doing it for free (I was like, OMG!!! I could've paid a thousand when I was in Manila and here its for free) I was in a totally EXCITED MODE(my mind was repeatedly saying, "YOU SHOULD ATTEND!"). A week after that I found myself asking a Korean Intern "Is this the Korean Class?" I was so early that time.

Our class picture (not all were present though). From left to right: Cathy, Juvy, Kuya, DJ, Heather (Hyekyung), Me, Woody, Daisy (Suhee), Joko

Then my Wednesdays end at 7pm, (I don't intend to OT for work on this very day). And I go home pronouncing the words I learned to my boardmates. Hahaha. They think I'm weird sometimes but it doesn't matter, I love doing it.

I asked, "How do you pose in Korean?" and they taught us this.  Korean pose, everyone..!

But, apparently, the class started November last year and I have just attended their January classes. I am way to late, right?? But those Korean Interns understood that, so after our last class, they emailed us with the previous lessons to study on.

 I had so much fun learning and meeting new people!! :D