Pagmomoda at pagninilay
My ideas and my works are only the reflection of what I have observed and experienced in life as an individual and member of the oppressed.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
The Beginning
Nakakababa pala ng confidence kapag ganito ang nangyayari sayo. di mo maintindihan ang mga taong nagsusulat na ang medium ay english. di ka makasali sa mga discussions kasi di mu maexpress ang sarili mu sa English way. Gusto mong sumagot sa English Class pero naguguluhan ka kung tama ba o mali ang sagot mu. Pinagtatawanan ka ng mga tao sa paligid mu, pati sa mga net sites at mga comments ay pinagpipiyestahan ang mga mali mung grammar--you're are a BIG IDIOT!! napakasakit lalo na kung di ka nabuild na tumanggap ng mga mali. Parang gusto mu eh, sabunutan mo silang lahat at sisihin sila kung bakit di ka nila tinulungan?. pero para sa akin di pa huli ang lahat hanggat may buhay at taong gustong matuto walang imposible..
kaya sa malaon at madali, unti unti ko nang binabaka ang mga maling pagtingin ko sa aking sarili. I try to materialize all of my plans at gumawa ng mga bagay na makakapagpaunlad sa aking skills. Ang trabaho ay hindi magiging hadlang para mag-aral ulit sa paraan ng sariling sikap. nandyan lang ang mga resources sabi ko sa sarili ko. Nasasaakin na lang kung paanu ko ito gagagmitin.
Fighting Burn Outs!
Working in a BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) setting presents unique challenges, often leading to burnout if not managed effectively. The nature of the job demands multitasking, adherence to strict client requirements, and navigating escalated situations, all of which can contribute to stress and mental exhaustion.
In my own experience, I have encountered moments where the demands of the job took a toll on my mental well-being and even posed risks to my physical health. Recognizing the signs of burnout became crucial for me, prompting proactive measures to address and prevent it from worsening.
One strategy I found effective was engaging in open discussions with team members. Sharing thoughts and ideas about workplace dynamics not only fostered a sense of camaraderie but also provided valuable insights and support. Additionally, allocating time for personal activities outside of work proved instrumental in maintaining balance. Stepping away from work-related thoughts during leisure time helped me disconnect from the stressors of the job and reconnect with myself.
Investing in personal development became another cornerstone of my approach to combating burnout. Engaging in activities such as reading books or watching movies not only served as enjoyable pastimes but also contributed to my overall resilience. Strengthening my mental and emotional well-being outside of work equipped me with the tools to navigate challenges more effectively when returning to the job.
Furthermore, effective time management emerged as a critical component in my efforts to mitigate burnout. By prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care, I found myself better equipped to handle the demands of the job without sacrificing my personal well-being.
In conclusion, while working in a flexible environment like a BPO setting can be demanding, proactive measures such as open communication, self-care practices, personal development, and time management can play pivotal roles in preventing and addressing burnout. By prioritizing holistic well-being, individuals can maintain resilience and thrive in challenging work environments.
Sunday, December 31, 2023
GOMBURZA 2023
Kagagaling ko lang sa Arellano University para kumuha ng ticket para sa Oath Taking for Professional Teacher na magaganap sa Ika - 9 ng Pebrero. I'm excited siempre, parang mafefeel ko na isa na kong ganap na teacher na matagal ko nang pangarap. Habang nag wawait ako matapos ang process sa venue, eh sumagi sa isip ko ang matagal ko nang planong manuod ng GOMBURZA, isa sa mga kalahok sa Metro Manila Film Festival ngayong taon. However, dahil sa sobrang antok ko eh, nakalimutan ko nang manuod kaya nagdecide na kong umuwi ng Marikina at magpahinga. Feeling exhausted na ko masyado sa paglalakad. Simula nung Holiday at nag review for teacher ngayon taon eh nag-iisip na lang akong magpahinga. Ganun siguro kapag tumatanda na, mas pipiliin na lang mag stay sa bahay at matulog. Oo, ugali kong magproscrastinate lalo na kapag tambak na ang gawain at mga pending na school works. Dagdag pa itong Masters na ito sa Sociology. Pero alam nio ba? humuhugot na lang ako ng lakas sa mga nangyayare ngayon sa lipunan at para bang gusto ko na ng isang matinding pagbabago?. ika nga, hindi na sa isang iglap eh mababago mo itong lipunan, need ng more time and effort. Talagang nilalabanan ko ang pagiging kampante lalo na't hindi pa ko mayaman..hahaha! Pero sa totoo lang, nag sstrive talaga ako everyday! iniisip kong paano magkakaroon ng malaking pera at mabayaran itong mga pending na medical bills sa Medical City na utang ko way back 2021. Pero nanalig pa rin ako na magkakaroon din ako ng isang Milyon para mabayaran lahat ng pagkakautang ko and someway how to get and push to have a Million in my pocket.
