PFI Values Round Table Discussion #1

09 May 2011

sl3.mekaniko@gmail.com

 

This month of May, Promap Foundation, Inc. (or PFI), a group that I currently head as president is conducting its Values Round Table Discussion No.1 (or VRTD-1), the first of a four part fora on values that would be conducted over the remaining three quarters of this year.

Given the theme “Harnessing Filipino Values Towards a Stronger Philippines”, discussion topics in VRTD-1 shall be focused on the values (positive) that help make an organization successful, disvalues (negative) which can drag down an organization, and the identification of Filipino values that can be emphasized to reinforce the positive values. The foundation has lined up experienced resource speakers to expound on the three topics to prime up the audience, as well as an experienced resource person to facilitate the interaction that will follow.

Early on, PFI has recognized and acknowledged the importance of good moral values as a necessary ingredient in bringing about profound and sustained success for the endeavours of a person, organization, or country. This has been reflected in the focus of two of the foundation’s major activities related to its thrust in nation building, namely: the Skills and Values Training (SVT) Program launched in 2002 and the Private Initiative Program (PIP) launched in 2004.

The SVT Program was started in 2002 as a four day training on basic shop floor skills (e.g. basic mechanical and electrical skills, basic quality, basic productivity, etc.), and given for free to out of school youth who are of working age. This program, which also intends to create a pool of better prepared shop floor workers, was premised on the members’ thinking – culled from work experience – that the “technical competence” of a person must be complemented with the “right values”, for him/her to be a reliable factor in the successful operation and growth of the organization he/she belongs to. In line with this, the trainees are exposed to values formation subjects such as pappapahalaga at disiplina sa sarili, pamumuhay ng marangal, pagpapahalaga sa kapuwa, pagpapahalaga sa pamayanan at kapaligiran, pagiging makabayan, sariling pagsisikap, panuntunan sa hanapbuhay at pananagutan.

The PIP on the other hand was started in 2004 and was driven by, a) concern over the bleak outlook for the country and therefore the future of the young, and b) the thinking that we should not totally rely on government to decide on our future, but instead, we ourselves, as citizens, should initiate steps to influence our future. As such, the foundation’s Board of Trustees agreed to embark in an effort to develop a new generation or new kind of Filipino, by focusing on the very young in the remote barrios of the country so that they may grow up to be good and righteous citizens, endowed with better intellect and strong ethical values. The game plan is to develop a system that would satisfy the following: a) enable the 3 to 8 year olds in the barrios to avail of education whose quality is similar or equal to what’s being received by those who go to better schools, b) incorporate and emphasize the teaching of good moral values as an integral and major component of the child’s education, c) establishment of a system that can be sustained by the private sector, and d) having a system can be replicated in every barrio by an autonomous and private group free of any political influence.

The PIP was started in 2004 with a “pilot program” in a barrio where the foundation is currently supporting a school with a Day Care Center and Grade 1 & 2 classes. Although the project sounds like an impossible dream, the foundation’s trustees went ahead in pursuing it – with “eyes wide open” – fully aware that no one of the group may witness, if ever, the realization of the project’s goals.

This month’s activity however is an offshoot of the foundation’s recognition of what seemed to be the widespread deterioration in the values of the adult citizenry. Such is graphically evident in, among other things, the rampant graft and corruption both in government and the private sector, the disregard of the law by the very people who should implement them, the lack of good manners displayed by a lot of people, the lack of discipline in the streets by both the drivers and pedestrians. The PFI Board once more decided to do something about it by launching an effort to drumbeat the problem and raise the consciousness of the adult citizenry regarding the magnitude of this problem and its destructive effects. It started by inviting, in October 2008, manufacturing industry practitioners to engage in its first “Coffee Table Discussion on Values”. A follow up - Forum on Values - participated in by the same community was conducted in October 2009, with the theme “Living Values: Strategic Assets for (enhancing) National Competitiveness”.

