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[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #3

by Edy Roseanne S. Santos | 11348186

“What are the prospects and limits of my power as a Citizen?”

            The Philippines, the country that I am living in, is a democratic state. According to The Free Dictionary, the definition of democracy is a government by the people which could either be exercised directly or indirectly. This just denotes that a democratic government lets the people decide on issues concerning their state. However, not because democracy signifies freedom, it is wrong to think that everyone is free to do everything as it would lead to anarchy.

Citizens of a democratic country have rights, and of course, obligations as well. It is my right, as one of the citizens, to speak freely, to choose what religion to join, to find sources of unrestrained information, and the like. The right to education is another privilege given to citizens because their knowledge is held accountable of the decisions for the country. In addition, a citizen’s right to free media should be used in their obligation as citizens. I, as a citizen of a democratic country, should use this right to be updated of what is happening to my state.  Another responsibility that citizens are given is to choose the leaders they will elect, may it be of the local or national officials. Since the liability of electing leaders is on the citizens, it is very important for them to consider and carefully examine the candidates for the reason that these individuals will be their representatives. Moreover, it is a citizen’s duty to follow the rules and laws that were laid down by the government to avoid chaos. I am also granted the obligation to help in maintaining order in the country and start change that would lead to the betterment of the nation. Furthermore, a citizen should participate in projects of the government and in governance, too.

As a member of a civil society organization, the key to its success and attainments is active participation. These CSOs should partner with the government and other sectors to promote collaborative governance that could result into a better nation. Collaborative governance denotes the involvement of all stakeholders not just in projects and such, but most importantly, in decision-making. CSOs have been a part of a country’s development and progress in terms of politics, economy, and other aspects.

Nonetheless, there are still actors that hinder the citizens to fully participate in the society. According to one of the readings, these factors are: 1) power relations, 2) level of citizen organization, 3) participatory skills, 4) political will, 5) the level of participation, and 6) insufficient financial resources at the local level. It is true that in a democratic nation, the government is governed by the people through elected representatives. The problem will not just vanish by itself, thus, these hindrances should be eliminated. As stated by Fukuyama (2000), social capital is vital to a country’s economy. It is defined as an informal norm that initiates cooperation between two individuals that grow into a wider network of people. One example, as far as I can remember, we interviewed several people about social capital (indirectly) and asked them what social groups they trust. The Church had the highest vote. Unfortunately, social capital ends there for these people and does not go any further. Additionally, I should not make any decisions and perform actions that could devalue the rights of my fellow citizens.

To conclude, a citizen of a democratic nation is given his rights and responsibilities. These rights and liberties should not just be used to benefit oneself but the nation as whole. To end, a democratic government’s success relies on its people.

    References

Democracy - definition of democracy by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2014, from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/democracy

Fukuyama, F. (2000). Social Capital and Civil Society. [PDF] International Monetary Fund. p. 3.                               http://citigov2014.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/social-capital-and-civil-society.pdf [Accessed: 3 Apr 2014].

Gaventa, J., & Valderrama, C. (1999, June). Participation, Citizenship and Local Governance. Retrieved April 3, 2014, from http://citigov2014.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/participation-citizenship-and-local-governance.pdf

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #3

"What are the prospects and limits of my power as a Citizen?” 

by Tricia Ann B. Conocer

11316527

          In a political ideal, being a citizen means being a member of a governmental community. With this, certain rights and laws express the extent and limitations of the citizens’ power. As an individual residing in the Philippines, these are conveyed through the rights and laws written in the Universal Rights and the Philippine Constitution.  The laws and rights are protected, not provided, by the government. The citizens’ roles can also be related to cultural ideals. Moral meanings, normative principles, and values define an individual citizen’s identity.

          As for being a member of a civil society organization, referring to a variety of institutions, charities, foundations, trusts, advocacy groups, and associations formed by citizens to address social and environmental issues, problems, and needs that are either caused by business or government, or are insufficiently addressed by them, the citizens are not bounded by any rules or laws. Instead, the citizens are able to look out for the needs of other people.

The principle of interdependence allows for such organizations to exist. Because people are co-dependent, this allows them to propose citizen initiatives. The government, the business sector, and the civil society organizations are vital to the sustainability of the continuity of development. Civil society organizations provide services to marginal and neglected populations and tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues on the planet.

          In conclusion, the citizens are more boundless when working in a body. One’s role is extended and more things can be accomplished when a part of a civil society organization.

