The College of Development Communication (CDC) Alumni Association (CDCAA) recognized four Distinguished Alumni this year as part of the 106th UPLB Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming Celebration.
They shared their heartful journeys as development communication practitioners at “Speaking of Devcom: Heartful Conversations with Devcom’s Finest,” CDC and CDCAA’s annual alumni forum which was held this year on 7 October 2024 in the CDC Lecture Room 1 and 2 and via Facebook live streaming.
The first speaker, Mr. Nilo B. Alcala II, Distinguished Alumnus in Culture and Arts for Development and a recipient of The Outstanding UPLB Alumnus Award (TOUAA), highlighted the impact of music and the arts in preserving and promoting indigenous cultures.
Second was Ms. Susan Mae A. Detera, Distinguished Alumna in International Development Communication Practice, delivered atalk on the complexities of risk communication in conflict zones. She stressed the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and ensuring that vulnerable communities are heard, especially in critical situations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ronan G. Zagado, Distinguished Alumnus in Communication for Food Security and Development, reflected on 10 key lessons he learned from Devcom. Drawing from his leadership in the deployment of the Malusog (Golden) Rice Program in the Philippines, he illustrated the essential role of science communication in guiding policy decisions.
Finally, Ms. Amy Melissa Malaluan-Chua, Distinguished Alumna in Communication for Agricultural Development, underscored the importance of placing communities at the heart of development initiatives. She highlighted the need for inclusive, people-centered approaches to agricultural progress and sustainability.
The audience had the chance to interact with the alumni through an open forum, facilitated by Asst. Prof. Pamela Joyce M. Eleazar of the Department of Development Journalism (DDJ).
In her opening remarks, Dean Maria Stella C. Tirol emphasized how Devcom effectively addresses intersectional social issues, as demonstrated by the wide range of fields represented by this year’s distinguished alumni.
Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. also personally attended the event and, in his inspirational message, lauded the college for its world-class pedagogy in advancing its mission as a catalyst for social transformation and economic development.
At the end of the program, Dr. Benjamina Paula Gonzales-Flor, CDCAA president, delivered her closing remarks through a spoken-word poem entitled “Ang Pagbabalik Unibersidad ay Sadyang Malaking Responsibilidad,” in which she tackled the significance of going back to one’s roots and enjoined alumni to support the CDCAA’s programs and activities. She also expressed her gratitude to the Speaking of Devcom 2024 Organizing Committee, which she co-coordinated with Asst. Prof. Avril Adrianne D. Madrid (Co-Chair, CDC Alumni Relations Committee) and Dr. Ma. Teresita B. Osalla (Chair, CDC Socials and Special Events Committee).
Asst. Prof. Dara Clarisse Mae L. Baril of DDJ served as the master of ceremonies.
Prior to this, CDC constituents also joined the Loyalty Day Parade held on October 6. (Luna Macutay)
