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Connecting the DOT!

    Defining development has evolved ever since the United Nations was convened. To address the post-war situation, leaders all over the world gathered and formulated a generally-accepted definition of development in the hopes that it shall stand as the basis for communities to grow, improving the quality of life for all.

    Development has always been the point of conversation connecting people to discuss upon the issues that concern them and formulate their proposed solutions. As the Mr. Boutros Ghail, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, defines it, “development is a decisive factor in shaping our world and it will define relations among people, shape the behavior of nations and determine the ecological nature of the planet.”

    Back in September 2015, the United Nations through its General Assembly adopted the resolution 70/1 which states the updated list of objectives the whole international community aims to uphold and address upon. It constitutes of 17 goals with 169 targets which aim to address the current concerns of the world without depriving the future generation of their ability to sustain development.

    Even if the central idea of the theme of people discussing and lobbying is development, one would still ask: “What could make a topic development-oriented?”

    By asking fellow members of the CDC family, it would be plausible to raise three main points which can help us to understand what a development-oriented topic (DOT) by using three Es.

    Educate.

    A development-oriented topic simply educates its audience upon what they want to understand. It caters the interest and the curiosity of the people; allowing them to dive into the pool of information.`

    Empower.

    A development-oriented topic empowers people to understand the discussion deeper by presenting stories of people who are a part of. It is a point where the audience can relate to and help them realize their potential to transform and create change in hopes of achieving development.

    Engage.

    Lastly, a development-oriented topic engages people to tackle the issue up hand. It helps to engage individuals in different communities to collaborate in forming solutions that would deem appropriate in resolving the problem.

    Truly, the 3Es helps us to connect the DOT to people who are bound to be a part of. When the 3Es are performed in process, it helps people to understand and reflect upon discussions for development.

    As development communicators, it is our role to connect the dots for everyone – educating people on the topics at hand, empowering them to realize their potential, and help them to engage in creating change and fostering inclusive growth for development.

    Lagi’t Lagi Para sa Bayan: Looking at the Foundations of Dev’t Oriented Topics

    “Ang hirap naman kasing maghanap ng Development-Oriented na topic teh! Ayoko na.”

    I still remember that statement when it was uttered by one of my classmates when we are looking for development-oriented topics that we will be focusing on this semester for our laboratory class. Obviously, as new freshman pitted in the competitive Development Communication arena, we are having a hard time because we are unaware on what makes a topic development-oriented.

    However, as days passed by, with the help of several eye-opening activities and lectures of our professors; we have painted this concept of development and its orientation within our minds. We are enlightened on how development was measured by different factors and how we can help as development communicators in-training to solve the root causes of major problems of our society. But still, as a neophyte in this field, despite of my painted picture, I know I have many elements to add on my canvas.

    With that in mind, I interviewed my senior development communicators in-training to immerse me on what they learned through the years and I will collate the top three ideas that I think what should a development-oriented topic comprise of.

    ADDRESS COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

    One of the most important thing that we should consider when we are looking for a development-oriented topic is that it should address the concerns of the community on different aspects. We should look into the problems that they are experiencing and amplify their voices so that it can be loud and clear and interlink the different sectors of society to solve the problems that they are experiencing.

    PURPOSEFUL

    Having a sense of purpose of understanding the situation of marginalized communities, our primary source, is one of the key factors that we should consider when we are targeting development-oriented topics. It should have a specific goal to combat social ills. As a development communication student, we should be critical on what are the root causes of the problems that hinders them to achieve development within their lives. When we are looking at development-oriented concerns, we should always solve the problems with sustainable solutions that should address short and long term problems to truly eliminate the problems of society.

    MASS-ORIENTED

    As a development communicator in-training, we are indeed biased, biased on the marginalized communities that are deprived of basic needs and essential things that will spark development within themselves and also in the community that they are involved to.

    In a world wherein there is a never-ending cycle of inequality and discrimination, oppressed people are constantly ridiculed by the norms and standards constructed by the powerful and privileged. When we are looking for a development-oriented topic, we should always consider helping those people who are deprived by the society’s resources.

    With the foundations of development that I learned, I have painted a picture in my mind wherein development can be translated into a vivid depiction of people lend a helping hand to the marginalized communities to uplift their status in the abyss of poverty and inequality, and somewhat living their life to the fullest. It is indeed our calling as development communicators to serve the people always.