Sources:

Hutter, B., & O'Mahony, J. (2004, September). The role of civil society organizations in regulating business. Retrieved from http://www.lse.ac.uk/researchAndExpertise/units/CARR/pdf/DPs/DissPaper26.pdf

Civil society organizations: Nonprofits, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurs. (2007, August). Retrieved from http://www.wiser.org/aof/250

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #3

GALVAN, Moira Ashley R.

11332441

 Individual output #3 – “What are the prospects and limits of my power as a Citizen?”

Students are required to define their role and identity as a citizen through an examination of the extent and limitations of their power as individual citizens and as a member of a civil society organization (CSO).

                Citizenship, as defined by Emma Jones and John Gaventa in one of our readings, is “a status, which entitles individuals to a specific set of universal rights.“ (Jones & Gaventa, 2002). It is also defined as “civic virtues”.

                We citizens are entitled to different rights. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, citizens are entitled to the "right to life, liberty, and security." We are also entitled to recognition, equality and or equal protection under the law, fair public hearing, freedom of movement, and the like. This however does not directly conclude that all people are equal. There is a concept of “false uniformity” which makes some people “more equal than others” (Jones & Gaventa, 2002) which is why not all citizens are able to express themselves and maximize the rights they are entitled to have.

Citizens, however, are not always allowed to express their full powers in every situation at hand.

Sometimes, the concept of “citizen participation” is not applicable. In certain situations, for example when volunteering for a certain program under a non-government organization, the citizen who participated doesn’t have the ability to truly have a say in everything that happens. As stated in John Gaventa and Camilo Valderrama’s “Participation, Citizenship, and Governance”, there are different barriers to a citizen’s ability to participate. One of them is called “power relations”, which explains that those truly involved in the projects, for example the government are in charge of projects headed by the government, and private leaders are in charge of projects headed by private organizations, are the ones who really have control and not necessarily the beneficiaries of said project. There is also the concept of “levels of citizen organization”, which explains that existing relations have a big influence on the ability of citizens to participate. The third is called “participatory skills”, which is self-explanatory. The fourth is called  “political will” which explains that with the absence of one dominant force along with the lack of will of the government, the project would be a flop. The fifth is called “the level of participation”, which explains that the lack of strengthening of the citizen’s power affects the citizen’s will to participate. The last would be called "insufficient financial resources at the local level,”, which is very much self-explanatory. (Gaventa & Valderrama, 1999)

References:

Gaventa, John and Camilo Valderrama. “Participation, Citizenship & Local Governance.” Strengthening participation in local governance workshop. Institute of Development Studies, 21-24 June 1999.

Jones, Emma and John Gaventa. Concepts of Citizenship: A Review. Institute of Development Studies, 2002.

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #3

by Austin Kayla E. Javier | 11339829 | Citigov A52

“What are the prospects and limits of my power as a Citizen?”

Students are required to define their role and identity as a citizen through an examination of the extent and limitations of their power as individual citizens and as a member of a civil society organization (CSO).

“Citizenship is a tough occupation, which obliges the citizen to make his own informed opinion and stand by It.” – Martha Gellhorn

            The concept of citizenship is defined as being a member of a community or a group and the rights and responsibilities associated with it. As a member, one is obligated to practice such rights and responsibilities in order to help in shaping the society (Meer & Sever, n.d, p.9). The rights corresponding to citizenship allows individuals to live life, with guaranteed protection, and to exercise liberty and dignity. Through the Universal Declaration of Human rights, a total of 30 articles ensure individuals to live a meaningful life. Rights such as equality, recognition, life, liberty, security, movement and residence, nationality, property, expression, religion, and many more enable individuals to be treated as humans. Furthermore, citizenship does not only provide the members of a certain society rights but also an identity, which is shared and experienced by all individuals involved. Sense of identity and sense of citizenship are different from each other. Sense of identity is the identification of an individual pertaining to a particular group, while sense of citizenship is achieved through identification with others, who shares a common set of principles and ideas. Despite their distinction, both shape each other (Meer & Sever, n.d, p.14).

