Author: Devcom

The Department of Educational Communication (DEC) of the College of Development Communication (CDC) took various stakeholders on a voyage towards exploring the importance of reading literacy in its forum titled EdCom Talks 2024: Layag, held on November 25, 2024, at the UPLB Makiling Film Lab.

With the theme “Pagbasa Tungo sa Pagtuklas ng Bagong Kaalaman at Karanasan” (Reading Towards Discovering New Knowledge and Experience), this year’s EdCom Talks discussed the challenges of reading illiteracy in the Philippines and highlighted the opportunities available to deal with them. The forum featured three experts who shared their insights, research results, and public service initiatives aimed at promoting reading as a response to the learning crisis in the country. 

Mr. Jose Limbay Lahi O. Espaldon, Director of the UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungod and Chair of the Reading Enhancement and Appreciation Development (READ) Program, discussed the experiences, efforts, and accomplishments of the UPLB READ Program as a university flagship public service initiative to help address the “learning poverty” in Laguna. He also invited students to share their stories, which will be published and distributed to schools in the next school year.

The second speaker was Asst. Prof. Ariel U. Bosque of the Department of Humanities, who presented key considerations when developing reading materials and modules. He emphasized that reading materials should align with the worldview of each child to ensure they can easily understand and relate to them.

Finally, Asst. Prof. Elijah Jesse M. Pine, Chair of the DEC, shared his research that focused on the role of comics in the classroom. He discussed how comics can be used as a tool to bridge the reading literacy gap while keeping students engaged and, at the same time, developing their analytical and critical thinking skills. 

Students from DEVC 145 (Distance Learning Systems) also invited the teachers to participate in their distance learning system projects. Jerome de Jesus from DEVC 145 AB-1L presented “MAHICA” (Malikhaing Paghabi ng Impormasyon sa Canva), a project designed to help teachers unlock the full potential of digital technologies like Canva to enhance classroom engagement and promote digital literacy. This project will be launched on Facebook and YouTube on November 26, 2024.

Meanwhile, Carlos Hermoso from DEVC 145 B-2L introduced “i.Turo”, an online refresher course on Educational Technology (EdTech). The course will cover topics such as EdTech tools, game-based learning and gamification, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, and inclusivity in learning, featuring EdTech experts and specialists. This course will run for two weeks, starting November 28, 2024.

After the presentations, Ms. Imelda T. Mejia, a teacher at BN Calara Elementary School, praised the event, particularly the two DEVC 145 projects, which she believes will be of immense help to educators. She also thanked the UPLB CDC for organizing forums like EdCom Talks and for their 12-year partnership with BNCES.

Similarly, Ms. Jazmine Claire D. Olorvida, a member of the UPLB Development Communicators’ Society (DCS), expressed her gratitude to DEC and highlighted the need to recognize the different learning needs and styles of each learner. She also shared their experiences with the iRead Program, a student-led activity of the UPLB DCS that has promoted reading in various communities in Los Baños for more than a decade.  

Dr. Maria Stella C. Tirol, Dean of the CDC, in her opening remarks, discussed the impact of the pandemic on reading literacy among elementary student. She emphasized the need to seek transformative solutions that make reading and learning more accessible and engaging, creating a ripple effect that motivates children and inspires action.

Asst. Prof. John Mervin L. Embate delivered the closing remarks on behalf of Dr. Rhodora Ramonette D.V. Custodio, Co-chair of the EdCom Talks 2024 steering committee. He expressed his hope that EdCom Talks would continue to be a platform to forward quality education. He also announced the launch of EdCom Talks 2023 Proceedings, which would soon be announced on the UPLB CDC Facebook page.

The event was attended by educators and students from various institutions in Los Baños.

EdCom Talks is an annual extension activity that fosters scholarly discourse in partnership with other institutions to gather insights and recommendations from experts, as described by Dr. Liza A. Cabrera, Chair of the EdCom Talks 2024 Steering Committee, in her program overview (Chelsea Saniano).

The College of Development Communication (CDC), through the Department of Development Journalism (DDJ), participated in the 34th Jaime V. Ongpin (JVO) Journalism Seminar, organized by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), held on 19 November 2024 at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Conference Center in Makati City. 

Student-journalists from Tanglaw, a student-led publication based at the college, composed the CDC delegation that attended the event, led by Asst. Prof. Miguel Victor T. Durian and joined by retired DDJ faculty member, Dr. Madeleine M. Suva.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Melinda Quintos-de Jesus, CMFR annually invites CDC to the JVO Journalism Seminar, which aims to recognize the outstanding work of Filipino journalists by showcasing their novel practices and tricks of the trade through a panel discussion, attended by budding journalists all over the country. 

