When someone speaks of development, many of us picture it out as something connected to high-rising infrastructures and modern facilities. Well that is one face of development. But what is development in the perspective of the development communication students/alumni?
As a media writer that is still in training, it is necessary to know what development-oriented topics are in the first place. To begin with, let us enumerate its top three characteristics.
Ma’am Trina Mendoza, a UPLB Development Communication instructor on an interview says that for it to be considered as development-oriented topic it must discuss about the vulnerable poor or the marginalized sectors of the society, talk about people empowerment,and lastly it must present transformation. Similarly, Ms. Theyla, a Bachelor of Science in Development Communication undergraduate added on a statement that a development-oriented topic should be pro-poor, people-centered, sustainable and it should respect the diversity.
- Pro-poor. This is one of the characteristics of a development-oriented topic for they are the most in need of development interventions. The vulnerable poor are the center of the topic.
- People-centered or People Empowerment. Another characteristic is capacitating people that will enable them to make decisions for themselves and to take actions of their own. In order to achieve development, one should have that desire to make sustainable change.
- Presenting Transformation. Improvement of an individual or group of people in a society. As said earlier, one face of development is the establishment of infrastructures that will cater the needs of the people.
Additionally, it should
- Respect Diversity. In each region or even place, there is a specific culture, therefore, respect for their values and beliefs are to be considered when classifying a development-oriented topic.
- Be Sustainable. Development is not a one-night journey, thus, another characteristic of a development-oriented topic is being continual.
Those are just some of the characteristics of a development-oriented topic. The rest will be untold as your journey being development communication student unfolds. Live, help and inspire people through your development-based articles.
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