Monday, November 13, 2023
The flight of every BPO workers towards a genuine worker’s union: A sociological imagination reflection.
As the
Philippines faced the 5th industrial revolution, with the majority of
international companies, such as Google and Microsoft, investing in Artificial
Intelligence and automation, the country's best source of economic
regeneration, the Information Technology Business Processing Outsourcing
(IT-BPO) sector, was preparing its components and logistical needs to meet the
demands of the times. The sweep of technological advancement primarily
demonstrates that the old system of business operations, due to the call of
international markets, has led the Philippines to much more fussing and has
tried much more to align all institutional components such as education and
workforce to the call of Globalization. Following its equivalent in India, the
Philippines was recently considered as the future global BPO hub. The reason
for this is that workers in the country have been considered marketable due to
the acquisition of soft skills such as excellent communication skills, where
English is very common for its people, possibly due to the long influence of
American culture and its educational system, and the low labor costs. Last
February of 2023, the department of education amend its basic curriculum to the
essentials needs of every Filipino student to mainly focus on 3’Rs and the
stress of English language and technical skills. This also shown on given the
opportunity to high school graduate to be employable as they completed the
additional 2 years in secondary education primarily started since the
Administration former president Rodrigo Duterte and former Deped Secretary
Leonor Briones since 2016. Despite the country's lack of advanced technology,
the government sells these deals to multinational firms in order for their
investment to be based in the economy and save it from failing and economic
troubles. BPO employment are common and may be found in all job marketplaces,
job placement agencies, and platforms. According to Colliers International
magazine analysis, the BPO business is anticipated to be worth US$164.7 billion
in 2022 and US$381.52 billion by 2030. In 2000, the BPO industry accounted for
a mere 0.075% of the country’s GDP, which has grown exponentially since then.
In an article published in Manila Standard, Jack Madrid, president of the IT
and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said that the
industry contributed at least 7% to the Philippine economy during the pandemic.
In 2005, the BPO industry in the Philippines, consisting primarily of
outsourcing call centers, contributed 2.4 percent to the country’s gross
domestic product (GDP) as it gained 3+ percent of the global BPO market. Over
the next five years, the BPO sector in the country exponentially grew,
generating $8.9 billion in revenue in the Philippines, leading the country to
be declared as the world’s BPO capital in 2010. Today, the BPO industry in the
Philippines holds an estimated 12 to 15 percent of the global BPO market (Phil.Star).
Nextford University also revealed that 1.3 million Filipinos had been employed
in over 1,000 BPO companies since 2019. This has also been given to various
private sectors such as real estate to change their assets such as condos,
warehouses, and malls into new places of business operation such as BPO. This
can be seen as SM malls deliver renting facilities to the new endeavor for BPO
hub, which is particularly closed to their finest malls and restaurants. These
may also be an excellent opportunity for a 24/7 operation to cater to the
workers in times of starvation and need for foods and other related personal
necessities.
