Trailblaze: A Workshop in Project Excellence

Last October 7, 2023, the Rotaract Club of Manila and the Rotaract Club of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, along with our knowledge partners, the Rotary Club of Manila and Rotary Club of Manila Magic, joined forces for a Project Excellence Workshop held at the Philippine Innovation Hub as part of the UpSkill series of professional development project. This event brought together budding young professionals, enthusiastic students, and notable speakers, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of project management education.

The session kicked off with an informative talk by Ms. Karla Ravida, Business Development Manager at Bosch Philippines and current youth service director of the Rotary Club of Manila Magic. Ms. Ravida shared practical insights about Project Management, breaking down the key steps needed for successful project execution, such an initiation, planning, executing, monitoring, and even budgeting. Her straightforward approach provided attendees with a clear grasp of the fundamental principles.

After the presentation, participants dove into an engaging brainstorming session. Divided into groups, they put the newfound knowledge to work, crafting projects that aligned with the lessons learned. This hands-on exercise not only reinforced the theory but also encouraged participants to apply it, setting a solid foundation for their future projects.

Afterwards, each group presented their project ideas, inviting constructive feedback from the speaker and their peers. AG Jamer Yapchulay from the Rotary Club of Pasay Silangan and Rtn. Nick Locsin from the Rotary Club of Manila who were in attendance also gave feedback to the participants.

The workshop's second segment featured Usec Antonilo Mauricio, the General Manager of the National Development Company (NDC). Usec. Mauricio, a seasoned figure in civil service and volunteer organizations, discussed practical applications of project management in these contexts. His practical insights shed light on how structured project management can drive positive change in service-oriented initiatives, such as those within the framework of Rotary.

Usec. Mauricio also outlined the diverse projects currently overseen by the National Development Company. Some notable projects include Philippine E-commerce platform, artificial intelligence center, startup venture fund, among others. This presentation not only showcased the scope and impact of NDC's investments but also highlighted the vital role effective project management plays in achieving meaningful societal progress.

The Project Excellence Workshop, a blend of knowledge and application, showcases the dedication of the Rotaract Club of Manila and the Rotaract Club of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila to advancing professional development in project management. The collaboration of experts like Ms. Ravida and Usec. Mauricio, along with the active participation of attendees, has strengthened the foundations of excellence in project execution, heralding an era of innovation and accomplishment.