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Writers made up sentences not because words exist. It is the very essence of words that drives them to put thoughts into letters. This essence relays a purpose to make something big of a change not just for the society but also for the world as a whole. Sometimes as readers, we don’t see the changes words can make, we only perceived these words as existence of language. We seldom expect these words as a communication tool to development. The truth is, most of us don’t read words beyond its content which makes us less of a communicator. On my quest to finding the perfect characteristics of development oriented topic, some people told me,

 “A development – oriented topic should be TIMELY and RELEVANT.” The topic has to be happening at the moment or happened just yesterday or the day before that. It caters current events and activities that’s still appealing to people. It’s timeliness that makes the readers want to know something because they can actually be updated from time to time. A timely topic draw a connection to the audience. In connection, a timely topic must also be relevant. To be relevant, you have to think about your audience’s current needs, wants, and opinions. You have to stay up to date and figure out what your customers want and like right now. Relevancy means catering to your customers in as many ways as you can. These two are crucial in writing a development oriented topics.

 “A development- oriented topic should render service to the community.” I believe it is the duty of a development communicator to convey such messages that depicts positive developmental strategies and techniques in order to serve the community. A community made up of marginalized group of people. The topic must extend help to these communities and must gave them the services they all deserve. It is also important that these topics are versatile enough to bow down to poor people in order for them to understand what should be done to develop. Also I guess this is the purpose of being a development communicator, to serve the people.

“A development-oriented topic must promote cultural and social distinction” We live in a world of diver culture and social status. Some people don’t understand the culture of others, some are of different social status than that of others. It is important to know the distinction of cultures and the difference of socio- economic factors that affect these people’s lives. The topic must promote these unique characteristics of communities to be able to render service with less complications along the way.

Furthermore, always know the target audience first before doing anything developmental at all. These characteristics I’ve gathered are just a tiny portion of a lot of characteristics out there. These only connote that a development communicator must always cater the needs of the readers/ audiences. It is the purpose that’ll make a topic be development- oriented.

by Gabriel Dolot, Geraldine Brotonel, John Marwin Bayaborda

The day dawned gloomy in Los Baños Laguna as festivities for the Banamos Parade continue. The Civic Parade along Brgy. Anos, infamous for traffic, is filled with people carrying banners and balloons as they march to the beat of the marching band.

From the Makiling Subdivision, the parade trailed up to the New Multipurpose Hall in Brgy. Baybayin where delegates and spectators were greeted by the Rio Brothers Band who immediately captured the hearts of the senior citizens with their rendition of famous 70’s and 80’s hits keeping the ambiance fun and lively.

Banamos, one of the biggest festivals here in Laguna not only has become a gathering of residents but also of local & foreign tourists. Ms. Naomi, a British citizen who works at IRRI said, “It’s amazing. Everyone is so friendly and getting together. It’s really nice that people want to celebrate.This is much more impressive than what we do to celebrate.”

Over the years, it seems like the Banamos Festival has only gotten bigger and better from the large turnout of people and the venue itself. Hon. Josephine “Baby” Sumangil-Evangelista said in a short interview, “Nakita namin na mas madaming taong kasali ngayon. Tapos kung makikita niyo, contained na tayo dito because of this multipurpose hall, Talagang this was… hindi naman rushed, inayos talaga ‘to in time for the Banamos Festival so every office is here right now celebrating our 404th foundation anniversary.”

The Civic Prarde is only one of the most awaited activities of the Banamos festival and it’s guaranteed that the rest won’t disappoint either.

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Through this activity I was able to asses myself on how am I as a Media Writer, and that hit me and came up with a conclusion that I am still in the process of being a media writer or let’s just say a UP student. I am still learning to cope with what is surrounding me.

This is the result of the survey:

QUALITIES OF A MEDIA WRITER

1. Curious or inquisitive	1
2. Intelligent	3
3. Industrious	3
4. Resourceful	2
5. Persevering	2
6. Imaginative	1
7. Puts premium on accuracy and truth	2
8. Loves to read	4
9. Interested in and loves people	1
10. Service-oriented	1

The quality that I would like to improve is the “loves to read” because I am much aware that the course that I took is more on reading and I am not fond of reading novels or articles that I am not interested in. So, I would like to enhance my reading skill if that makes sense and sharpen my vocabulary.

I am not the kind of person that already know what is being discussed, I am a slow learner and it takes me time to fully understand what is being discussed. I still need to improve myself since there is still a room for improvements and make things right.

SKILLS OF A MEDIA WRITER

1. Gathering data	2
2. Validating and clarifying information	3
3. Organizing information	3
4. Writing clearly and effectively	3
5. Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices	1

The proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices skill developed the highest since we are in the era of technologies, it plays an important role that made me excel in this form with the help of technology I got the chance to discover how these technologies work and how should I use them properly and effectively without harming other people. Since the field that I took is more on communicating with people I should have a better communicating skill.