On the
other hand, Some SME (Small Medium Enterprise) considered BPO as life saver,
since they have these opportunities for them save costs of labor in staffing
and onboarding. According to Sunstar.com, By tapping into the country’s vast
workforce, SME can save a whopping 50-70% on labor costs. Compare the US$4-6
per hour earned by a call center agent in the Philippines to the US$12-15 paid
to a US agent for doing the same job. BPO providers cover secondary costs like
insurance and benefits. Small business owners can then re-channel these savings
into other areas of their business. All of the said beneficial information for
the country’s economy are truly mirrored that a strong fundamental way of
actions is on its way and they were successful for this one. However,
discontent was brewing behind the walls of call centers, back offices, and
customer service hubs. BPO workers, the overlooked heroes of the global
outsourcing business, continue to face multiple issues, the most of which have
gone unnoticed for far too long. Reports in unfair labor practices and unhealthy
working conditions are normalized in the work and still running to the veins of
every aspect of the sunshine business of BPO. This is also the culprit on why
some organization decided to have formed at least a union in the BPO industry
instead to be the center of grievances and complains. This is a review of the
individual problems within the BPO setup and how these problems are an
extension of the larger problem of labor groups that make the collective
journey as a testament to the effectiveness of collective actions and social
solidarity.
Personal
Issues or Public Troubles? The challenges of BPO Workers in forming unions.
Despite the
demands of BPO workers in the Philippines, the industry is characterized by
working long hours of shift, high demand of productivity, Low wages, Job
insecurity, and often stressful that may cause an unhealthy working condition
among others. One of the examples of these is the formation of Unified
Employees of Alorica, founded by initiative of some frontline agents and
managerial positions in Makati City way back in 2016. The company (Alorica) has
implemented some incentive for those employees to work in long hours from
regular 8 hours of work, in labor code, stated the acceptable working hours is
only 8 provided if there’s a prescribed maximum overtime hours for selected
industries. Apparently, the BPO companies is not subscribing the rule of the
thumb in implementing such regulation and sometimes it may appeal to the client
that it may serve as a productivity wise but for the employee is a massive
issue inside of the production floor. One of the testaments of the call center
employee in Alorica, state that sometimes their schedule has been plotted a
mandatory overtime and there’s a definite time allotted already without their
will. The culture of “pakikisama” by which one of the Filipino adhere culture in
the workplace have been observed. Job termination also came to the scene and
the management does not care anything about it. Because of unlawful situation
of the BPO workers in Alorica, some agents filed their grievances in DOLE or Department
of Labor and Employment through its channel, the National Labor Relation
Commission (NLRC). The outcome seems successful however, the attack towards the
union has been promulgated in the workplace that led to failing of the
organization inside of the company premises. The company retaliated by
terminating all the leaders of the union and made up some cases to justify the
termination of union leaders. The employees still the sense of their ideals in
restating the union but then some members are not engaged anymore in the work
and some of them have been transferred to a different company. These results are
also found in the studies of Reese and Soco-Carreon from Austrian Journal of
South-East Asian Studies, a qualitative study with 40 currently employed and
former call center agents in Metro Manila, Davao City and Dumaguete City. They
found out that, call center employees in BPO industries are not recommended by
their employers and it may result to their separation and will mark them as not
good example for other employees, and joining a union is part of their
compliance as stipulated on their employment contract upon onboarding. Discouragement
and discrimination have been shown and fear at the same time that aggravated by
the fact that, if you have to speak out it will have tagged you as
troublemakers. BPO workers are not so clear on who to blame in some unlawful
policies of these companies since majority of the clients are in abroad so they
didn’t know whom to talk to and bargain with since they are not visible. Others
even say that nobody is to be held responsible in particular. They all rely and
gave their grievances in HR and if there’s a town hall which sometimes it needs
to be approach individually in an open-door policy. They have been managed to
tell their situations and job concerns but supervisor can’t do anything about
it since they are busy in the account that they are part of.
Individual
problems define the lives of all BPO workers, painting a complicated picture of
an industry that has offered employment and economic opportunities for all
Filipinos, particularly young professionals today. Today's new generation is
obsessed with information and has learned to think critically as the new era of
learning is introduced. Nonetheless, the system was attempting to emphasize the
need of not becoming a patron of any development among its labor force, and
profits are the first priority. Clearly, if we consider the reality that BPO
workers are a younger generation, and the lack of information in union
formation is not as prevalent, some will take the initiative to become
involved, particularly in change. Individual BPO workers' private lives are not
isolated events, but are inextricably connected with societal issues. The
majority of this is due to the effects of globalization and Neo-liberalization
of the economy, which are currently taking place in the global south.