To further create a higher degree of awareness regarding this problem, and to generate more involvement in the effort to address it, this year’s activity was designed to be a more ambitious one. This four part fora starts May 13 with the half day VRTD-1 at the Valle Verde Country Club and is planned to conclude with a 2 day Values Convention (as the fourth part) sometime in November. Participants in all four events are expected to contribute in making the sessions productive, meaningful and lively by way of their active sharing of thoughts and experiences.

PFI hopes that it shall gain, after each event, allies who shall get involved in propagating the effort of regenerating (if not strengthening) the good values among us Filipinos. Hopefully, this activity could generate sufficient committed converts that would initiate moves that can create the sustained chain reaction for the needed “critical mass” that could free us from this “shackle of corrupted values” which has been instrumental in depriving us of the progress and dignity that we, as human beings and as a people, deserve. Such “critical mass” creating moves can be by way of launching a personal values improvement mass effort, or providing active support for this foundation’s projects, or by just adopting a simple stance of making oneself a worthwhile example of a person with good values that can be emulated by others.

For those who may be interested in getting involved, PFI may be contacted through its email address, info@promap77.com or Fax, (632)6340318. Inquiries may also be sent to sl3.mekanico@gmail.com .

Local Tourism and Quality, Part 1 & 2

28 April 2011

Sl3.mekaniko@gmail.com

Earlier this April I had an opportunity to take a short break as part of a group of 15 that made a 2-1/2 day trip to Pangasinan. First stop was Alaminos where, after an overnight rest in one of the seaside hotels, the group boarded a motorized “bangka” for the approximately 30 minute ride to the Hundred Islands, one of the country’s major tourism spots.

Crossing the narrow channel between the boat port and the islands somehow generated a feeling of peace in me; perhaps a result of the combined effects of the wide open space, the refreshing breeze, the oscillations felt as the “bangka” sliced through the waves, the rhythmic pounding of the craft’s 16 valve engine, and maybe, the sea itself.

Motoring through the waterways between the islets, I noticed that a lot of them had bases eroded by the waves and which exposed the different brownish soil layers near the water line. The upper layers however didn’t look eroded and, being dark gray in color looked like solidified lava. All of them had lush vegetation but mostly of bushes and small trees, probably because of the shallow topsoil that piled up on the solidified lava.

Some of the islets have been given names, among them: “Turtle Island”, the profile of which just looks like one; “The Cathedral” which has an arch like hollowed out portion about 3 or 4 storeys high deep into the islet, and with what looks like a naturally formed image of Our Lady on the surface of the internal lava wall; the “Bat Island”, surprisingly the only islet filled with hundreds of hanging large fruit bats; and my favourite, the “Lopez island”, named after the late former Vice President Fernando Lopez.

There were some islets with light brown beaches, made up of what probably were material from the eroded base of the other islets and piled up by the waves and the currents. We went to one named “Children’s island” where I had an opportunity (with one of the ladies) to snorkel and observe the big white clams and some corals. Snorkelling gear, for hire at a very reasonable price, was available from the islet and life vest was available from the “bangka”.  It was so nice that the tourist spot’s administration provided two wooden rafts (about 3m x 3m) which functioned also as buoys  where they attached a length of (approximately 4.5 inch circumference) synthetic rope to cordon off the snorkelling area. The buoys were also used by some as a place to recline on while sun bathing and watching the swimmers or enjoying the view. The rope was a great help to snorkelers as it assisted them in gliding towards the location of the clams and corals.

After about 30 minutes of snorkelling, we boarded our boat once more and proceeded to the “Governor’s island”, another one with a beach, where the group had lunch. Later in the afternoon my wife, Mel, and I – while eating pinipig crunch - tackled the 120 or so steps up to the top of what we were told is the biggest islet. The scenery at the viewing deck was fantastic as one could observe a lot of the other islets with almost a 360 degree view angle. Back at the beach later, Mel and I did some swimming with the others till departure time late afternoon. Overall, given the graciousness of our host, the quality of the company and the excitement the trip generated, it was a very enjoyable and restful day.

