Photo credits by: www.pnpstaffinggroup.com
As we begin the year, let’s ask the Institute’s most loyal workers, who were awarded during the 2018 Dangal ng PhilRice, on what inspired them during their decades of work at the country’s lead agency on rice research for development.
Serving their purpose
Most of the loyalty awardees see their work as an opportunity to serve the Filipino farmers.
“Working at PhilRice and experiencing the drive to help farmers and deliver better varieties have always inspired me to stay amidst the challenges in the Institute and in the rice industry,” Julieta F. Parinas, 20-year rice worker shared.
Aside from the many opportunities to serve, the awardees also recognize the pleasant working environment and the advanced facilities as fuels of satisfaction and determination to stay in the Institute for many years.
Noel A. Mabayag, also 20-year loyalty awardee and currently branch manager of PhilRice Field Office in Bukidnon, described PhilRice as “a perfect platform to use his skills and share his knowledge in ways that will benefit many fellow Filipinos.”
Awardees have also attributed their long years of stay to the benefits that PhilRice has brought to their careers.
“I chose to stay because career-wise, there’s security of tenure and professional development. Agriculture graduates can be well-compensated and can find a lot of opportunities here at PhilRice,” Maria Teresa A. Escabarte, a rice worker since 1998, said.
Treasures along the way
PhilRice also became the awardees’ foundation of individuality. These people dedicated most of their years in the Institute that taught them several life lessons.
“In overcoming difficulties, problems, and struggles at work, I learned to separate office stuff from my personal life. Learning the life-work balance led to more fruitful years in my life. It made me become a better person,” Eleanor S. Avellanoza affirmed.
For Leylani M. Juliano who spent 25 years in PhilRice, resilience is needed to stand firm amidst the surge in doing research for development. She also emphasized that adhering to moral and ethical values are essential not only in the workplace but in life as a whole.
Meanwhile, Rowena G. Manalili said no job is completely perfect. There were pesky tasks she did not enjoy, yet it taught her how to look on the positive side.
“[Tasks here sometimes] require [me] to work beyond office hours and do field works during weekends. However, I learned to adjust and persevere knowing that what I’m doing is not only for my family, but also for the benefit of others,” Manalili shared.
Dr. Manuel Jose C. Regalado who stayed most of his life in the Institute mentioned important life lessons he continuously uphold: trust in God that He will provide all our needs; live within our means; and work smart, and compete professionally.
Dr. Karen Eloisa T. Barroga, deputy executive director for development and a 30-year loyalty awardee said that having a mission always reminds her that being in the development work is not simply transferring technologies or getting the job done. Being in the development work serves a higher purpose for farmers.
“Let’s have a deep concern to everything, especially on those that are temporarily entrusted to us,” she said.
Keeping the passion alive
According Barroga, one of the key lessons she learned is the importance of having fun at work. She reminds the younger generation of rice workers to “work hard, but laugh hard too.”
For Juliano, the PhilRice millennial workers must have perseverance and the willingness to learn. She emphasized that millennials should let themselves be mentored by staff with high standards.
Meanwhile, Regalado and Manalili said that love for work and loyalty to the mission of serving the rice farmers and the country make everything worthwhile.
“Job satisfaction is not only gained through monetary compensation. Passion and love for work, and loyalty to the mission of the institute will make you more productive and give you a sense of fulfillment,” Manalili said.
