Before I accept the admission slip here in UPLB, I researched first what it means to be a Development Communicator. I was not mistaken for thinking that I would have to make a lot of adjustments. This field revolves around the people – who they are, how they are, and what they do. It would be better if I would then start reconstructing my personality to adapt to my current situation.
I am now feeling the weight of being one. In contrast to my personality, I have to approach people to get information from them. It is how Devcom students learn and study by the way. It is the process of making us establish ourselves by getting linked with different people.
The first activity I have encountered is gathering data from a barangay. I partnered with two different people whom I just met the actual day of the interview. However, we did not find any difficulty in accomplishing the task though we are not acquainted with each other. The activity made us connected and initiated the friendship.
We are not familiar with Barangay Maahas. We strategize by asking the guards in UPLB gate. They suggested riding a tricycle that will direct us to the exact location of the barangay. It was not hard to get along with the people since they are all accommodating. They asked right away what we needed and gave us all the information. The barangay secretary was the one who assisted us most in collecting data. She let us conduct an interview and helped us gather the following information: the barangay officials, contact persons, as well as the different programs and projects of the said barangay.
I have learned from this activity the following that could help other students in gathering data.
Do background research. Since different media platforms are widely available, it could help you locate the place you are about to go. To add, it will provide you some information you may need when you go to that place.
Don’t forget the essential tools. It is necessary to always have the survival kit of a Devcom student. Always think of unexpected events that you may feature. In this case, you have to bring an audio recorder, pen, and paper, a phone for pictures, etc. From this activity, we don’t have any pictures of the interview. Always remember that these are important for the documentation of any event or task made.
Be patient in gathering and clarifying information. Since it is your job to collect needed sources, you have to be willing to adjust with whatever the interviewee will ask you. For example, the contact person asks you a letter of request for the conduct of an interview, then, it is your responsibility to provide them such. Try to approach them nicely. Never force the interviewee to give you a copy of a document. Try to ask appropriately but do not force.
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