The College of Development Communication Alumni Association (CDCAA) recognized four distinguished alumni during “Speaking of Devcom: A Heartful Conversation with Devcom’s Finest,” held on 6 October 2023 at the UPLB REDREC Auditorium and via live streaming on the UPLB Devcom Facebook page.
The annual alumni forum was part of the 105th UPLB Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming Celebration held on 3–9 October 2023. This year’s Speaking of Devcom (SOD) theme, “CDC25: A Legacy of Heartful Communication,” hinted at CDC’s upcoming 25th Anniversary Celebration.
During the program, the four alumni shared their heartful experiences doing Devcom work in their respective fields.
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First, Mr. Stanley B. Gajete, Distinguished Alumnus in Development Journalism, emphasized the importance of empathic listening in journalism to give justice to the stories of marginalized communities and amplify their voices.
Second, Ms. Samantha P. Javier, Distinguished Alumna in Entrepreneurship in Development Communication, reintroduced entrepreneurship as one of the four E’s of Devcom and imparted ways on how Devcom can thrive in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world.
Third among the alumni was Dr. Evelyn B. Aguirre, Distinguished Alumna in Educational Leadership, who shared through a video message how she employs a participatory approach to managing the Leyte Normal University as its University President.
Finally, Mr. Ronald G. Mangubat, Distinguished Alumnus in International Development Communication Practice, underscored the significance of critical self-reflection so development communicators can continuously improve and evolve in whatever path they choose to take.
An open forum facilitated by Dr. Jefferson Lyndon B. Ragragio of the Department of Science Communication (DSC) was held after the talks.
In her opening remarks, Dean Maria Stella C. Tirol explained that heartful communication involves not just the transmission of messages but also establishing deep connections with people and communities to genuinely understand their needs so they can be given the appropriate Devcom service.
Chancellor Jose V. Camachor, Jr. also graced the event with his presence. In his speech, he praised CDC for staying relevant amidst the evolving media and political landscape. He also hoped that the heartful stories of the alumni would inspire the young development communicators in attendance at the event.
Meanwhile, Dr. Benjamina Paula G. Flor, CDCAA president, delivered her closing remarks through a spoken-word poem she wrote entitled Pagiging Alumni ay Hindi Goodbye, in which she reminded alumni that UPLB will always be their home even after graduation. She then enjoined them to participate in future CDCAA events.
Serving as master of ceremonies was Dr. Mildred O. Moscoso of the Department of Educational Communication (DEC).
On October 9, the CDC workforce and students participated in the UPLB Loyalty Day Parade and performed a dance number choreographed by the CDC Student Council and student organizations. The college was recognized as the third top performer among the UPLB colleges that performed during the parade.
In the afternoon, the distinguished alumni were also recognized at the 105th Loyalty Day Awarding Ceremony held at the Baker Memorial Hall. (Miguel Victor Durian)
Photo from UPLB Office of Alumni Relations.