This year’s panel included media practitioners from different news organizations, namely Jane Bautista of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jairo Bolledo of Rappler, Cristina Chi of Philstar.com, Kurt Dela Peña of Inquirer.net, and Pia Ranada of Rappler. 

They touched on pressing issues in the media industry, such as the threats of artificial intelligence on media, the attacks on journalists, the declining trust of people in news organizations, the decline of legacy media, and the recalibration of reportage amid the emergence of new media.

Out of the panelist’s this year, Ranada emerged as the Marshall McLuhan Fellow, which was chosen by the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines. (Jayvee Mhar O. Viloria; Photo courtesy of Ellyzah Janelle Devilleres)

The Department of Educational Communication (DEC) two faculty members, namely Dr. Clarisse M. Gonzalvo and Asst. Prof. Rovil A. Espiritu, presented research papers at the 11th International Conference on Teacher Education (ICTED) held on 13-15 November 2024 at the Iloilo Convention Center. Joining them was their co-researcher and DEC Chair, Asst. Prof. Elijah Jesse M. Pine.

Dr. Gonzalvo presented the paper titled “Situating EdCom in DevCom Research: A Meta-Analysis of Undergraduate Theses from 1997-2024.” The research analyzed 2,161 undergraduate DevCom theses produced over nearly three decades. Its primary objective was to contextualize the current status of EdCom research within the DevCom theses and to derive insights on improving future studies in EdCom.

On the other hand, Asst. Prof. Espiritu shared the paper titled “A 27-Year Meta-Analysis of Undergraduate Research in Educational Communication.” The study explored themes and trends from 414 EdCom-themed undergraduate theses conducted since 1997, aiming to reexamine EdCom as a subdomain of DevCom and as a distinct field of study and practice.

The team behind the papers is composed of DEC academic staff, namely Asst. Prof. Gonzalvo, Asst. Prof. Espiritu, Asst. Prof. Pine, University Extension Associate Renz Frances D. Abagat-Manrique, and Asst. Prof. Romel A. Daya.

Both papers are part of DEC’s flagship project, “Reimagining Educational Communication as a Domain of Development Communication: A Synthesis of Working Papers,” which seeks to deepen understanding and further intellectualize EdCom as a scholarly and practical discipline.  
The participation of the DEC faculty at ICTED underscores the Department’s commitment to advancing EdCom and contributing to academic discourse in teacher education. (Rovil A. Espiritu)

A delegation of students and faculty members from the College of Development Communication (CDC) attended the launch of the UP-CIFAL Philippines’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) storybook series, “Susie for Sustainability,” which was produced by the DEVC 144 (Media-Based Learning Systems) class of Dr. Liza A. Cabrera. Graced by the presence of UP President Angelo A. Jimenez, the launch was held at the Malcolm Theater of the UP College of Law yesterday, 28 October 2024.

The series is composed of five storybooks tackling SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

This was the result of a formal collaboration entered into by both parties in March earlier this year.

During the event, the student writers shared their experiences on the book production process. They were also given the opportunity to read each storybook to the audience. 

Asst. Prof. Elijah Jesse M. Pine, Chair of DEC, served as a reactor during the launch. (Elijah Jesse M. Pine)

The Department of Educational Communication (DEC) conducted a Strategic Action Planning Workshop and Partnership Review with its school partner, Bernaldo N. Calara Elementary School (BNCES) on 12 September 2024 at the UPLB Obdulia F. Sison Hall.

Themed “Keeping the Strength of our Engagement: DEC-BNCES Strategic Action Planning Workshop 2024,”  the event aimed to evaluate and reaffirm the eleven-year partnership between DEC and BNCES towards the implementation of future collaborative projects.

The Strategic Action Planning Workshop is an activity under the Kalinga sa Eskwela (KSE) Program Project 2 on the Conduct of Planning and Review Towards Program and Partnership Improvement of DEC. This project aims to set the direction and vision of the KSE Program by evaluating past achievements and setting milestones and performance indicators to achieve them. Over the years, DEC, through the participation of DEVC 144 (Media-Based Learning Systems), produces and turns over instructional materials for BNCES school children such as big books, educational games, e-modules, and other learning resources. Additionally, DEC also conducts capacity buildings, trainings, and short courses for teachers and other school stakeholders, such as visual design and action research.

This activity set a milestone for the partnership, as this was the first time a planning of such sort was conducted. 

