Served as a Learning Manager during the MATATAG NTOT

 I accidentally landed a Learning Manager (LM) stint during the MATATAG NTOT last Febuary 5-9, 2024 at the Red Hotel, Quezon City.

Last Friday, February 2, two of my colleagues and I were called at the Office of the Director, NEAP and we were told that they were lacking 9 LMs and 6 documenters for the event.  I was hesitant at first since I have no training whatsoever on that kind of undertaking. I was about to back-out, but I remembered that I already have the Travel Authority (TA).  I thought I will just be a participant.  

After 30 minutes of discussion with Dir. Lea (NEAP) I accepted the task to be an LM since time is of the essence.  Additionally, I was also looking for leadership and management training, I thought it would be a good time.

Came the date of the workshop, I led the group of Grade 1 participants composed of CLMD chiefs, PSDS,  education supervisors, principals, school heads, and master teachers.  My tasks were assigned the group to have management of learning (MOLs), introduce participants, help the participants to be comfortable during the meeting, take photos, and the lists goes on and on.  I should fill the gap and patch it. 

I never knew that the work as an LM will be so taxing, but just like a knight helping her damsel in distress I took the challenge. I religiously performed the itinerary; it is quite boring - yes but it's worth it.  What were the challenges during the event? Too many to mention.  During the break, the elevator was full, the food was sometimes not delivered on time or perhaps lacking, the air condition was not that cold during the afternoon, the internet connectivity was poor, etc.  But I can't complain. I know it is a part of a learning process.  The ideal scenario was that all things must be working but really, it's not.  So I need to be patient, or the facilitators must.

With 600+ participants, 18 classes (break-out rooms), and a number of Program Management Team (PMT) - the event was really challenging. It's good that Director Lea (NEAP) and Director Sam (BCD) who guided us along the way.

At the end of the training, I learned that on the bidding documents there must only be 8 break-out rooms stated but the facilitators didn't know that even the participants.  Well, I just keep on complaining!

I just realized that there was a story behind a story.  As a leader, I must be patient.  What an experience.