    MEDIA SOURCES:

    The Trademark of Development

    What makes something development-oriented?

    The goal of Development communication is to use communication tools to promote sustainable development. In the Philippines, Devcom is a key to help and reach those aren’t usually reached by technology. Upon seeing Devcom-related outputs, I have observed three trademarks that they possess.

    • This first characteristic is being timely. Since development-oriented outputs tend to focus on what the people need at the moment, they usually showcase concerns that are being experienced by the majority. An example of a development-oriented output is the yearly SyenSaya. As an event that promotes sustainable development, it showcased the current technologies and discoveries that the locals know and use these days. The role of Devcom in this event is to make sure that those who didn’t get to come would also know the happenings in the field of science and technology today.
    • Second, the characteristic of being purposive can be really seen in development-oriented outputs. This character makes development communication stand out from other forms or branches of communication. While other branches of communication focuses on the medium used to send the message, Devcom makes sure that the audience receives the messages or information that they need in order to develop. One can call Devcom as communication with a purpose.
    • Lastly, development-oriented outputs are made to move people. Because they are unselfish and giving, they always think about changing and improving the lives of other people. In development communication, the key to an immediate success is to encourage people to move and reach out. Programs and campaigns have been initiated to start a movement for change. Activities that give new experiences and lessons were also given to us in our Devcom classes.

    Through these characteristics that various outputs, programs and campaigns have, us development communicators should be encouraged to step up our game in providing service and connections with other communities so that we could transform them into well-grown and developed individuals. Our future endeavors should be inspired by these characteristics so that we would never forget our goal in Development Communication.

    The Means of “Development”

    Being a Development Communication Student, we are being provided a strong foundation of the theories and principles of communication and its significant role in development. The keyword ‘development’ will always be instilled upon to us as we try to go through college. But what does development really mean? Does it only apply to the growth of organisms? To some kind of technological advancement? An enlargement of a certain building? Well, yes and no. The term development is a plethora of meanings, however, since we are DevCom students, it is mostly used for the economic well-being and improvement on the quality of life of a nation, region, or local communities.

    As we define development, we are also tasked to find something development-oriented. For me, there are three characteristics that can be defined as a development-oriented topic or output, according to Mr. Nur Lemuel Castillo.

    First, a topic is development-oriented if in promotes any of the 4 E’s of Development Communication’s core values and guiding principles which are the following:

    1. Empowerment: Facilitating the use of communication community and individual problem-solving and decision making, raising social and political consciousness, and mobilizing people towards critical action.

    2. Equity. Increasing people’s access to information and technology and hastening the redistribution of resources to the poor through communication.

    3. Entrepreneurship. Promoting entrepreneurial spirit and communicating strategic information for agro-industrialization.

    4. Environmentalism. Managing and sustaining the environment through information, education, advocacy, social mobilization, and community action.

    Secondly, a topic is development-oriented if it deals with stories of marginalized communities. A marginalized community is a group that’s confined to the lower or peripheral edge of the society. Such a group is denied involvement in mainstream economic, political, cultural and social activities. Socially excluded groups of people for different reasons, such as age, physical or mental disabilities, economic status, access to education, or live in isolated places or depressed areas.

    And lastly, a topic is development-oriented if it tackles the socioeconomic issues or status involving communities. The socioeconomic issues pertain to the factors that negatively affects and individual’s or family’s sociological and economic position in relation to others. It can entirely base on how people earn their education, livelihood, as well as income.

    Moreover, having low-income and education, are the main predictors of socioeconomic status as they have a range of physical and mental health problems. These issues may be caused by environmental conditions in such places wherein they perform their livelihood. Mental disabilities or illnesses can also be the main problem as they can be the main reason of that person’s social plight to start with.

    Overall, these development-oriented topics are the things that needed to be focused especially when you’re a DevCom student. Other students who take other courses like engineering and medicine don’t focalize in these kind of things as much as DevCom students. Also, not enough people don’t take enough interest towards development-oriented topics these days as they are more interested in entertainment and social media that fogs the truth what has been really happening in our nations.

    • PICTURE/GIF REFERENCES:
    1. https://grizzle.london/work/3d-animation/lu2on-residential-development-animation
    2. https://giphy.com/gifs/l0MYsloLNQf7iIBAk

    (NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED)

    Unboxing and Defining

    Retrieved from https://wallpapercave.com/notepad-wallpapers

    The course Development Communication is always tagged with a question: “Ano ‘yan?” Likewise, students who took the course, sometimes out of impulse, encounter people who often assumed it is similar with another existing Communication-related track in College when it is not. Personally, I find the word “development” as the boundary built making it distinct, contrast from the number of similarities Communication-related courses share. Hence, to further connect with DevComm in depth, what makes a topic development-oriented?

