Category: Week 01

Week 01 (September 13-17) “What is development communication?” Our student writers draft their own definition of development communication.

Rejection < Redirection

“To everyone with a dream, know that your dreams are valid, and on your path you are never denied, and only redirected.”

Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018

It all started in the year 2017, at one particular room at the aggies building of Xavier University, my dream alma mater. I was a campus journalist back then but growing up, I have always dreamt of becoming a teacher even after graduating senior high school, it hasn’t changed. When asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, without a pause and a doubt, I always answer, “I want to be a teacher!” I was in kindergarten when I started dreaming of becoming one, when being asked why? Growing up, I had figures and people whom I always looked up to as a child, a dreamer. Aside from that, I knew also that it was both my grandmother’s and mother’s dream to become a teacher, but things weren’t the same for all of us. They were unfortunate in fulfilling their dreams. I felt like there’s something inside of me that wants to fulfill their dreams. Other people may seem disappointed by a simple dream, but my passion is no longer a thing for them to interfere. Belonging to a family of achievers and intelligent people, others would always expect me to dream more because I am capable but what can I do? It’s what my heart wants and what I’ve always wanted to be true.

The Writers-for-Writers Workshop 2017

Going back to where it all started, it was a whole day affair during the Manresa Days, facilitated by Development Communication students of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. We were inside a room like the cinemas, with a big screen and a broadcasting studio inside. We were accompanied by DevCom students that time and referred to them as “ets.” In the morning, it was an event for broadcasters but we were also able to witness everything. I was amazed by how good those DevCom students were. For the afternoon, it was already my turn as a writer. In our workshop, we had a guest speaker, a PhD graduate from UPLB who shared her expertise with us; students coming from different schools in the region. I knew about UPLB already at that time because my sister was studying in LB. We were on the 5th floor of the school’s library when a strong earthquake happened that made us very scared. It lasted for quite some time then we decided to change venues going back to the agriculture building. At that moment, in that particular time and place, just like in the movies, a thought popped up inside my head, I became interested in DevCom. After that workshop, days passed by and I kept sharing with others how I felt and that thought that disturbed my certain dream of taking up education.

ECHO 2019: The 4th Mindanao Young Communicators’ Congress

Fast-forward to 2019, we met again with DevCom students, it was a seminar related again to journalism. The one I felt in 2017, came to me again. I love how they are so passionate, versatile, and flexible. I was greatly influenced and had a consideration of taking it in college. I never knew such a thing existed, DevCom exists, not until we were in XU. The only difference is that their program is under agriculture that is why students also immerse themselves in farming. I love writing and talking. I have a passion for it. I took up Humanities and Social Sciences in senior high school as I was planning to be a teacher. I had my immersion in grade 12. I was so ready to become one and what there is to come. I didn’t care so much about practicality back then, regardless of how much money I can make as a teacher because that is my passion, but life really has its turn of events and things happen when you least expect for it.

The pandemic has changed our lives overnight, our decisions, our aspirations. I applied for my dream course, education at two premier state universities in the country because it came to a point wherein my parents couldn’t afford to send me to a private school already with all the constraints and impacts brought about by the pandemic. I was about to take my scholarship exam for Xavier University under School of Education, but then fate really had different plans for me. I was not able to take it because they ran out of slots. I was looking for scholarships that time during grade 12 because I really want to pursue Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies, but sadly, there weren’t enough opportunities at that time. I was offered a full scholarship at Lourdes College because I was part of the Top 10 performing students and the Top 1 of our strand, but I didn’t grab the opportunity because I want to expand my horizons and go for greener pastures. As soon as UPCA and other college applications opened, I tried my shot, but ended up only applying for two schools with the hopes of getting into my dream course. After months of patiently waiting in vain, my heart was already trembling and I told myself on that day, July 15, no matter what happens, it is what it is. I set my alarm the night before and opened my phone at my schedule, first batch to know the results, and when I logged in, I closed my eyes in desperation. A message of congratulations appeared as I scrolled through my screen. I was with my sister at that very moment, happily shouting and jumping that I got into my dream university amidst the doubts and the obstacles I went through the past months.

