A year after participating in the Middle Managers Class (MMC) scholarship under Batch 35, the Sensing Journey has proven to be more than a personal transformation. It provided valuable insights that now guide the professional journey of a public servant in the Department of Education.
Social Media as a Primary Information Source
As a government communicator, one key observation was the pervasive influence of social media in how residents of San Nicolas access information, from government updates to entertainment. The author was struck when Jessa, upon learning that the author is from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, immediately mentioned knowing the mayor. Curious, the author asked how she learned about local officials. Jessa shared that she watches TikTok videos of Nicole Caluag, the mayor's daughter.
This exchange revealed that even in households without a television, each family member owns a personal cellphone, making social media a primary source of news and content. This confirms how embedded digital platforms are in the everyday lives of ordinary Filipinos. Understanding this dynamic is crucial, and it reinforces the importance of leveraging social media in designing and implementing effective information, education, and communication (IEC) strategies to promote government programs and services.
Impactful Encounter with Complainants
Beyond learning about effective strategies and mediums for IEC campaigns, one key responsibility as head of the Public Affairs Unit is addressing concerns and complaints related to school matters. While the author has handled thousands of complaints over the years, hearing a concern firsthand from Jessa and Eduard during the immersion was one of the most impactful experiences of the 11-day stay.
It is rare to personally engage with complainants outside formal channels, and this encounter left a deep impression. Fully immersed in their day-to-day struggles to make ends meet, the author was moved when they shared their disappointment over the school's decision to cancel the Student Night. They had already paid a non-refundable deposit of 2,000 pesos for their daughters' evening gowns—a substantial amount for a family working tirelessly to provide for their children. Wawad's words struck deeply: "Hindi nila alam kung gaano kahirap kitain ang ganong halaga." As parents, they wanted to give their children a memorable experience and were willing to work double time to make it happen. Their frustration was valid, and their pain palpable.
Capstone Project and Policy Advocacy
This real-life scenario affirmed the core issue addressed in the author's capstone project, which advocates for a more inclusive and participatory role for Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs) in school decision-making. As Professor Leland Dela Cruz emphasized during the module integration session, Eduard and Jessa's story is not just anecdotal—it gives a human face to the urgent need to review policies and practices surrounding school fees and voluntary contributions in public elementary and secondary schools.
Because of this experience, the author is even more committed to ensuring that the voices and realities of families like the Biscochos are considered in policy-making processes. As a middle manager and aspiring leader, there is a renewed sense of purpose to bridge these gaps and champion more equitable and compassionate governance in the education sector.
Reflections on Education and Opportunity
When the author learned that Jessa was unable to finish her college education—that she originally aspired to become a nurse but had to settle for a Computer Management course at a private college in Lemery—it struck a chord. It prompted reflection on the author's own college journey, where there was the freedom and privilege to pursue the desired course. Unlike the author, Jessa faced limited choices, shaped largely by financial constraints and a lack of accessible opportunities. This realization left a profound impact, reinforcing the importance of advocating for more inclusive and equitable access to education and employment—especially for women like Jessa. It is a reminder that as public servants, we must work toward creating systems and opportunities that empower women to become productive and self-sufficient members of society. Ensuring that no one is left behind, especially due to circumstances beyond their control, is a commitment carried forward in the professional journey.
Broader Perspective on Leadership
From a broader perspective, the Sensing Journey did more than reinforce the essential elements of the author's current role at the Department of Education—it also laid a strong foundation as preparation to take on greater leadership responsibilities. While academic discussions in the MMC journey sharpen the mind, all learning would be in vain if sight is lost of the true calling: to serve the people.
As servant leaders, we are called not only to think critically but to feel deeply—to open our hearts to the lived experiences of those we serve, especially the marginalized and vulnerable. While initially coming into the community to observe and learn, what unfolded was something far more meaningful: becoming part of a family. This transformation fostered a deeper connection that has inspired a renewed sense of purpose and commitment—to ensure that the programs and projects created truly reflect the people's needs, hopes, and dreams.
Through this lens, leadership becomes more than a position—it becomes a mission. It allows contribution not only to nation-building but to the realization of individual Filipino dreams, wherever they may be. In grounding work in empathy and authentic engagement, efforts become not just impactful but truly meaningful. As a public servant, this unforgettable life experience will continue to guide the embodiment of what authentic and collective governance truly means—a leadership grounded in empathy, driven by purpose, and led with a heart.
