Category: News

The College of Development Communication (CDC) hosted a hybrid launching ceremony on April 12 for a monograph containing stories of the most significant change experienced by beneficiaries of the SIKAT Scholarship Program on Youth Empowerment, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

Titled Stories of Change, the monograph is a product of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) research project conducted by CDC.

Dr. Trina Leah T. Mendoza, project leader and chair of the Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication (DDBT), explained that they used the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique, a participatory and qualitative M&E approach, which involved collecting stories from the scholars, focusing on what the latter think is the most significant change that occurred and why they think it occurred vis-a-vis the SIKAT program. These stories were aligned with certain domains of change determined by EDC, which included changes in the scholars’ attitude or behavior, their community participation, and their families’ quality of life. These were the stories included in the monograph.

Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Ma. Teresita B. Osalla, co-project leader and DDBT faculty member, shared about the beginnings of the research project in 2020 through her thesis advisee, Ms. Althea Torralba-Divinagracia, who was the partnerships officer of EDC at the time. She expressed her gratitude to Ms. Divinagracia for the network she provided to CDC and EDC.

Ms. Rowena B. Daep, one of the SIKAT scholars and UPLB BS Biology alumna, was also able to share a message on behalf of her fellow scholars. Coming from a family of farmers with an unstable source of income, she said that the scholarship program helped her immensely in getting through college. Not only did the program provide her with financial aid, but it also made her a champion of environmental stewardship, through initiatives, such as tree planting activities. It also molded her professionalism through career readiness seminars facilitated by EDC. Joining her physically and virtually were her fellow scholars, who are mostly UP graduates, and some scholars currently studying at UPLB.

In her opening remarks, Dean Maria Stella C. Tirol lauded EDC for centering its CSR program on education, which she said is key in unfolding the human potential, an ethos also held by CDC. She also thanked them for being one of CDC’s academic field work partners for students.

On the other hand, in her closing remarks, Ms. Maria Nancy P. Ibuna, head of corporate relations of EDC, expressed her gratitude to CDC for aiding them in assessing the impact of the SIKAT program, which they have been offering for more than 10 years now and which has supported over 200 scholars. She also hoped that the monograph produced by CDC would inspire prospective SIKAT scholars.

Also included in the project are Asst. Prof. Reianne Quilloy and Asst. Prof. Louise Villanueva as project staff, Mr. Christopher N. Calamlam as layout artist, Ms. Carol Cañubas as administrative support staff, and Ms. Lily L. Tallafer as monograph co-editor.

CDC’s other department chairs also attended the launch, namely Asst. Prof. Aletheia C. Araneta (Department of Development Journalism), Mr. Elijah Jesse M. Pine (Department of Educational Communication), and Asst. Prof. Quilloy (representing Dr. Elaine DC. Llarena, Department of Science Communication). (Miguel Victor Durian)

The UPLB Development Communicators’ Society (DCS), one of the student organizations of the College of Development Communication (CDC), marked its 50th Anniversary since it was founded in 1972. 

Themed GOLDEN HOUR: 50 Years of Dedication Camaraderie Service, the UPLB DCS’s anniversary celebration was held through a series of activities from March 20 to April 1 to highlight the society’s five decades of upholding Development Communication as a field of study and praxis.

Here is a recap of the activities the organization held during its month-long celebration:

UPLB DCS Exhibit Opening

Serving as the opening activity of the anniversary celebration, the UPLB DCS Exhibit featured the organization’s long history, most notable achievements, and stakeholder-driven activities. The exhibit was made available for public viewing in the hallways of CDC on March 20 to 24.

The DCS public service activities include the following:

• iRead – a reading literacy awareness campaign;
• The Voice – the official publication of the UPLB DSC;
• Pillowtalk – an activity for Devcom freshies;
• Communis – a DEVC 10 and 11 quiz contest;
• Star in Carillon – a university-wide talent competition;
• Soundwaves – a kick-off party for the finalists of Star in Carillon;
• Panimulat – an activity promoting the importance of Devcom;
• Making Waves – a national congress of Devcom students;
• Tarabyangan – a community immersion program; and
• Sulyap – a conference introducing the field of Devcom to high school students.