As for the roles of a citizen, the responsibilities incorporated with it include citizen participation. Citizenship participation requires citizens to be active in the political process. For instance, citizens are to examine their needs and be involved in local projects and to monitor funds. Citizen participation requires cooperation and trust among its participants, and belief that it can make a change. Moreover, its participants are required to exercise their rights of freedom of expression and to participate in political issues. The participation of citizens improves the credibility and capability of local authorities to solve issues. Furthermore, citizen participation aims to make an impact towards not only to the political process but also to the whole community. Although citizen participation promotes active involvement of individuals in the society, not everyone gets to join and carry responsibilities that are essential in the political process. Hence, civil society organizations and decision makers should be swayed to make participation for individuals possible. Civil society organizations are consists of social movements, research networks, campaigns, teachers’ union, religious associations, community associations, and many more. These non-governmental organizations promotes citizen participation all throughout the world, for example, UNESCO consists of 60 organizations and are all made up of volunteers. In the end, citizenship requires commitment. However, some individuals are limited of these rights and roles since the government is unable to show transparency, such as government information, thus resulting to lack of citizen participation. In order for it to work, the government and its citizen should have a dialogue, allowing both to achieve their goals for the whole society.

References:

Civil Society and Non-governmental Organizations | Education | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2014, from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/partners/education-partners/civil-society-and-non-governmental-organizations/

Meer, S., & Sever, C. (n.d.). Gender and Citizenship. Retrieved April 6, 2014, from http://citigov2014.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/gender-citizenship-overview-report.pdf

Strengthening Citizen Participation in Local Governance | New Tactics in Human Rights. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2014, from https://www.newtactics.org/conversation/strengthening-citizen-participation-local-governance

UN Universal Declaration, Articles & Freedoms, Equal & Fair : United for Human Rights. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2014, from http://www.humanrights.com/what-are-human-rights/universal-declaration-of-human-rights/articles-11-20.html

[theguidingforce]

Group Output #3

CITIGOV A52

Conocer, Tricia Ann  

Enriquez, Carmela Agatha

Galvan, Moira Ashley

Javier, Austin Kayla

Santos, Edy Roseanne

Group Output #3:

Students are required to: describe the totality of their experiences during their engagement; evaluate the governance project’s design and impacts; and provide recommendations. Students are to reference the concepts learned during the classroom sessions.

               During the course of being exposed to our group’s chosen activities in Tahilan, we have learned a whole lot. The Students Portfolio, a series of talks with the theme “Women Leaders” which occurs every third Saturday of the month, was organized by the institute to provide its audience with a good groundwork for the future which talks about the empowerment of women, the necessary gears they have to equip ourselves with in order to succeed, and the long-term scholarly goals which are worth cultivating. The group had heard three of these talks: Good Humor by Ms. Rica Valdez last January, Good Communication by Ms. Chichi Robles last February, and Aspiring to Inspire by Ms. Tinette Cortes this March.

            Another activity the group had joined was Eskwel@, an outreach program arranged by Tahilan for college girls, which is held every Saturday of the month for the children in the nearby areas of Dagonoy and Singalong, Manila. The volunteers gave them tutorial classes in Math, Science, and English. The children also received catechism classes. The volunteers provided them activities that will foster in children the values of friendship, discipline, creativity, and love of God.

            The group had also met several of the girls who frequently came to Tahilan for their activities. They were able to enlighten us with their experiences and how they were taught to be aware of our social responsibilities and public spirit.

The tutorial program conducted by Tahilan residents benefits both the residents and the kids involved. In the residents, it strengthens their will to help others and to be one for the community. It also promotes oneness amongst the residents and it forms bonds between them and the children. For the children, the tutorial program provides them with knowledge that can be applied not only in the four walls of their classrooms but also in everyday situations such as the usage in math when buying groceries with their parents or the usage of English wen asking help from strangers and the like.

This tutorial program is designed to help the children learn more in a safe and friendly environment that not only teaches them the basics they need in school, but it also applies Christian values and teaches good morals along with valuable life lessons and sources of inspiration to promote the overall development of the children.

This program emphasizes the power of citizen participation and how because of this distribution of power, we as citizens have a great effect on the outcome of these projects. It also emphasizes the importance of collaborative governance and how we as the people involved can give the stakeholders what they need in the most efficient way we can.