At that moment, I didn’t care much about getting into my dream course because my heart was already full with the thought of getting into my dream school. It took me days to finally decide and confirm my slot. At first I was a bit hesitant because of a lot of “what ifs?” and all along, the people around me thought I would push through my lifelong dream of becoming an educator, but I grabbed the once in a lifetime opportunity that not everyone has the chance to have in their lives. I told myself, no matter how certain I am of my plans and no matter how desperate I am of the path I want to take, things won’t work out the way I wanted them to be.

A few months after, I started my college life with a lot of expectations and of course, prayers. There were a lot of webinars and activities we had to go through to be prepared for what’s ahead of us. It wasn’t an easy journey. I got a lot of sleepless nights, nights where I cry myself to sleep, anxieties, regrets, doubts, heartbreaks, and too many to mention. The earthquake that happened a few years ago when I encountered DevCom somewhat resembles my college journey at present. Honestly, there were times during the first semester that I felt great when I took DevCom, but most of the time, I regretted every minute of it. I was told hurtful words by certain loved ones. Things like maybe I couldn’t finish on time, the degree I took wouldn’t give me a nice-paying job in the future, and a lot more. I spent my nights thinking again if I made the right decision but there were also things that strongly reminded me of why I am doing this, this isn’t just a degree, a field of study or a practice, it’s a vocation, to be of service to others.

Senator Imee Marcos schooled about DevCom after ‘cute,’ ‘archaic’ remark

Moreover, Development Communication for me is indeed cute but is never archaic or old-fashioned. Why? When you say that it is cute, I would definitely agree because, without a doubt, it is in the heart of DevCom to serve. As a driver for positive social change through communication, I would like to highlight what makes DevCom confidently cute, and that is because it is people-centered and will always be for the masses. DevCom exists because of the issues present in society that need to be communicated and worked on. It exists because consciousness and social awareness still lack amid our society. DevCom puts us at the top, along with the various communities we coordinate with. There is genuine and active participation, and DevCom makes the impossible possible. It helps us do more and be better at reaching society’s goals. It is humanistic, holistic, value-laden, and sustainable. Thus, communication is the ultimate tool and facilitator towards development attainment.

In this time of the pandemic, DevCom’s role, as a field of study, a practice, an art, and science, then and now remains ever relevant and impactful and contributes to the growth and fostering of change in our society. DevCom continues in transitioning societies, especially the margins, towards better equality and fulfillment of human potential with the aim of improving human lives and communities. As a profession, it is beneficial, flexible, reliable, and versatile, with communication at a premium facilitating development. Development Communication is ever unique- a vocation, a calling of a lifetime commitment to service.

In addition, the courses I took during this semester were a bit heavy for me. I couldn’t keep up with everything since I lacked resources but some of those courses also made me realize what Development Communication really is for me. More than the core values of DevCom, the 4Es, I believe it’s more than that. Development Communication is more and I am more. I am for the people. I am for Development Communication.

Lastly, Development Communication is not a rejection but a redirection.

Development Communication: Bridging Serendipity and Hope

Development Communication, for me, lies parallel with serendipity and hope.

Here’s why.  

Growing up, I’ve always looked up to people studying in UP and honestly, I hid the aspiration of wanting to be a UP student because of the fear that I might not get accepted and disappoint my family. I applied quite silently—not anticipating anything—choosing UPLB as my first campus and BS Development Communication as my priority course.  

Truth be told, I was so clueless during the application period. I did not really have a strong basis for choosing the course—all I wanted back then was to get into UP and take up something that is related to media and communications. When the results were released, I got dispirited with the rejection that was brought upon me.  

I spent days wondering where I lacked, and I felt scared for my future—thinking that there was no course meant for me. But despite that, I persisted with the undeclared dream—the dream of becoming a UP student. So then, I applied for reconsideration. I remember that time, I’ve almost chosen BS Economics over BS Development Communication because the idea of having to write a letter and being interviewed stricken me with horror. Additionally, I thought that the former course would give me a higher chance at getting into the university.  

Ck2 Adriana Lima GIF - CK2 Adriana Lima Victoria Secrets Angel - Discover & Share GIFs
My sister after telling me to choose Development Communication—or at least how I imagined her to be like

But…an angel appeared before me—aka my sister—and insisted that I should go for Development Communication. And so, I did.  

I remember exhausting all resources days before the interview and when I was writing my letter. I read up blogs, and these sort of reviews that appeared on Google. Surprised with what I’ve learned, I instantly felt that my passion was indeed in this field.  