Mini Open Tambayan and Free Photocopy

The organization conducted a Mini Open Tambayan and Free Photocopy on March 21-22 to offer free snacks, as well as photocopying and printing services to students for their school needs. 

Libreng Sakay

The UPLB DCS held the Libreng Sakay to offer a free mode of transportation for the community. The hired jeepney was deployed on March 22 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The public service aimed to give back to the Los Baños community that has been the organization’s home for the last five decades.

Libreng Kape

UPLB students lined up to get free cups of coffee during the organization’s Libreng Kape held on March 23. This also allowed UPLB DCS members to socialize with the attendees, providing them the opportunity to further introduce the organization and promote their anniversary activities.

Grand Open Tambayan

The UPLB DCS hosted its Grand Open Tambayan on March 28 attended by students and other stakeholders of the university. It also showcased the talents of local artists, including the band Lynde, the UPLB Sandayaw Cultural Group, and Wyre Underground of UPLB.

UPLB DCS Alumni Homecoming

On April 1, the UPLB DSC Grand Alumni Homecoming was held as a way to further solidify the camaraderie and networks between the resident members and alumni by allowing them to reminisce about their experiences in the last five decades as students and practitioners of Development Communication.

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Leading the UPLB DCS during its golden anniversary is Primary Source Jamil Creado, as well as members of his executive committee, namely, Secondary Source Karen Jabez Bombase, Documentor Mella Mae Macasaet, Feedback Gatherer Prince Jade Manalad, Noisemaker Internal Leila Andrea Abella, Noisemaker External Sharmaine De La Cruz, and Editor-in-Chief Shaina Ariane Masangkay. 

The Ad Hoc Committee of the celeberation also included Logistics Committee Head Maria Izza Christiana Arce, Financial Committee Head Prince Jade Manalad, Externals Committee Head Janelle Louise Deducin, Alumni Relations Head Karen Jabez Bombase, Merchandise Committee Head Jacob Immanuel Gando, and Program Committee Head Hendrix Jan Philip Dulay.

The UPLB DCS is guided by two of CDC’s faculty members, namely Dr. Rosario V. Tatlonghari as senior adviser and Asst. Prof. Olga C. Lomboy as junior adviser. (Rudy P. Parel, Jr.)

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Cover photo credits: UP Photographers’ Society

Nine stakeholder groups from ten regions in the country have an overall favorable perception of agribiotechnology despite the negative publicity it had received in the past.

This was the highlight of the findings of a study conducted by the College of Development Communication (CDC) of UPLB and the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, Inc. (ISAAA) among 1,180 respondents from the stakeholder groups. 

The findings were presented at a seminar held at the REDREC Auditorium in UPLB on March 30.

The study is funded by the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and is part of the “Know the Science Project” of ISAAA, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), and UPLB CDC.

Titled “Revisiting Public Perception of Agri-biotechnology: 16 Years After the Public Debates on GM Crops”, the seminar was facilitated by Dr. Cleofe S. Torres, co-project leader and adjunct professor at CDC.

Dr. Torres explained that the study took off from a previous study conducted in 2006. 

She highlighted the need to reinforce and invest in efforts on a public understanding of agri-biotechnology, especially among consumers and farmer leaders. 

According to her, such stakeholders must be proactively sought out by scientists who are deemed by the survey participants to be the most trusted sources of agri-biotechnology information. She also recommended the use of social media, such as Facebook and TikTok, in the popularization and mainstreaming of agri-biotechnology.

Dr. Roberto DV. Revilla, a professor at the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) and one of the study’s field coordinators, said that they initially used an online survey method but shifted onsite to be able to enjoin their intended stakeholders to participate in the surveys. 

Dr. Revilla emphasized that having good interpersonal relations with proper channels enabled them to reach their participants.

