REFLECTION PAPER
EDUCATIONAL TOUR IN DAVAO
Our educational tour in Davao, Philippines on October 2-4, 2024 was memorable
and a learning journey for all of us as a BSET 4th year students. Very varied places, one
different from the other by nature and location-from the visit at Deco Machine Shop,
NGCP Davao, Davao Bypass Tunnel, to Museo Dabawenyo, Eden Nature Park, and
then TESDA XI, Davao People's Park, to a stopover at SM Lanang, then the fun part of
the visit was in Jack's Ridge, and our overnight accommodations stay at Green
Windows Hotel.
• Deco Machine Shop
We began with a visit to Deco Machine Shop on October 2, 2024, what an
incredible experience of watching how the manufacturing and industrial process really
works. Really good to see quality and precision emphasized in watching the machinery
and tools being so carefully made. This stop emphasized well the role that technical
skills play in industrial production while allowing us some insight as to how the concepts
studied in engineering and manufacturing are actually applied.
• NGCP Toril Davao
We were off to National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Toril in
Davao, the same day as we visited DECO Machine Shop. The familiarization tour here
gave us an understanding of how the electrical grid operates, what challenges power
distribution poses, and state-of-the-art technology in managing energy. The engineers
showed us how they guarantee energy security, and we were able to understand very
well what it takes to have a stable and constant supply of power all over. This was a
wake-up call on how important energy is in modern life and on NGCP's main role in
keeping development alive.
• Davao Bypass Tunnel
One of the trip highlights was our visit to the Davao Bypass Tunnel, an ambitious
infrastructure project to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity. How such
engineering feats would be required in constructing the tunnel was very interesting-from
tunneling techniques to construction management of the challenges. This kind of visit
enabled me to understand more about large-scale infrastructure projects and its
implementation in shaping the future of urban transport and development in Davao.
• Museo Dabawenyo
We started our experience in this place through learning a lot of cultural values
from Museo Dabawenyo. Its exhibits will walk you through history and a cultural
heritage that are very unique and rich with the presence of the country's Spanish roots,
yet at some point in time, there is still evolution into becoming the modern Davao that
we see nowadays. There was a point in time when cultures should be preserved with
the moving on of other aspects in order to become a modern entity. This was a
meaningful way of taking a closer look at how historical texts mold the identity of a place.
• TESDA XI
Upon visiting the TESDA XI shed, we were enlightened to provide the needed
technical workforce in technical education. TESDA makes technical training and
learning highly accessible to clients since it is the core of this region's workforce system.
Witnessing how well-prepared TESDA prepares one for a successful career working in
any of the above industrial areas is very inspiring: automotive, welding, and hospitality
management. We are exposed to different machines and we have seen the result of
their student’s output and how they are knowledgeable of their chosen fields. There are
machines that are not yet in MSU GenSan that was introduced to us when we were in
TESDA XI. By looking at their equipment, we are able to observe how to use it as well.
• Davao People's Park
We also visited the Davao People's Park - a public space that harmoniously puts
together artistic, cultural, and natural ingredients. The sculptures, landscaping, and
cultural performances showcased in the park shine bright with what Davao has for its
local heritage. It was a serene place wherein to view and reflect on why such spaces
are important in the planning of cities and communities. Davao People's Park, of course,
is just beyond a mere amusement space in as much as it signifies just how much this
city will strive to be in the service of giving them the better quality life about being the
residents.
• SM Lanang
Visiting SM Lanang afforded us an inkling of what Davao's commercial and retail
development is. The mall showcased great shopping, dining, and entertainment
activities that symbolize the increasing prosperity of the place. It is interesting how the
retail and entertainment industries also keep pace with the industrial and infrastructural
developments of the city.
• Jack's Ridge
Perfect for unwinding and relishing the panoramic view of Davao City, Jack's
Ridge offers its guests a chance to truly enjoy the amazing views while having meals
indoors from this restaurant and leisure complex where we appreciated the scenic
beauty of Davao at a higher vantage. Such visits gave us a taste of the local cuisine of
Davao with memorable ends at our trips.
• Eden Nature Park
Our last stop is in Eden Nature Park where it was so refreshing and rejuvenating
when compared with the sceneries from the city crowd, allowing an experience of
natural living. Among the tall trees and lush greens surrounding us, we found out that
there would be a stronger pressure to respect environmental conservation towards
biodiversity preservation. Such initiatives in promoting sustainable tourism and
environmental education also led by the park through its programs and initiatives were
all very evident. It is a very great way to get close with nature and reflect much on
development and environmental preservation balance.
Overall our educational trip to Davao was truly of great value as, at one time, we
had encompassed so much in a wide range of topics-from industrial processes and
energy management to cultural heritage and environmental conservation. In every place
that we have visited, we gain a very unique perspective that will be useful in our
academic pursuits and/or professional careers. I really thank the chance to learn about
the city's growth, in which it commits to sustainability, and different sectors contribute to
the growth of Davao. The trip not only deepened the knowledge but also appreciation
for many diverse aspects contributing to Davao's progress.
DOCUMENTATION
TESDA XI
JACK’S RIDGE
DAVAO BYPASS TUNNEL
MUSEO DABAWENYO
DAVAO PEOPLE’S PARK
NGCP
EDEN NATURE PARK
DECO MACHINE SHOP