And boom, I got accepted into the course.  

Best letter I’ve received in my entire life

Serendipity revealed itself to me, and my hope was restored. As I delved into the semester, I learned that Development Communication is a course with a heart—being centered on serving the masses and helping them achieve the goal of being mobile, independent, and progressive, both as individuals and communities.  

I joined UPLB Development Communicators’ Society (DCS), and that’s where my knowledge and understanding of what Development Communication is expanded. As I spent time with my fellow resident members and alumni, I got to know how extensive the field of DevCom is—how it is a versatile and prospective discipline opening windows to a thousand possibilities.  

Originating from the university’s Office of Extension and Publications which is now the College of Development Communication (CDC), pioneer Nora C. Quebral regarded the discipline as “the science of human communication linked to the transitioning of communities from poverty in all its forms to a dynamic, overall growth that fosters equity and the unfolding of the individual potential.” It is divided into four departments, namely: Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication (DDBT), Department of Development Journalism (DDJ), Department of Educational Communication (DEC), and Department of Science Communication (DSC).  

If you know, you know 😎

Despite people saying that DevCom is just like Mass Communication and Communication Arts, I differ with their belief. For me, DevCom is so much more. Development Communication corresponds to the passion and advocacies of people, giving them a sense of responsibility and drive as communicators to be at the forefront of the advancement of communities.  

As a development communicator-in-training, I strongly believe that the tasks given to us will help us hone our skills, not just in writing but in other aspects as well that are supplementary to what we may be doing in the future. And as much as this course challenges me, I have a conviction that it will always be for the best, knowing that our expertise will always be for the benefit of other people.

Lagi’t lagi, para sa bayan.  

tools

“’Nak! Halika, itapat mo nga ‘tong flashlight.”

When I was a kid, my father’s days off fell on Saturdays and Sundays. On those days, like a typical Filipino dad, he fixed whatever needed fixing inside our house. So, every weekend after having my breakfast, I would hear those words come out of his mouth and hold the flashlight for him; that was our routine during weekends for a good ten years of my life. At first, I only just stood there and shined the flashlight where he wanted but as days passed, I was also asked to fetch some of his tools, loosen or tighten some screws, until we eventually reached a point where we would switch places, and I could be the one doing the fixing with his supervision. At around age nine, I have memorized the names of most of his tools and could already clean a stand fan by myself. Both my father and I had fun, as that routine also served as a way for us to connect and enjoy being in each other’s company even for just an hour or two. Unfortunately, it stopped as he had to go and work overseas to be able to sustain our family’s growing needs. 

A recent photo of my father fixing our ceiling. (Photo by: Christen Lomibao)

When he went, since I physically could not handle the repair of anything other than our stand fans, I became his eyes inside the house and told him what needed repairs. However, he did not let his departure be the reason for my stagnancy. Hence, while we were in that kind of setup, he also gradually taught me how to fix more complex appliances and do minor house repairs. Now, before calling an actual repairman, my family seeks me first and sees if I can manage to fix it which has been a great help in reducing our expenses. I call my father when I need help or think I cannot, with my current knowledge and mechanical skills, handle it. 

But why am I telling this story, you ask? It is because, for me, Development Communication is akin to fixing. 

Now that improper equity, an anti-poor justice system, and the absence of power balance are rampant in society, Development Communication is needed to directly address them and kick-start or help fix the issues they stir up. As these problems continue to tamper upon and jeopardize the rights of the people, especially those belonging to the marginalized sector of the community, practitioners of the aforementioned field are much needed and should present effective, feasible solutions to aid in their inclusivity and security. As said in the first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. [They are endowed…]” our rights are innate, and this is upheld by Development communication. Hence, this field exists because of the people, to serve and protect them.

I recognize that the system needs a thorough fixing, and I pledge to actively take part in it as an aspiring Development Communication practitioner.

Sa manlulupig, ‘di ka pasisiil.

I took the pilgrimage

I am a traveler and a scientist at heart,

So sure of what I want.

I desire to study the minerals underground,

So I started the search by traveling around.

But then something unexpected happened.

Lost in a journey where no minerals and,

Only a place that is so barren.

I took the pilgrimage anyway.

I started walking around and these are what I saw,

People crying for help as it is in limbo.

Rulers are deaf, sharpening their claws,

And so, people are deprived thus a broken law.