According to our previous lessons, collaborative governance requires time, trust, and interdependence, which would eventually result into a beneficial alliance among its members. This, however, is a lacking aspect, which Tahilan failed to have as a governance initiative. With that being said, we, as a group, see it as the center’s major problem. Tahilan, as a governance initiative, has partnered with several private sectors, such as KALFI, a non-stock and non-profitable organization. In order to be a better governance initiative, collaborative governance requires alliance not only with private institutions but also with government sectors since this would promote Tahilan and would further increase its participants, thus enabling them to have a wider community of active citizens. The group highly recommends for Tahilan Residences and Study Center to build better collaborative governance, most especially with the government institutions (e.g, barangay, public services, and the like). Gaining help and support from other sectors would allow the center to acquire enough cooperation in creating projects and making decisions as well. Furthermore, it was studied that collaborative governance works efficiently, thus this would guarantee Tahilan that this recommendation could be accomplished.

Sources:

Ansell, C., & Gash, A. (n.d.). Collaborative Governance in Theory and Practice. Retrieved March 26, 2014, from http://citigov2014.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/collaborative-governance-in-theory-and-practice.pdf

Gaventa, J., & Valderrama, C. (1999, June 21). Participation, Citizenship, and Local Governance. Retrieved March 26, 2014, from http://citigov2014.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/participation-citizenship-and-local-governance.pdf

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #2

by Edy Roseanne S. Santos

11348186

When I first heard of Tahilan, wherein my former blockmate stays, I only thought of it as an ordinary dormitory for female college students. I never knew that they have a lot of activities and weekly programs concerning the social needs of its residents. In due course, my understanding and knowledge about the residence widened. As I’ve been told the vision and mission of Tahilan, I expected a great deal of empowering events and happenings from it.

There are a lot of activities that are prepared by Tahilan for its residents. Apparently, there are also weekly programs scheduled every Saturday that caters different topics and issues that would help the students be aware of socio-political aspects, and eventually gain more knowledge about it. Last February 15, 2014, for our group to have a more precise view of the Tahilan Residence and Study Center, we attended a program entitled, Student Portfolio: Good Communication.  The said talk was imparted by Ms. Chi Chi  Robles.

If I were to articulate what I have learned in the talk, there are three things that an individual should bring to mind: attitude, basic preparation, and charity. The first aspect is actually self-explanatory, while the second denotes the need for the communicator to be knowledgeable about the topic he is going to tackle to the public for him to be an effective speaker. To be an excellent speaker, you must not only know the topic, but also have to possess sensitivity for you to be considerate of what you’ll say to the people you are conversing with.

Since our subject mainly focuses about governance, the insights we have gained through this talk is applicable in the matter of governing people. The importance of being a good communicator is that it would make you a great leader in the future due to the fact that you would be able to connect with the individuals you’ll be governing. The talk that was held and many other activities of Tahilan surpassed my expectations. I am hoping to join more of their culminating activities and events that could aid me gain a better understanding of good governance.

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #2

by Austin Kayla Javier

11339829

What Insights Have I Gained?

            Tahilan Residence and Study Center for young women offers many engaging activities that promote personal development, socio-civic participation, and academic advancement. One of the goals of Tahilan is to produce young women who are equipped with the right education to make them aware of their responsibilities in the society. Which is why Tahilan offers forums that will help these women to realize and maximize their potential as leaders of these country.

            Since Tahilan Residence and Study Center is few blocks away from the school, it was accessible for the group to join at least one of their recent activities, which is Students Portfolio: Good Communication. According to our group mate who resides in the same place, most of the activities held by Tahilan are really engaging yet at the same time informative and relevant to a person’s development in regards to social responsibilities. It was held on February 15, 2014 in the residence itself and Ms. Robles of UA&P’s Corporate Communications office led the discussion on good communication. The talk was about how relevant communication is especially in leadership. Through good communication, it enables many to commit themselves in engaging in social and political activities and to voice out their opinions and ideas about governance, for example. Ms. Robles emphasizes on three important keys in order to have a good sense of communication, the first is having the right attitude when talking and exchanging ideas, second is having basic preparation, for instance one should research on the subject in order to have enough knowledge, and finally, charity is the key to prevent one from judging others’ ideas and or opinions. Having good sense of communication will eventually help an individual from simple to difficult leadership tasks. A leader who simply fails to voice out the opinions of his people is nothing but an ineffective leader.

            With this talk, my group and I gained so many insights on how a good communicator is an important character of an effective leader. I, personally, think that these simple talks are informative yet discerning to young women like us who are still learning our responsibilities as a citizen of this country. In conclusion, leaders are made through their experiences and active participation in academic, outreach, and etc. It is important to always to take an opportunity to learn from the experts to hone skills such as in communication. In the future, I hope to hear more from different people since Tahilan made it possible for me to engaged in such talk. 