Individual worker problems that prevent people from joining a union are linked
to this issue and must be addressed.
The
workers' social solidarity is evident enough to determine that they should
create a place and unionize in order to protect their interests and grasp of
what it means to be a human being. It's simple to grasp how they live, but the
system makes it difficult to do so. According to Mills' Sociological
Imagination, it’s explained how individual people understand their and others'
pasts in relation to both history and social structure. Figuration is the
simultaneous study of society and individuals. Social solidarity is any social
ties that bind a group of people together. Social Solidarity is a powerful
force that can help BPO workers achieve improved working conditions and labor
rights. It will increase the demand for change and call into question the
status quo. By combining their efforts,
BPO workers can impact not only their immediate working situations, but also a
larger societal system that perpetuates their problems.
As we
conclude the challenge of forming a union in BPO is on the dim situation that
needs to clear all necessary disruptions along the way. BPO sector needs to be
more aggressive in to understand the benefits of collective action as part of
their social solidarity that may lead to change of the whole large system. Good
thing, some organization in labor sector are passing some bills like the Magna
Carta for BPO that started since 2014 and it use it to establishes standards
for fair labor practices and mandates additional benefits to BPO workers, such
as safeguards against job insecurity, a uniform nationwide minimum wage for
entry-level positions, and access to medical benefits upon employment. In
addition, those workers who are brave enough to organize and/or fight for their
right to organize face various forms of harassment and discrimination from
management. This opportunity will give leeway and will be the answer in lacking
of organizational power to push the interest of BPO workers in the Philippines.
REFERENCES:
Chi,
Christina. Bill seeking fair labor practices, job security for BPO workers
filed. May 21, 2023. Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/05/21/2267487/bill-seeking-fair-labor-practices-job-security-bpo-workers-filed
C. Wright
Mills. The Sociological Imagination. New York: Oxford University Press, 1959.
BPO
Philippines: A Potential Lifesaver for SMEs.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/feature/bpo-philippines-a-potential-lifesaver-for-smes
Galant,
Michael. Philippine Call Center Workers Are in Danger. It’s Our Problem, Too.
MAY 27, 2020. INThesetimes.
https://inthesetimes.com/article/philippine-call-center-workers-covid-cwa-unions-corporate-globalization
Industry
Knowledge. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Philippines: A Promising Future?.
Published on October 21, 2022. Task Us Philippines. https://www.taskus.com/insights/bpo-industry-philippines/
Pacete,
Tricia. BPO situationer: Philippines poised to capture a bigger slice of the
BPO global market share. September 20, 2020. Colliers International Manila. https://www.colliers.com/en-ph/news/bpo-situationer-philippines-poised-capture-bigger-slice-global-market-share
Reese, N.,
& Soco-Carreon, J. (2013). No call for action? Why there is no union (yet)
in Philippine call centers. ASEAS - Austrian Journal of South-East Asian
Studies, 6(1), 140-159. https://doi.org/10.4232/10.ASEAS-6.1-8
Statement
on the Anti-Union Interference Bill (HB 407). bienphilippines. March 13, 2023. https://bienphilippines.wordpress.com/news-2/
Thursday, May 18, 2023
BE GLAD STATEMENT IN IDAHOT 2023
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
If you are not a teacher, how will you advise a teacher so he/she can ensure inclusive education in the classroom setting.