I do however have some observations to share, and maybe even unsolicited advice to give, that may further improve both the quality of service and customer enjoyment/satisfaction, and which may lead to increased business for the tourist spot.

First is the hotel. Even at the level of room rates that they have, which is not bad at all, there is much improvement that they can do in terms of cleanliness (particularly the bathroom) and the quality of the beddings without seriously eroding profit margins.

Second, at the “bangka” port. Perhaps a simple wharf (or boarding ramp) can be designed and constructed to make it more convenient and safer for passengers to board or leave the “bangka”. It’s quite risky, even for the younger ones, boarding from the stones or even getting off even with the assistance of two “bangka” crew as there is still the danger of slipping and hitting oneself on the stones or falling into the water.

Third, safety measures during the “Bangka” trip. Perhaps it would be better if passengers are required to wear life vests. Not everyone knows how to swim, and even those who do – in the event of an accident - may not have the stamina to keep afloat until rescue arrives. Life vests though must be those that are approved by the Coast Guard. The one that I used while snorkelling seems to be defective as it tended to push my face towards the water.

I also observed that nylon strings (monofilaments) are used in keeping the “bangka’s” outriggers or “katig” in place. This could be sort of a “ticking time bomb” since the material, although very strong initially, weakens overtime because of exposure to UV rays from the sun. Given also that it is continuously subjected to reversing stresses while in the water, the material can just snap suddenly when weakened enough and especially when the “bangka” is traversing relatively big waves. It could be disastrous if this happens since the craft will become unstable and may overturn. A regular replacement of the strings, especially when they start to burr, should be practiced.

Fourth, the stairway going to the view deck at the top of the Governor’s island. I consider it, to a certain extent, unsafe as there is the risk of guests, especially those that are intoxicated, careless, or with weak legs, falling over a cliff or getting hurt bumping on sharp edged solidified lava. This is so, as some steps of the earthen/rock stairs as well as the rope railings are either deteriorated or damaged. Defects like this should be immediately rectified. The steps are easy to address and I believe the resources needed to do immediate repairs on them are readily available. As to the railings, I have a strong suspicion that the reason for its being left to (what I have personally witnesses as) its deteriorated state is economics. The installation method that I have seen them adopt would cause them to replace the full length of the railing, and this, if indeed is the case, would definitely make it an expensive and uneconomical repair work. Such situation can be circumvented by improving on the installation method.

But before proceeding further, I would like to mention that I totally agree with the use of Skyline rope for the railing as I believe that, although more expensive, it is the one that’s most appropriate for the application.  This is due to its high resistance to degradation that can be caused by UV rays from the sun.

Now, back to the rope railing installation method. Repair need not be done using a continuous length. It will be a lot economical when done in sections, with the combined use of rings (welded on the steel posts), eye splices, and thimbles (for the eye splice) which will protect the rope from premature deterioration due to abrasion.  For the long damaged lengths, these parts can be cut off and replaced with the same kind of rope using a rope “short splice”. For the rope railings that are damaged because of abrasion caused by the sharp edges of the solidified lava, they can be protected by providing a cover or “jacket” that would absorb the abrasion and protect the rope at the possible points of contact with the lava. Bamboo or PVC pipes can be used for this. The rope manufacturer/supplier can also be consulted regarding splicing methods and the sourcing of thimbles.

Fifth, the beach at the Governor’s island. When we went for a swim, there was discomfort from the sharp stones and rocks in the water which reduced our enjoyment. We ended up using our rubber slippers as protection while wading and swimming. This nuisance can be removed as per my experience with one beach which opened not too long ago in Bataan. Here, stones and rocks were also encountered in the water during our first visit which discouraged us from staying long in the water. However, they were gone by the next visit making wading and swimming more pleasurable. It might do well to consider adopting this example.