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #2

by Moira Ashley R. Galvan

11332441

“What insights have I gained?”

          Not being a resident of Tahilan, my preliminary expectations were rather high. I really expected to learn and grow so much through this experience; visiting Tahilan and sitting in some of its events/programs. The problem though, in all honesty, was really to find time to go there, as some of the group members have classes 6 days a week. But despite this, I have managed to learn a lot about Tahilan and what it does for our society.

          One of the recent talks, however, was a very good one to say the least. The pamphlet alone is informative enough to get by. Given by Ms. Chi-Chi Robles, the talk was about being good communicators, which is a skill required to make it in the real world. It is good of Tahilan for holding such event because some of today's youth are sheltered from the outside world, it being because they are the only child in their respective families, or because of past experiences. What Tahilan is doing is it helps them break free from their shell and be the most they can, which is something good leadership does- it brings out the best in its members.

          My preliminary expectations were met. From this point on, I only expect more good to come out of the future experiences I have yet to encounter at Tahilan.

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output # 2

by Carmela Enriquez

11308605

Individual Output # 2: “What insights have I gained?”: Students are required to describe their experiences to date, present their insights based on their preliminary expectations, and describe what outcomes and experiences they expect to gain from this point on. Were they met or exceeded, and how? If they were not met, reflect on what happened and what you learned instead.

            Some of the programs and activities offered by Tahilan involve the academic and professional field, cultural, socio-civic and outreach, and personal development. These programs help and empower the residents of Tahilan to excel in their studies, to be involved in diverse cultures and to expose them to History and arts, to assist children from poor families, to develop their potentials for personal growth as well as in service for others.

            One of the activities we have attended is a talk on Leadership and Communication. How do leaders motivate and inspire people? Through clear communication. How do best organizations promote discipline, accountability, strategic alignment? With clear communication. How do leaders sell their products and services? With compelling ads and marketing campaigns, all in all, clear communication. There are different steps to communicate effectively, these are: prepare how you’ll communicate, deliver the message, receive the message, evaluate the effectiveness of the communication afterwards and lastly take corrective action as necessary. Communication is the most important key to a leader’s success. One must learn to be an effective and compelling communicator. He or she should learn and master the art of communication.

            This experience enlightened me in a way that to be an effective and excellent leader and to greatly influence the people around me, I should master communicating effectively with others. I must not be biased when making decisions and I should consider other people’s ideas before making a decision. Being and effective communicator, I should also be able to listen well to other’s thoughts and ideas so I can make a greater outcome from both of our ideas.

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #2

“What insights have I gained?”

by Tricia Ann B. Conocer

11316527

           Since I, personally, am a resident of Tahilan Residence and Study Center, I have already attended most, if not all, of the activities arranged by the facility. The most recent program we had was the Students Portfolio: Good Communication. It was held last Saturday, February 15 at 2:00 in the afternoon. The talk was given by Ms. Chi-Chi Robles, the Managing Director of UA&P’s Corporate Communications Office. She gave us, her audience, great tips to not only be good communicators, but excellent ones.

          The group had already experienced the empowerment given by the Students Portfolio talks so I’d really want us to be able to experience the Eskwel@tbp outreach program together. One struggle we’re facing is the conflicts in the schedules. Most of the members have CWTS in the morning, while one other member has ROTC the whole day during Saturdays. Since Eskwel@tbp’s held during Saturday mornings, the members are not able to attend the activity. However, we are looking for other outreach activities arranged by Tahilan that matches the group’s schedule. A Children’s Ward visit in PGH is upcoming and the members are hoping to be able to attend this.

          Tahilan is consistent with its promotion of civil awareness and assistance especially to its residents and guests. Through honing and equipping its participants with the proper attitudes and gears, planning activities which help reach out to our less fortunate brothers, and for pushing for the value of voluntarism, Tahilan teaches its addressees social responsibility and public spirit.

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #1

by Moira Ashley Galvan

11332441

 The governance initiative my group has chosen, Tahilan, is a second for women, in their university years or in their working years, . It however does not only cover housing, Tahilan develops its residents into aware, active women and future leaders of this nation. Personally, it spiked an interest in me. As a female, I feel that female empowerment is good and well needed in today’s society where girls are degraded.