The
education in the Philippine right now is facing some challenges not only it’s
facilities and other necessary services not only for the teachers but also in
the disabled learners. In the classroom, they are normally seen integrated into
the traditional classroom components of students without disabilities and the
teachers. Teachers are having a hard time to think of ways to cope up these
learners to get along with some lesson. Since they were merged with other
students, teacher was trying to find other way for them to be catered and not
left behind. When time of rationalization, students are expected to have
understand the basic level of understanding especially in the stage where in
they are need to comprehend the lesson and other concepts. This area of
learning is crucial not to mentioned that learners are having different curve
or style of coping the knowledge. There were times that teacher does a lot of
flexible way of method and then they came to the point that some student can’t
follow what should be done. That’s were a lot of intervening activities come
in. I have noticed in one of my interviews in one of the public teachers in
Olongapo, Zambales, teachers don’t a proper training on how to handle those
students with special needs, teacher are struggling to level their action to
the traditional student and their classmate with having special needs. They
intend to mainly focus the lesson to the student who having difficulty in
understanding and make it more interesting in order for to get the lesson
nevertheless, they would still stick on the same level of understanding. I know
Department of Education is trying to get more information through it reports on
basically this problem be fixed. But different scenarios are still prevailing
based on some assessments. These challenges were seen in a lot of aspect in
terms of classroom management. The challenge, how these students can be more
engaging in term of fulfilling the lesson in a daily basis. As this task
require how can I suggest that a classroom is more inclusively good and
conducive to those who are not of attention.
Some studies and articles shown
that using an inclusive language on all forms of discussion and narrative
especially in the classroom is considered part of the inclusivity in school.
Educators are expected to make the process welcoming by ensuring all handbooks,
forms, and other communications are inclusive of all family structures and
gender identities. Teachers are should be made and build a positive and
welcoming classroom environment, using technologies like bulletin boards that
compose of colorful design and creative materials that show the life of every student
and other people regardless of color, race, sexual and gender identities are
encourage to form in order for them to feel nice and comfort. By this action
the teachers are promoting and showing respect and diversity among the members
of the class. To address the issue of learning difficulties on understanding
each of the lesson, I must suggest that creating a more flexible way teacher
are good. In this manner, the teacher can use variety of teaching method of
course teacher expected that he or she know every style of his or her class
members. Teacher needs to do it and catered to different learning styles and
their abilities. This can include, visual aid with a clear detail of the lesson,
they can add some animations and moving objects like in PowerPoint
presentations. Also, they can more group work so that other introvert student
can participate to the lesson and classroom activity, this is much exciting for
them to anticipate various and complicated lessons. Hand on activities and
Technology based resources like TikTok and YouTube are encouraged to adopt.
Millennials are so fond now adays in terms of social media, so this can be better
to add in the flavors of learning in the classroom. Also, this may encourage
their openness and participation using the technology and cyberspace. A great
way for them to learn. It also shows their eagerness and participate in every
classroom activity. A guidance may need to implement just to avoid to much using
of social media. Other suggestion would
be teachers should provide accommodations and modifications to meet the unique need
of each student. This may include extra time especially those students who
having a hard time to follow the lessons. Teacher can open their other timeslot
of helping the students on their respective assignments, and written works
activities. Other way for that, teacher can also work with seating
arrangements, he should put those students who having a hard time to see the
blackboard and the information showing in front of the class and other
assisting them to use the computer and other emerging technologies. Teachers
can present a more classroom participation in all class members and de show a
lot of encouragement. Giving them a lot of way to understand every topic can acquire
more understanding. Also, it allows different perspective to be shared in the
class. Multiculturalism should be given to the context of each classroom
management since different students came from different class and group of
society this may include cultural response to each lesson so that other
learners especially from the outside community may participate. Incorporating
cultural references and traditions into the curriculum and avoiding
stereotypes. Lastly, my other suggestion is that, collaboration could also help
in ensuring the response and development of the learners. As we all said, “it
takes the whole community to raise a child” means, not only reciprocating ideas
of every mentor for the students but extending the hand and influence for the
learners and the community are also welcome on this kind of method to become
more inclusive.
In conclusion, being diverse and
open for a lot of opportunities to every kind of students are more good compare
to a non-responsive type of the classroom to the needs of people who are need
more attention. Inclusive education is to create an environment that is fully
welcoming and responsive to all students needs, regardless of background,
abilities and disabilities.
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Does Cancel Culture encourage us to do good or bad? :Socio preview.
Photo taken from Adobo Magazine |