As earlier mentioned the comments are intended as inputs for the administration of the tourist spot to consider in improving further the quality of service of their facilities and which may bring about improved customer satisfaction. And as far as the ladies (who decided to name the group the “Lunatecs” - I’ll explain later in a future article) are concerned, I believe that their joyful expectations of the hundred islands outing have been met and that they have enjoyed it thoroughly. We, i.e., Mel, Marilou, Suzzet, Dedeth, Jenny, Julibel (and daughter), Rory (and daughter, grand daughter and yaya), the two drivers and myself, thank Coratec for the enjoyment and experience and for being such a Quality host.

Local Tourism and Quality, Part 2 will soon follow in another article.

Local Tourism and Quality, Part I Earlier this April I had an opportunity to take a short break as part of a group of 15 that made a 2-1/2 day trip to Pangasinan. First stop was Alaminos where, after an overnight rest in one of the seaside hotels, the group boarded a motorized “bangka” for the approximately 30 minute ride to the Hundred Islands, one of the country’s major tourism spots. Crossing the narrow channel between the boat port and the islands somehow generated a feeling of peace in me; perhaps a result of the combined effects of the wide open space, the refreshing breeze, the oscillations felt as the “bangka” sliced through the waves, the rhythmic pounding of the craft’s 16 valve engine, and maybe, the sea itself. Motoring through the waterways between the islets, I noticed that a lot of them had bases eroded by the waves and which exposed the different brownish soil layers near the water line. The upper layers however didn’t look eroded and, being dark gray in color looked like solidified lava. All of them had lush vegetation but mostly of bushes and small trees, probably because of the shallow topsoil that piled up on the solidified lava. Some of the islets have been given names, among them: “Turtle Island”, the profile of which just looks like one; “The Cathedral” which has an arch like hollowed out portion about 3 or 4 storeys high deep into the islet, and with what looks like a naturally formed image of Our Lady on the surface of the internal lava wall; the “Bat Island”, surprisingly the only islet filled with hundreds of hanging large fruit bats; and my favourite, the “Lopez island”, named after the late former Vice President Fernando Lopez. There were some islets with light brown beaches, made up of what probably were material from the eroded base of the other islets and piled up by the waves and the currents. We went to one named “Children’s island” where I had an opportunity (with one of the ladies) to snorkel and observe the big white clams and some corals. Snorkelling gear, for hire at a very reasonable price, was available from the islet and life vest was available from the “bangka”. It was so nice that the tourist spot’s administration provided two wooden rafts (about 3m x 3m) which functioned also as buoys where they attached a length of (approximately 4.5 inch circumference) synthetic rope to cordon off the snorkelling area. The buoys were also used by some as a place to recline on while sun bathing and watching the swimmers or enjoying the view. The rope was a great help to snorkelers as it assisted them in gliding towards the location of the clams and corals. After about 30 minutes of snorkelling, we boarded our boat once more and proceeded to the “Governor’s island”, another one with a beach, where the group had lunch. Later in the afternoon my wife, Mel, and I – while eating pinipig crunch - tackled the 120 or so steps up to the top of what we were told is the biggest islet. The scenery at the viewing deck was fantastic as one could observe a lot of the other islets with almost a 360 degree view angle. Back at the beach later, Mel and I did some swimming with the others till departure time late afternoon. Overall, given the graciousness of our host, the quality of the company and the excitement the trip generated, it was a very enjoyable and restful day. I do however have some observations to share, and maybe even unsolicited advice to give, that may further improve both the quality of service and customer enjoyment/satisfaction, and which may lead to increased business for the tourist spot. First is the hotel. Even at the level of room rates that they have, which is not bad at all, there is much improvement that they can do in terms of cleanliness (particularly the bathroom) and the quality of the beddings without seriously eroding profit margins. Second, at the “bangka” port. Perhaps a simple wharf (or boarding ramp) can be designed and constructed to make it more convenient and safer for passengers to board or leave the “bangka”. It’s quite risky, even for the younger ones, boarding from the stones or even getting off