In her welcome message, Dr. Rhodora R. Aldemita, executive director of ISAAA and the project leader, said that the results of the study would help ISAAA and other stakeholders craft better information, education, and communication campaigns for the public acceptance of agri-biotechnology in the country.

The project’s study leaders are Ma. Teresita B. Osalla, an assistant professor at UPLB-CDC, and Mr. Jerome C. Baradas, SEARCA project coordinator. Juvy Leonarda N. Gopela and Dannah Mae S. Torres are the study’s research assistants. Ten field coordinators from different state universities and colleges and government agencies were mobilized by the project. (Miguel Victor Durian)

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This article was originally published on the UPLB website.

The UPLB College of Development Communication (CDC) together with the University of Reading (UoR) held a workshop on 30 March 2023 to craft the proposal for a Joint Dual Master of Science program. This was an offshoot of earlier meetings held in 2022 to further strengthen academic collaborations between the two institutions.

Dean Maria Stella C. Tirol opened the workshop by acknowledging CDC’s visiting professor, Dr. Sarah Carey of UoR’s School of Agriculture, Policy, and Development, for her university’s continuing partnership with UPLB-CDC. She hopes that the Dual MS program will be an addition to the existing offering of a Joint Dual PhD by Research Program, which is currently being pursued by two of CDC’s faculty members, namely Asst. Prof. Aldo Gavril T. Lim and Asst. Prof. Pamela Joyce M. Eleazar.

The workshop officially started with a discussion of CDC’s Master of Science in Development Communication program by Dr. Benjamina Paula G. Flor (Chair, CDC Curriculum Committee) and UoR’s Master of Science in Communication for Development program by Dr. Cardey. Both of them shared about the academic requirements and timeline, course offerings, and syllabi of their respective programs.

In the afternoon, Dr. Pamela A. Custodio, UPLB Graduate School (GS) Secretary, discussed policies and procedures regarding Dual MS programs on behalf of Dr. Ronilo Jose D. Flores, GS Associate Dean. These included coursework requirements, thesis mentorship and advisory committee constitution, and ethics review.

This was followed by the workshop proper, which revolved around mapping out the academic courses, timeline, and coursework credits of the Dual MS program, in consultation with Asst. Prof. Anna Floresca F. Firmalino, Director of the Office of International Linkages (OIL), who shared lessons learned on instituting such a program.
Others at the workshop were CDC’s department chairs, namely Dr. Trina Leah T. Mendoza (Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication), Asst. Prof. Aletheia C. Araneta (Department of Development Journalism), Mr. Elijah Jesse M. Pine (Department of Educational Communication), and Asst. Prof. Olga C. Lomboy (representing Dr. Elaine DC. Llarena, Department of Science Communication), Dr. Liza A. Cabrera (CDC College Secretary), as well as members of the CDC Committee on Public Affairs, namely Mr. Miguel Victor T. Durian, Ms. Renz Frances D. Abagat-Manrique, and Asst. Prof. Ma. Teresita B. Osalla (CDC International Relations Officer), Asst. Prof. Rosa Pilipinas F. Francisco (Assistant to the Dean), and Ms. Christine Grace V. Mapacpac (Project Development Associate, CDC Dean’s Office). (Miguel Victor T. Durian)

The College of Development Communication (CDC) congratulates Mr. Noli ‘Bonz’ A. Magsambol III, CDC alumnus and Department of Development Journalism (DDJ) lecturer, for being chosen as one of the 14 fellows of the prestigious Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE) Journalism Program. The fellowship will happen from 24 June to 7 July 2023 in Germany and Poland. Read more in this Rappler article.

Mr. Magsambol is concurrently Rappler’s health and education reporter.

In 2021, he also won an award for the most outstanding online feature in the youth and education category in the 16th La Sallian Scholarum Awards (LSA) held by De La Salle University (DLSU). Additionally, in 2022, the Department of Health (DOH) recognized him and a fellow reporter for their public health reportage during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Miguel Victor Durian)

All eight members of the Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) of the College of Development Communication participated in the 1st National Scientific Conference and 13th General Assembly Meeting of the UP Society of REPS, Inc. (UP REPSS), held on 7-8 March 2023 at the UPLB Baker Hall.