I have a hard time organizing things, not just information but also in real life. I’m not the kind of person that’s organized with what I am doing but I’m trying my best to make things work and be organized. With regards to information, I have a hard time organizing them if what should go first, what should go next, and what should be the last.

This activity made me realize what should I focus on and what should I improve more. For me, I am still in the process of being a media writer for I lack skills that is needed to be called as a”Media Writer”.

By Lemuel San Gabriel, Raizza Mae Acuzar, and Cedric Allen Katigbak

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One of the highlights of the  second day of the week-long celebrations for the 18th Bañamos Festival themed “Tagumpay ng Bayan ay Matatamasa ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa” was the  awarding of the outstanding citizens of Los Baños.

The commemorative program for the 2019 Los Baños Outstanding Citizens and Taxpayers was held at the Multipurpose/Evacuation Center in Brgy. Baybayin. The municipal government recognized the most outstanding teacher, government employee, police officer, and civil society organization, well as the top ten outstanding business establishments for being the most responsible taxpayers.

The awardees include:

1. Outstanding Public-School Teacher: Marlu P. Parot,
2. Outstanding Municipal Government Employee: Irene L. Bautista,
3. Outstanding Police Officer: PSSG. Romualdo B. Esguerra Jr. and,
4. Outstanding Civil Society Organization: Rotary Club of Los Baños

The recognition for the outstanding citizens of Los Baños aimed to acknowledge the individuals’ utmost commitment and competence to their line of work. Parot was recognized for her meaningful contribution to the development of the community, specifically the youth. Bautista, on the other hand, was commended for her dedication for being a public servant and having been efficient beyond office hours. Lastly, PSSG Esguerra Jr. was also recognized for his exemplary efforts for police operations against all forms of criminality which helped the revival of trust and confidence to the whole Philippine National Police.

The top ten business establishments taxpayers were:

1. Los Baños Doctors Hospitals and Medical Center Inc.
2. Waltermart Supermarket Inc.
3. Robinsons Supermarket Corporation
4. Puregold Price Club, Inc.
5. Grand Union Supermarket Inc. (South Supermarket)
6. HealthServ Los Baños Medical Center
7. Sanford Marketing Corporation (Savemore)
8. Laguna Water District Aquatech Resources Corporation
9. Mercury Drug – Los Baños, Laguna
10. Mercury Drug Corporation

These business establishments contributed highly through paying their tax diligently as a responsibility of their line of work. These taxes reflect mostly on the future of the town through different municipal and congressional projects the people ought to see.

Gracing the recognition ceremonies were Laguna Governor Ramil L. Hernandez together with his wife, 2nd District of Laguna Representative Ruth Mariano Hernandez.
In her message, Rep. Hernandez emphasized that “the very key to success ay ‘yung sama-samang pagkakaisa ng mamamayan. Hindi namin kaya alone ang mga challenges na kinakaharap natin, we need the support and contribution of everyone.”

Also present in the event were the different schools, barangays, employees of different establishments, and representatives from the different sectors in Los Baños.

Shirley Labita from San Antonio Elementary School shared that the recognition of outstanding citizens serves as an inspiration for the members of the Los Baños community. She added that “…doon sa mga nanalo na lalong higit pa nilang pag-ibayuhin ang pagiging mamamayan ng Los Baños, (at) mamuhay nang alinsunod sa alituntunin ng Los Baños. At sa amin naman na hindi pinalad na manalo, siyempre pinagpupunyagi pa rin naming balang araw ay magiging outstanding din kami.”

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YwwqmC6N2DjS29TY6es5KUK5VVEtad5H/view

Los Baños recognizes outstanding citizens, taxpayers for Bañamos 2019

There are certain characteristics for topics to be considered as development-oriented. As development communicators-in-training, it is important for us to know if a topic or output is development-oriented so that not only could we produce good quality outputs, but also be able to help in the development of certain sectors through our outputs no matter how big or small they are.

So, what are the characteristics of development-oriented topics or outputs? Here are three characteristics coming from two upperclassmen and one alumni of CDC.

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According to Linje Manyozo’s Manifesto for Development Communication, Development Communication is used as propaganda to achieve its development objectives and to bring about its desired change for diminishing poverty, unemployment, inequality and emerging issues of development, like human rights and culture. It wants communities to take an active part in planning, implementing and evaluating interventions that allow them to see the problem more clearly, therefore, providing practical solutions fit for its whole community. For this to be achieved, communication through all forms of media should be development-oriented.

What then makes a development-oriented topic or output?