even with the assistance of two “bangka” crew as there is still the danger of slipping and hitting oneself on the stones or falling into the water. Third, safety measures during the “Bangka” trip. Perhaps it would be better if passengers are required to wear life vests. Not everyone knows how to swim, and even those who do – in the event of an accident - may not have the stamina to keep afloat until rescue arrives. Life vests though must be those that are approved by the Coast Guard. The one that I used while snorkelling seems to be defective as it tended to push my face towards the water. I also observed that nylon strings (monofilaments) are used in keeping the “bangka’s” outriggers or “katig” in place. This could be sort of a “ticking time bomb” since the material, although very strong initially, weakens overtime because of exposure to UV rays from the sun. Given also that it is continuously subjected to reversing stresses while in the water, the material can just snap suddenly when weakened enough and especially when the “bangka” is traversing relatively big waves. It could be disastrous if this happens since the craft will become unstable and may overturn. A regular replacement of the strings, especially when they start to burr, should be practiced. Fourth, the stairway going to the view deck at the top of the Governor’s island. I consider it, to a certain extent, unsafe as there is the risk of guests, especially those that are intoxicated, careless, or with weak legs, falling over a cliff or getting hurt bumping on sharp edged solidified lava. This is so, as some steps of the earthen/rock stairs as well as the rope railings are either deteriorated or damaged. Defects like this should be immediately rectified. The steps are easy to address and I believe the resources needed to do immediate repairs on them are readily available. As to the railings, I have a strong suspicion that the reason for its being left to (what I have personally witnesses as) its deteriorated state is economics. The installation method that I have seen them adopt would cause them to replace the full length of the railing, and this, if indeed is the case, would definitely make it an expensive and uneconomical repair work. Such situation can be circumvented by improving on the installation method. But before proceeding further, I would like to mention that I totally agree with the use of Skyline rope for the railing as I believe that, although more expensive, it is the one that’s most appropriate for the application. This is due to its high resistance to degradation that can be caused by UV rays from the sun. Now, back to the rope railing installation method. Repair need not be done using a continuous length. It will be a lot economical when done in sections, with the combined use of rings (welded on the steel posts), eye splices, and thimbles (for the eye splice) which will protect the rope from premature deterioration due to abrasion. For the long damaged lengths, these parts can be cut off and replaced with the same kind of rope using a rope “short splice”. For the rope railings that are damaged because of abrasion caused by the sharp edges of the solidified lava, they can be protected by providing a cover or “jacket” that would absorb the abrasion and protect the rope at the possible points of contact with the lava. Bamboo or PVC pipes can be used for this. The rope manufacturer/supplier can also be consulted regarding splicing methods and the sourcing of thimbles. Fifth, the beach at the Governor’s island. When we went for a swim, there was discomfort from the sharp stones and rocks in the water which reduced our enjoyment. We ended up using our rubber slippers as protection while wading and swimming. This nuisance can be removed as per my experience with one beach which opened not too long ago in Bataan. Here, stones and rocks were also encountered in the water during our first visit which discouraged us from staying long in the water. However, they were gone by the next visit making wading and swimming more pleasurable. It might do well to consider adopting this example. As earlier mentioned the comments are intended as inputs for the administration of the tourist spot to consider in improving further the quality of service of their facilities and which may bring about improved customer satisfaction. And as far as the ladies (who decided to name the group the “Lunatecs” - I’ll explain later in a future article) are concerned, I believe that their joyful expectations of the hundred islands outing have been met and that they have enjoyed it thoroughly. We, i.e., Mel, Marilou, Suzzet, Dedeth, Jenny, Julibel (and daughter), Rory (and daughter, grand daughter and yaya), the two drivers and myself, thank Coratec for the enjoyment and experience and for being such a Quality host. Local Tourism and Quality, Part 2 will soon follow in another article.