Representatives from different school stakeholders were present. These included Principal Dr. Redemcion Andrea J. Miras; Teachers Ma. Ellen A. Camacho, Eugene Joy B. Canicosa, Imelda M. Mejia, and Maria Cristina S. Torio; School Parents-Teachers Association (SPTA) President Chona N. Alcana; and Supreme Elementary Learner Government (SELG) President Maxene L. Mendoza. They were joined by DEC academic staff and KSE Program Team Members, Asst. Prof. Elijah Jesse M. Pine (Department Chair and Program Leader), Assoc. Prof. Mildred O. Moscoso (Project Leader), Ms. Renz Frances D. Abagat-Manrique (Activity Leader), Asst. Prof. Rovil A. Espiritu (Project Leader), Dr. Liza A. Cabrera, Ms. Ma. Anais Villapando, Mr. Antoni Kristofer R. Lim, Mr. John Anthony D. Mendoza, and Mr. Zeus Charles D. Gunsay. 

In addition, students taking up DEVC 145 (Distance Learning Systems in Development Communication Practice) and DEVC 126 (Participatory Development Journalism) students also joined the strategic action planning workshop, as they intend to create academic outputs for and with BNCES stakeholders this semester.

The workshop was divided into four activities – first was ‘Balikan Natin!’ where participants created a timeline of the partnership and highlighted the yearly milestones, followed by ‘Report Card,’ an evaluation of the partnership based on different dimensions such as capacity building, Media-Based Learning Systems (MBLS), support services and others. Next was ‘visioning exercise’ where participants created short, medium and long term visions for BNCES and stakeholders in general. The final activity was creating a ‘Year book’ containing new partnership targets, action plans, and timeline.

“Nanggaling ako sa ibang paaralan at hindi ganito ang partisipasyon ng mga stakeholders… Grabe ang suporta.…Maging academics man ito, or paggawa ng instructional materials, pagde-develop ng isang teacher, ng mga bata, mga magulang…ay parang di na tayo lilingon pa sa iba…Andyan na lahat, isang package na talaga,” Dr. Miras said in her response.

In September 2023, DEC launched “Pananaliksik para sa Paaralan: A Kalinga sa Eskwela Initiative,” action research training-workshop for BNCES teachers with multiple sessions which lasted until April 2024. DEC also received a plaque of appreciation from the Department of Education (DepEd) Los Baños Sub-Office in recognition for the partnership through BNCES. Lastly, four laboratory sections of DEVC 144 (Media-Based Learning Systems) were able to turn over their MBLS outputs early this year. (Zeus Charles Gunsay)

The UPLB Development Communicators’ Society (UPLB DCS) and the College of Development Communication (CDC) collaborated with partners to hold a special screening of the play “Rated PG” on 11 October 2024 at the UPLB REDREC Auditorium as part of the Positive Parenting University Caravan initiative of DCS. These partners included Save the Children Philippines (SCP), PETA ARTS Zone Project, the College of Economics and Management (CEM), and the College of Human Ecology (CHE).

Through the initiative, the attendees were able to engage in meaningful conversations on improving family relanships through positive parenting while enjoying an original Filipino theatrical experience.

The play is about Joselle, a mother who takes a job in Barcelona to secure a better future for her children, and the emotional plight she endures leaving her family behind and balancing work with parenting from afar. The theme of raising a child to be disciplined and responsible takes center stage, which aligns with the advocacy of the initiative.

Jerly Villanada, Child Protection Manager of Save the Children Philippines and resource speaker, explained the campaign’s goals, stressing that positive parenting is essential for promoting children’s rights and helping them face life’s challenges. She shared data and experiences from different countries, demonstrating how this approach improves family relationships and child health.

George de la Rama, Director of Advocacy, Campaigns, Communication, and Media at SCP, also thanked the attendees for supporting their advocacy. 

“By being with us today and participating in this activity, you are already contributing significantly to advancing the campaign for child protection. We are also advocating for the passage of the Positive Parenting Bill, which will prohibit the use and practice of physical and community punishment against children.”

De la Rama also pointed out the film’s historical relevance, saying, “Today’s film coincides with the centenary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which our founders, Eglant and Jeff, wrote in 1924.”

This declaration laid the foundation for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, now globally recognized.

After the screening, a talkback session was held with a panel composed of Villanada, Marichu Belarmino-Carino (former Program Director of PETA ARTS Zone Project), George de la Rama (Advocacies, Campaigns, Communication and Media Director of SCP), and Atty. Emma Salmani (Advocacy Manager of SCP). 

They emphasized that physical punishment is never a solution to behavioral problems, advocating instead for positive counseling and teaching.

Villanada explained, “Positive parenting is a method of raising children that considers their well-being and learning without using violence. It involves providing age-appropriate guidance and love that respects the child’s identity.”

She also highlighted that positive parenting supports not just children, but also parents and caregivers by helping them cope with their own challenges and stress.

