Finishing Strong: Embracing Responsibility and Saying Goodbye
As my On-the-Job Training progressed through March and into April at the Philippine Statistics Authority, I experienced a powerful shift—from being guided and supervised to working with more confidence, independence, and a greater sense of purpose. These final months became the most meaningful part of my OJT journey, as I took on more responsibility, engaged with clients more deeply, and began to reflect on how much I had grown.
At the BREQS (Batch Request Entry Query System) Office, I continued assisting with the processing of civil registry documents—such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR). By this point, I had become more efficient and accurate with my tasks, ensuring that every client request was handled with care and attention to detail. My supervisors began to trust me with more complex responsibilities, including resolving document issues and explaining requirements clearly to clients who were unsure or anxious about the process.
What made these last two months even more impactful was the opportunity to conduct a customer feedback survey. I was tasked with distributing short evaluation forms to clients after their transactions. This allowed me to gather direct feedback on how well I was doing in terms of service quality, communication, and professionalism. Reading the positive comments from clients—who appreciated my patience, clarity, and respectful approach—was deeply encouraging. It gave me a renewed sense of pride in my work and made me realize how much of a difference even small acts of kindness and attentiveness can make in a government office setting.
In both March and April, I also spent more time verifying civil registry records for accuracy and consistency. I learned that even the tiniest error could delay someone’s application, so I took great care in reviewing every detail. My attention to detail improved, and I began to fully understand the critical role data accuracy plays in providing reliable public service.
My final days in April were filled with both accomplishment and emotion. Saying goodbye to the people I worked with and the environment that taught me so much was bittersweet. I left PSA not just with new skills, but with a deeper understanding of public service, patience, empathy, and professionalism. I finished strong—not only by completing my tasks, but by embracing every opportunity to grow and make a positive impact.
This experience gave me more than I expected. It shaped my work ethic, improved my confidence, and helped me discover the value of every role, no matter how small, in serving the public. As I move forward, I will carry these lessons with me, proud of what I’ve learned and grateful for the journey.