This government initiative even goes the extra step, providing different ways for it’s residents to be others-centered like catechism, academic tutorials, medical-dental missions, and service projects.

The gatherings Tahilan holds are very important to eh people who live there. They get to interact with others and make friends away from home in their home away from home. Interactions are very very important, for they may bring bonds and partnerships that may last for years.

Tahilan, with its vision stating  “Tahilan envisions the holistic development of future women leaders of society…” is very important in the political arena. Tahilan may be the stepping stone for many women to be who they want to be.

Although a small government initiative, Tahilan has great importance.

I personally expect that I will grow as a person just by visiting Tahilan and being with the people there. As I have heard, Tahilan changed many people’s lives. I just hope that I will be one among them. I expect to gain life changing experiences or at least a chance to broaden my knowledge and gain confidence through Tahilan's many activities.

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #1

by Edy Roseanne Santos | 11348186

Tahilan not only serves as the female college students’ and professional women's second home, but also an establishment that instills good moral and spiritual well-being to its residents. They provide activities that aids the students excel in their academic performance and their social and communal proficiencies as well.

Since it is a residence and study center for female students and professionals, this year’s theme is “Women Leaders”. Tahilan caters talks every third Saturday of the month, which is called the Student Portfolio, that would help women perceive the attributes and qualities they need to acquire to become a successful individual in the future. This is an advantage for the students residing in the dormitory, for the reason that it would help them grow into productive individuals.

In regards to the spiritual activities, they also provide several classes concerning the Catholic faith and Christian virtues. One these activities is the Catechesis that helps them strengthen their faith and beliefs on Christianity. Another activity which is called ‘Food for the soul’ assists the residents in their spiritual needs through the guidance of a chaplain. In addition to that, there are Holy Masses every week that are being held.

As mentioned earlier, there are also social activities that are being provided by the dormitory. Their program called, ‘Wellness pod’ is an activity wherein the officers of the dormitory organise outings that help take away the stress of the students because of their daily work in school. This not only develops the social skills through bonding but also gratifies physical and mental health of the residents. Usually, beach get-aways, cultural trips to museums and art galleries, and nature tripping, are the arranged comings and goings.

What I had encountered in Tahilan Residence and Study Center was such an experience. The feeling of being home is what they impart to the students, making them feel more comfortable throughout their stay in the dormitory. It’s a great opportunity to be part of this governance initiative and experiencing their assistances personally. 

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #1

“What excites me? What bothers me? What have I learned?”

by Austin Javier | 11339829

Tahilan Residence and Study Center offers a wide range of different activities, which women, student or professional, can choose from. Aside from offering housing to students and professional women, it also offers catechisms and chaplaincy. These activities aim to help women in order for them to fulfill their duties as Christians. Tahilan is also known for its study center, the program, “mind matters”, assists students in their studies and also guides them to develop special skills in the field of work.  Other programs offered in Tahilan are “wellness pod”, “food for the soul”, “youth speak”, and etc.

My first time experience in Tahilan was brief but I was able to see and understand their goals as an initiative. Tahilan renders housing and the aforesaid programs to aid the needs of young women while studying and working. Before coming to Tahilan, I have heard so many things about it and most of them were good. I expected the place to be accommodating, and truth be told, the place is not only accommodating but also warm and you will really feel comfortable. The students and or young professionals who live there are like a family and they seem to be really close to each other. I could not really tell if all of my expectations are evident in the long run but my first impression of the initiative was actually great. During our visit in Tahilan, I learned so much things like how different people from different places can live together and act as one during certain activities and how they treat each other as family, even though strangers, is possible. In addition, I also learned that being away from home does not limit your responsibilities as a citizen. In Tahilan, they gather, every Saturday, to collect goods and deliver them to different places and offer tutorials for children who lacked education.

Tahilan may be a small governance initiative but its vision and background represents a good model of how governance initiative should be, may it be small or big and known or unknown. At the end of this project, I expect to learn so many things like how I can do small things as a citizen and a student. Through this project, I opt to encourage people to be active in citizenship participation by sharing my experience in Tahilan.

[theguidingforce]

Individual Output #1

By Carmela Enriquez

Tahilan, for me, gives opportunities for university girls to interact with different kinds of people. This organization offers talks on different topics mostly about empowering women and giving them ideas on being effective and successful leaders.