“Our work doesn’t stop at watching this film. We also want to encourage you to join us in our advocacy campaign to uphold children’s rights. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for and with children,” de la Rama said.

 Leila Abella, Primary Source of UPLB DCS, also addressed the audience.

“Ang mga aral mula sa Caravan ay hindi lamang magtatapos sa mga pader ng UPLB, kundi inaasahang isasabuhay at ipapasa mula sa isang pamilya patungo sa iba pa. Nalaman natin yung aral at mensahe na maaaring magsilbing paalala sa lahat. Maganda rin na nakapaglikom tayo ng mga lagda para isulong ang Parenting Bill ngayong gabi,” she said.

(The lessons from the Caravan will not just end within the walls of UPLB but are expected to be lived and passed on from one family to another. We have learned the lessons and messages that can serve as a reminder to everyone. It’s also great that we were able to gather signatures tonight to lobby the Parenting Bill)

Joleana Mae Villaflores, a member of the UPLB Development Communicators’ Society, served as master of ceremonies of the event. (Sharmaine De La Cruz; Cover photo courtesy of Save the Children Philippines)

The Department of Development Journalism (DDJ) conducted the first session of the DDJ Seminar Series this year titled “Building the Data Journalism Story” via Zoom on 1 October 2024.

Mr. John Samuel Yap, who is a CDC alumnus and is currently a Designer for Digital Content Distribution at INQUIRER.net, served as resource speaker, sharing his experiences as a fellow of the Environmental Data Journalism Academy of the Philippines, a program of Internews’ Earth Journalism Network and Thibi.

At the heart of Yap’s presentation was his article, “A ‘Ticking Bomb’: 47-Year-Old Building Code Puts Metro Manila at Risk,” which delves into the outdated National Building Code of the Philippines and its potential to heighten Metro Manila’s vulnerability to a major earthquake, commonly referred to as “The Big One.” Yap described the piece as a “product of months-long analysis” and used it to guide participants through the steps of developing a data story—from ideation and data collection to crafting a narrative and visualizing findings.

Yap emphasized that, while data journalism demands a unique approach to research, analysis, and presentation compared to traditional journalism, it plays a crucial role in uncovering critical, underreported stories. He acknowledged the challenges in data journalism, particularly the time and effort involved, but highlighted the rewarding experience of providing essential information to the public.

In her welcome remarks, Asst. Prof. Aletheia C. Araneta, chair of the Department of Development Journalism, stressed the importance of cultivating a data-literate community in today’s increasingly data-driven world, which is overwhelmed by information overload, as well as the spread of misinformation and disinformation. 

The event was held in partnership with the DEVC 127 (Dat Journalism for Development) class for the first semester of academic year 2024-2025. (Janelle Macandog)

The College of Development Communication (CDC) Library led an online orientation on the rebranded information literacy program titled “InfoSkilled: UPLB Fostering Lifelong Learning” on 11 October 2024 via Zoom.

As part of the CDC Library’s regular activities, the online orientation aimed to encourage CDC constituents to utilize the library’s services and resources by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to access information effectively and efficiently, fostering information literacy and lifelong learning.

Ms. Amy A. Maducdoc, CDC’s College Librarian, introduced the library staff members and their functions. She also shared the online services and resources available at the CDC Library, empowering our constituents with the tools they need to maximize their research and learning experiences.

Ms. Maria Victoria R. Altiche, a special detailed librarian from UPLB Main Library, provided hands-on training on the different productivity tools for study and research.

Also in attendance was Ms. Alyssa M. Salvacion, Junior Library Assistant at the CDC Library.

The participants had the chance to interact with the speakers during an open forum, facilitated by the master of ceremony, Ms. Jho-ann F. Retamal. (Luke Matthew Lucido)

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)

Asst. Prof. Elijah Jesse M. Pine, Chair of the Department of Educational Communication (DEC), was the guest speaker for the September 2024 Heo/Geo Lecture Series, where he presented his working paper titled “A Depth Deficit: Rapport Building and Remote Field Instruction in University Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” which is based on his master’s thesis. 

Using Actor-Network Theory, he explored how policy and technology transformed field-based university classes during the pandemic, resulting in a “depth deficit” in rapport with field stakeholders.

He emphasized the need to balance online and in-person field instruction in the post-pandemic hybrid setup. He also encouraged further use of actor-network theory in pandemic learning research. 

Asst. Prof. Pine also chairs the CDC Field Instruction Committee, which is primarily tasked to coordinate with the college’s current and prospective partners and collaborators for students’ course project activities and laboratory field work.

This lecture is part of the 40th-anniversary celebration of the UP Department of Geography, and co-sponsored by the Philippine Geographical Society.