Going to a place you are not familiar with will never be easy- especially if you don’t know the exact location of the place you’re going to. This was the problem that my groupmates and I encountered when we were tasked to gather data from Barangay Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna. Since none of us grew up in LB, we had zero idea on where Barangay Timugan was and how do we go there.
Of course, we can try other ways to gather data so that we won’t go to the barangay hall. However, our group wanted to go there personally so that we will be assured that the data gathered is verified by the authorities of the barangay and that we can establish a connection with them. So, we asked one our classmates, who lives in Los Baños, the directions going to Barangay Timugan. He told us which jeep do we ride on and what landmark was it near to- thus begins our journey to Barangay Timugan.
We followed our classmates’ instructions and thankfully, we successfully arrived at the barangay hall safely. We were immediately welcomed by the officers of the barangay and they did not hesitate to give us the data we needed. So, if I’m going to leave three tips for the next BSDC freshmen, here they are:
1. Don’t be shy to ask around
Whether if it is going to a place you are not familiar with or when you need some information from various sources, it will never hurt to ask. Just be sure to ask them kindly and with respect.
2. Always ask for permission when gathering data/information/sources
Remember, the data/information/sources are their’s and they have every right to give it to you or not. Ask them politely and explain where and how you will use the data gathered.
3. If you’re going by group, assign tasks to the members beforehand
These tasks include who will ask the questions, take note of the answers, take pictures of the venue and the data, etc., so that you and your groupmates will be able to work more effectively and efficiently once you arrive at the venue.
BLOG 6050 