Activities such as Student's Portfolio, Catechesis, outreach programs and wellness pod not only gives us opportunities to bond with others, but these activities also contribute to our mental, physical and spiritual wellness. 

I hope that Tahilan will continue to help me and other girls in harnessing our skills for a better future.

[theguidingforce]

Individual output #1

“What excites me? What bothers me? What have I learned?”

by Tricia Ann B. Conocer

             I, personally, have been exposed to a lot of activities by Tahilan already. One of these activities is Eskwel@tbp. It is an outreach program arranged by Tahilan for college girls, which is held every Saturday of the month for the children in the nearby areas of Dagonoy and Singalong, Manila. The volunteers give them tutorial classes in Math, Science, and English. The children also receive catechism classes. The volunteers provide them activities that will foster in children the values of friendship, discipline, creativity, and love of God. Tahilan also extends help to the ill patients of PGH and the elderly by paying them monthly visits.

            A series of talks, called the Student’s Portfolio, is organized by Tahilan to provide its audience with a good groundwork for the future. It occurs every third Saturday of the month. It presents a different topic every time. The theme for this year is “Women Leaders” which talks about the empowerment of us women and the necessary gears we have to equip ourselves with in order to succeed.

            I have appreciated all of the activities I have attended in Tahilan and I have learned so much from them. I have acquired knowledge about vital leadership qualities I have to develop/need to improve on to help me in the university setting and in the future. Also I have cherished helping our less unfortunate brothers and sisters.

            I look forward to being able to open the eyes of other university girls to Tahilan’s confidence-building activities.

[theguidingforce]

Group Output #1: Governance Initiative

Governance Initiative

Tahilan Residence and Study Center

Address: 2396 Leon Guinto Street, 1004 Malate, Manila Philippines

Contact Information:

Contact number: 825-7574

Contact person: c/o Tricia Ann Conocer

Email: tahilanrs@gmail.com

Official website: http://www.tahilan.com

  Description

  Brief History:

Tahilan, formerly known as Tanglaw Residence Hall, opened in the 1970’s on San Rafael Street in San Miguel, Manila. Tahilan is a dormitory for young female college students which is now located in 2396 Leon Guinto Street in Malate, Manila. Students from different provinces found a new home in the city away from their families. Residents of the dormitory are not only encouraged to persevere in academic excellence but also character development.

Vision:

Tahilan aims for the holistic development of future women leaders of our society by providing them a program of activities and a proper atmosphere that encrypts in each one the true value of university or professional life and the development of an authentic Christian character.

Study Center:

Tahilan wouldn’t fulfill its vision to instill the true value of university of professional life without their Study Center. Talks, workshops and conferences are held within the Study Center to foster academic excellence among today’s university women.

  Rural service projects, medical and dental missions, visits the poor and the sick, tutorials and classes in catechism to children of poor families are just some of the outreach activities run by Tahilan in order to promote university women the value of leadership and service.

Stakeholders’ Analysis

KALFI

A non-stock and non-profit organization

Established to promote professional, personal, cultural,  and spiritual development of women.

Has seven centers namely Balanghai, Banilad, Daniw, Iraya, Narra, Tahilan and Tanglaw.

Goals of KALFI:

To guarantee the progression of Filipino women of integrity and character.

To give attention to the special needs of women

Organization of Centers:

Management Staff – manages and operates the KALFI center

Committees – plans and implement specific projects

PATRONs Association – composed of young women who instills the vision of the KALFI center

Beneficiaries:

Young women from high school, university, and young professionals

Young women and children who benefits from the Urban and Rural Service Programs offered by KALFI.

Contact Information:

Address: Room 202 Alexander House, 132 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines

Telephone:  8179957

www.kalfi.org

http://www.kalfi.modbrands.net/

  How to Engage

The members of the group will

join some of the upcoming activities by Tahilan (ex. *Eskwel@ atbp. and *Students Portfolio)

*Eskwel@ atbp. is an activity where university students give tutorials and classes in catechism to children of poor families.

*Students Portfolio is a course of talks that have been arranged to provide its audience with a good groundwork for the future. The theme for this year is “Women Leaders” which talks about the empowerment of women and the necessary gears they have to equip themselves with in order to succeed.   

 References:

About | Tahilan. (n.d.). Retrieved January 22, 2014, from http://www.tahilan.com/about/

Link to original file (.docx): https://www.dropbox.com/s/sf707ufjj4dybdy/GRPOUTFUT%231.docx