I stopped, and asked a coven—

What do you want? What do you need?

And in mute, they plead.

Then reality hit me—these people are voiceless.

My idea of travelling the world has been put into hold,

Temporarily in a sanctum where service is gold.

Has to amplify their stories that were left untold,

And so to help the children, the weak, and the old.

As angels from above may we be their transcendence,

Of people held down in limbo for instance,

Through us, may we bring them the gates of heavens,

To experience the life taken from their existence.  

Parallelism

As a product of Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), no amount can express my gratitude towards them for all the opportunities I fostered upon. Dating back to 2006, when volunteer employees from AFI reached out to this seemingly new family in town having three kids yet to start their formal education. They discussed how me and my siblings are eligible for scholarship in CENTEX Batangas, a public school founded by AFI. Captivated by a heart dedicated to service and promoting education, my parents were convinced and gratefully accepted their invitation. From a conversation, these siblings were able to set foot inside the classroom. Center of Excellence as my second home, did not only prepared me academically but also trained me to explore my innate potentials. Cementing that foundation, grounded me even more to lead and conquer beyond my limits during high school. Now, still standing on that foundation, is now a proud Iskolar ng Bayan from the University of the Philippines Los Baños taking up Bachelor of Science in Development Communication.  

First of all, let me define what Development Communication is. According to Quebral (2012), she redefined development communication as “the science of human communication linked to the transition of communities from poverty in all its forms to a dynamic overall growth that fosters equity and the unfolding of individual potential.” While, Mazud (2012), states that DevCom is intended to build consensus and facilitate knowledge sharing to achieve positive change. Then a study from Thusong Service Center (2012), contributed to the definition of DevCom as a response to factors limiting the access to service and citizen participation.

PUB for UPLB CDC Orientation 2021
FB Post by UPLB Devcom

There are other studies that revealed definitions and approaches of DevCom. But to summarize the very context of it, DevCom focuses on the marginalized sectors of community to communicate their information needs and influencing them to make informed decisions. Making informed decisions as the end goal of DevCom has the power to lift society from one point to another where they can have a better access and quality of life.

Being illuminated with the context and field of Development Communication, I saw the similarities of my experience as an AFI scholar that parallels the definition of DevCom. AFI became the communicator of educational opportunity, and this channel gave the chance for my parents to make an informed decision. This decision gradually affected me and my siblings by receiving a good quality education rich from opportunities. My perception of DevCom solidified as I also once affiliated with people and organization that share the same advocacies.

Alumni of CENTEX who participated in #AFIcentexALAEHforLife
IG post by @arviearvoxarvz
Bayanihan Para sa Paaralan 2021
FB post by Bogs Abanto

In addition, as an alumnus of the said school, we highly practice the value of giving back. Hence, I was also exposed in social works such as participating in volunteer projects headed by AFI. One is the #AFIcentexALAEHforLife a donation drive for Taal Volcano victims. In this event, we went across the elementary schools of Bauan which was swarming with evacuees and distributed food and sanitary supplies. Recently, I also volunteered for Bayanihan Para Sa Paaralan, 2021 where we repaired and reformat laptops to be disseminated and used by faculty and students for online learning this academic year. These experiences solidified my advocacy to service and empowering society by resilience

These parallels have also bridged me to land in the College of Development Communication. Inspired by the giving body of educational opportunity I was able to benefit. Who would have thought how powerful a single conversation can make? Had it not for the initiative to reach out to my family, my parents won’t be oriented with the information that helped them make an informed decision. Now, I want to use my platform as a DevCom student to amplify the goal for social change. Transcending the sufferings of society from a complex web of underdevelopment issues. I remember how I would run the fields of my second home without having to problematize tomorrow. The power of having the chance for an informed decision doesn’t with me, I want every child to grown in a secure and protective society. Soon, the fields will be occupied by more kids yet to uncoil their opportunities and ready for what the world has to offer.        

REFERENCES:

Mazu, M. (2012). Development Communication: Challenges in an Empowered Information Environment. Retrieved from: http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/Mozammel_DevComm_edit.ppt

Quebral, N.C. (2012). Development Communication primer. Penang: Southbound (p9)

Thusong Service Centre, (2012). The Government Development Communication Initiative: A Response to Democratic Communication and Citizen Participation in South Africa. Retrieved from: https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/thusong

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