Development journalists should know their audience. They should utilize print and electronic media to bring about desirable change in communities. They should focus on up-to-date issues that beset the community such as economic trends, population, government services, agriculture, industry, science and technology, and the environment. According to Elijah Espiritu of batch ’18, a development-oriented topic or output is one that has social relevance to a certain community and one that brings change or impact to a certain group of people through meaningful collaborations with the target community. Topics could also adhere to issues and advancements on Sustainable Development Goals and cover progresses associated with the 4 E’s of Development Communication namely, environmentalism, equity, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.

            Ayel Pascua of batch ’14 said, we as development communicators, value the process of meeting the community or stakeholders, listening to their stories, collaborating with them, and facilitating “development” to them. Development journalists should be spokespersons for the marginalized and the oppressed, they should know how to hear and amplify the voices of these people. They should attract the readers, go down the level of the community, speak their language, and tackle something that they will care about. Andrea Downer, a Jamaican journalist said, “Development journalism gives soul to media, it gives it a human face.”

           According to Juan Jamias, a pioneer in agricultural journalism in the country, development journalism should be scientific in outlook. A writer must have a wider knowledge of the different topics so that when he/she writes an article, his/her coverage is in-depth. Ricel Banayos of batch ’18 also said that a scientific or researched-based topic is ideal in writing articles especially if you want it to be development-oriented. It must feature an event or whatnot that involves scientific or research progress that will produce further development in its field, better if it provides sustainable development for the people.

Overall, development journalism has one goal, it should advocate the use of media to promote social change and development. Unfortunately, this is exactly where our system collapses, the common person in our country is unaware of the opportunities available to him/her. As a result, the vicious cycle of poverty and illiteracy is continuing. The media should then do its job to provide information to create awareness and solutions to advocate change.

References:

https://www.theguardian.com/journalismcompetition/professional-what-is-development-journalism

http://filmsforliberation.com/Fillfullarticle.aspx?Article=240

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01292980500467632

https://www.panaynews.net/what-is-development-journalism/

Development, as we all give it a simple meaning, is the process where something grows and become more advanced. We can easily define it as it is, but the question is, what are the top three characteristics of a development-oriented topic?

Attends the needs of the marginalized sectors.

A development-oriented topic must focus on helping those in the marginalized sector. Why? because they are the ones who needs it more obviously. For example, the development of a country is not about just progressing and creating new buildings and facilities. The company owners must consider their workers because they are the ones that completes the company as a whole. Development will not work if there are people who are left behind.

Its purpose is sustainable and achievable.

Knowing that you are not 100% sure about something, and still you started it then regret it halfway, is sometimes painful right? A development-oriented topic must be realistic because it will determine if it will be successful. Development is never about progressing then regressing afterwards. It is about transforming into a new version then sustaining it to develop more in the future.

Inclusivity of the people.

Of course, a development-oriented topic must seek the participation of the people. Its aim is primarily for the development of the people so they must be included in the topic. Knowing people will help in getting what are the areas that needs to develop.

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Back when I was little,  I always loved to read. My mother told me that one of the most notable abilities that I have is to read fast, and still comprehend.  It is just that, I forgot how to make reading a recreational activity. If the book or the write-up is beyond my field of interest, I start to lose motivation, and, eventually, read forcibly. At first, I wanted to put the blame on the speedy technological advancements that made me want to understand things in an instant. However, I know that I am also at fault because I did not practice myself in enjoying it while actually learning from it. Now, as an aspiring media writer, I know that reading is a crucial activity that I must practice until it eventually becomes part of my lifestyle.

Besides from ‘loves to read’, I did not give a grade of 1.00 for all the other qualities because I want to put a space for learning – to actually expand my horizons and to develop my character of being teachable. As a first year student of Development Communication, I admit that these qualities are not yet excellently instilled in me. Nonetheless, I believe that to possess them soon holistically is not far-fetched. This awareness within myself makes me excited to attend more of our classes and to pursue my ultimate character development: from an amateur to a competent media writer.

I think I would have to start with learning how to gather information – to be able to look for news-worthy stories, and people who can provide valid testimonies regarding those accounts. I believe that to desire to be a media writer is to practice looking for significant human experiences. This is the first step, which is a really big one.

For me, I have developed the skill of writing clearly and effectively the most. This was because of the several experiences I have had for the past years. Firstly, as the Public Information Officer of our school’s student government, I learned how to disseminate information in a manner that is understandable to all. Being in our school’s Radio Broadcasting Team also taught me to write with brevity because the program only airs for five minutes. Just like in the real media world, writing straight-to-the-point is really important especially in this era where every person wants to grasp information promptly.

Performing self-rating as a media writer will make us envision how much work there is to do. Work that will make us equipped for a bigger responsibility in the future: to ignite empowerment, and to foster development.