    With just a click, I could definitely find few articles talking about Development Communication to easily expound on the thrown question. From the unpopular thread from Candy Mag and the not-so credible compilation of information on Wikipedia, I opted to go for a different approach in which I could understand the word “development” better. Unfortunately, though spending enough time to fall in love with the course, it has been a difficult occurrence explaining to family and friends what is DevComm and what does the word “development” have to do with it. Through the help of an upperclassman, one of the few friends I respect the most, through a year of experience, Kuya Laurenz has given me three characteristics of his own to explain the matter at hand.

    First, it should be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Kuya Lau, highlighted the latter as the universal guide for development. Truly, in this age, what makes a topic development-oriented is based from the necessary and relevant areas belonging to such circle. The goals were specific, and significantly affects all walks on life. Each even constitutes an impact of their own, implying a potential to contribute in the success of eradicating the many forms of hindrances and flaws in societal development. What more could we ask for, when the “universal guide” particularly indicated its purpose as “sustainable” and “developmental”.

    Second, the topic should be community centered. It should concern the whole community. He was specific to mention, whenever a project arises to benefit a community, the solutions must be coming from the community itself. After all, the main goals of DevComm is to make them freely participate on projects which piqued their interest to further flourish. Similar with the purpose it poses on reality, a topic should be community-centered as it should be. What makes development-oriented topics stand out is the fact there will always be individuals, and communities involved who’ll heavily rely on carrying it out in the future and in turn use it to their advantage.

    Lastly, it aims for human transformation — either cognitive, affective, o psychomotor. Kuya Lau, from this point wishes to impart that development topics must not only focus in the community. Furthermore, see to it the members of the community be part of, too. “May call to action dapat ang development topics.” It must be that of to persuade the public to work and see to it physical development do not constitute of true development. Likewise, it’s a matter of theirs as well.

    Based on sustainable development goals, community centered and for human transformation, a development-oriented topic is defined in such a way easy to comprehend. The aforementioned was particular to not miss the vital points as it establishes a notion to making development-oriented topic’s focal point the welfare of the masses, their involvement and personal growth. Therefore, may it be a reminder to oneself as I embark on a journey of development to use Kuya Lau’s version as the foundation of what I’ll soon establish as the definition of what makes a topic development-oriented.

    Kristine’s Top 5 DevCom must-haves

    Being a development communication student means you are always on the run. You have to constantly edit, do your essays, news articles, and watch videos. So, I really invested in a good laptop that is powerful and has long battery life. They come useful especially when you are in a public place like the café, library, or in the midst of an event, because most of the time, you have to edit videos, transcribe, or even watch a video for that reflection/reaction essay later.

    Having a hard drive and flash drive will really save you, I swear. When you’re on the go, you have a big file to transfer, you cannot bring your laptop with you, or when your laptop suddenly crashes (we pray and hope it doesn’t), you have your backups! If you don’t have one, it is a pretty good investment. Make sure to take care of them, because some hard drives don’t function if not taken care of properly (e.g. dropped from a high place), and remember to have one for your acads and one for your personal use.

    Your smartphone is your avenue for phone calls, texts, pictures, and video taking, audio-recording for interviews, your note-taker when you don’t have a pen and paper with you, and so much more! It is so important to have a smartphone with you, and certainly this is the thing that I could not live without.

    Since I am always on my phone and I highly depend on it when I don’t have my laptop with me, I need some extra charge so that I can use my phone for more things I need. Whether you are going to cover an event or audio-record an interview, a power bank always comes in handy when you are almost going to 1%.

    This doesn’t just apply to devcom students, but to everyone. I don’t know how could one survive without a planner, because most of the time, I tend to be forgetful about deadlines and upcoming exams. Having a planner helps you keep track of time, the things you have to do, and maybe remember that interview you have scheduled earlier. It also makes me feel very productive!

    Developing Development

    Development-oriented is a broad term. To narrow it down, one must take one of multiple perspectives regarding it. Each perspective has its own characteristics on what a development-oriented topic or output should be. Take for example Batch 2013’s Renz Celeridad’s take on this:

    For him, being development-oriented is to be: concerned about an immediate societal issue, localized, and critical.