Five of them were also part of the paper presentations under the Innovations, Technologies, and Knowledge Management Parallel Session held at the Obdulia F. Sison on March 7. Four of the five papers under the parallel session were by CDC REPS.

Other CDC REPS who participated in the conference were Ms. Renz Frances D. Abagat-Manrique (University Extension Associate II, Department of Educational Communication), Ms. Christine Grace V. Mapacpac (University Extension Associate II, DDBT), and Ms. Amy Y. Arnaiz (College Librarian I). The former two had been elected as treasurer and secretary, respectively, of the Division 6 of UP REPSS for AY 2023-2024.

CDC also congratulates its alumna, Paully Mae Z. Valencia of the UPLB Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), for being elected for a second term as the President of UP REPSS for AY 2023-2024.

In partnership with the UPLB Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE), the conference had the theme of “Evolving Research and Extension Landscape: Future Trends amidst Current Social and Political Climate”, which was aligned with the UPLB Agora agenda of Chancellor Jose. V. Camacho, Jr. (Rudy P. Parel, Jr.)

The College of Development Communication (CDC) hosted Josephine Rodgers, executive director and co-founder of Access Agriculture, to explore collaborations on the production of educational videos on agroecology and organic agriculture for smallholder farmers, February 21.

CDC alumna Danessa Lorenz Lopega, Philippine coordinator of Access Agriculture, initiated the meeting.

Dean Maria Stella C. Tirol personally met the guests together with Assistant to the Dean Rosa Pilipinas F. Francisco. Dean Tirol discussed CDC’s various local and international projects on the production of participatory videos for rural stakeholders and on the management of community media.

On the other hand, Rodgers discussed Access Agriculture’s advocacy for impacting rural livelihoods around the globe through the use of educational videos to capacitate farmers. These videos are hosted on the NGO’s website.

Afterwards, the guests were taken to the Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication (DDBT) for a tour of the Radyo DZLB Ang Tinig ng Kaunlaran studio by Media Production Specialist Christopher Calamlam. (Miguel Victor Durian)

The College of Development Communication (CDC) met with the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Manila, Laury Oexle, on 30 January 2023. 

Matters that were discussed were possible partnerships on community media production for the Embassy’s development projects in the Philippines, as well as scholarships and academic exchange programs for Devcom graduate students and faculty members.

On behalf of Dean Maria Stella C. Tirol, Assistant to the Dean Rosa Pilipinas F. Francisco facilitated the meeting.    

Discussing their various research and extension thrusts were CDC’s department chairs, namely Dr. Elaine DC. Llarena (Department of Science Communication and CDC Research Committee), Dr. Trina Leah T. Mendoza (Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication), Asst. Prof. Romel A. Daya (Department of Educational Communication), and Asst. Prof. Alethia C. Araneta (Department of Development Journalism). Asst. Prof. Ma. Teresita B. Osalla and Dr.  Liza A. Cabrera, CDC’s International Relations Officer and College Secretary, respectively, were also present at the meeting. 

Accompanying Oexle were the Senior Adviser for Communications of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Agnes Pantastico, and the Officer of Economic Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid of the German Embassy in Manila, Anna Ventura. (Miguel Victor Durian)

The College of Development Communication (CDC), through the Department of Science Communication (DSC), together with the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) held a project review for the pilot run of the Science Communication Fellowship Program (SCFP) last January 9.

Results of the fellows’ evaluation on the module contents, facilitation and mentoring, feedback on improving the implementation of the SCF Program, and future directions for the program’s sustainability were mainly discussed.

Dr. Elaine Llarena (DSC Chair), Asst. Prof. Olga C. Lomboy, and Ms. Charlene Mae Arkaina represented DSC as the program coordinators of the SCFP, they were joined by Mr. Mark Ivan Roblas (Supervising Science Research Specialist) and Ms. Dianne Tating (Executive Assistant) from DOST-PCIEERRD. (Charlene Mae Arkaina)