    1.Concerned about an immediate societal issue

    Being development-oriented hinges on specific issues that influence the, what he says are, “disenfranchised”. These are marginalized sectors such as farmers, youth, and women, among others.

    2.Localized

    A development-oriented topic is something you can localize from a national-level issue. Be it from agriculture, health, or labor. Being development-oriented, these issues are explored on a local level.

    3.Critical

    Dominant structures in society are explored in how they shape the people within them. For example, the influence of mainstream media on people, the effect of business-backed laws on ordinary people. These kinds of questions are to be tackled by development-oriented topics.

    These kinds of insights are a tremendous help in crafting the essence of being development oriented. Especially for me, as a development communicator in my early stages.

    Hopefully, with enough time and experience, I can create my own perspective and provide my own set of characteristics of development-oriented topics or outputs. For now though, I’ll have to let my lectures and other insights hone my perspective on being development-oriented; developing my own sense development.

    Big thanks to Ate Faye Sueño for referring me to Kuya Renz!

    The FROSH Plan.

      Frosh was another term described to college freshmen; students who were “fresh out of senior high”. Although it is not a common term used in the university, this word somehow described me as I took the challenge on venturing to a new world.

      Here in UPLB, starting your college life can really give you the heebie-jeebies, but do not fret dear friend. College is where you get to explore more than what you ever had done in the past. Staying for at least a month now has somehow enabled me to develop the FROSH Plan; an action list which help me to survive based from what I have experienced by the moment.

      Fear is your fuel to drive. Diving into a place that you are not familiar of can really give you that sense of fear. Meeting new people, working in a heavily mixed schedule, or even having your first mistake in an activity – these experiences can surely make your heart skip a beat, but don’t let it harm you on any way it. Conquer your fear. Use it as the fuel to work better; driving you in achieving the goal at the end of the road.

      Reflecting is a learning process. In college, you learn by experience. It does not follow the typical learning styles that you experienced back in high school. Here, learning is a process that requires you to experience your discussions and be able to reflect on them. Hence, it is a good start to wander off and explore; let yourself reflect on the lessons that you encounter as you go.

      Only look forward. If you fail or feel unable to work again, just look ahead. Don’t get distracted upon the negative thoughts you face in the field. Go head on and finish the race; focus going towards the finish line.

      Smile and be positive. Life is full of wonderful opportunities and possibilities. Despite the challenges you constantly face, don’t forget to think positive; it will surely motivate you to work and excel in your activities. Be happy and don’t forget to smile!

      Honor and excellence. Following the school’s mantra, always uphold the virtue of honor and excellence no matter where you go. It is by this virtue that you will be able to work steadfast and hopefully achieve that ultimate goal on time.

      Just like the story of David and Goliath, I was in a battle with the giant that trembling me off my feet. I was facing the most challenging person in my whole life; it was a reflection of me. Dealing with my personal struggles proved as a daunting challenge, but as I took the learning and flung it towards the “giant”, I was able to reaffirm my composure and stand my ground to face anything I could come upon.

      With one month done, I still have about 47 months more (I hope) to come as I strive to achieve that Sablay. But for now, it’s about gaining more experiences and able to further develop my plan for the future. For now, let’s start with the FROSH plan.

      Defining development-oriented

      buhay devcom: development-oriented unpacked.

      For starters, the term “development-oriented” may seem a little challenging to define. With that, I had a chat with Jordan Cabarles, an upper class student from Batch 13.

      Here’s what he has to say.

      First, it must raise social issues and should elicit solutions. Development-oriented topics must discuss both the problem and the solution. Today, social issues are prevalent. We see these problems everywhere. With that, it is important to raise awareness and understanding to these problems. However, it does not stop with just acknowledging the problem. We must also elicit and conduct these solutions.

      Second, it must involve human development. Jordan describes human development as encouraging people to live up to their fullest potentials. Human development promotes growth of people. This means that everyone can progress and become the best versions of themselves.

      Lastly, it must encourage community development and participation. Development-oriented topics involve community development which means members of the community work together to provide solution to existing problems. It also involves participation which means there must be a collaboration and teamwork with groups.

      The True Purpose of Media Writing

      Media writing is more than just covering any news stories happening in the country or even around the globe just so they could say that they have covered something.  Athough media writing covers many aspects in the news world, in my point of view, the true purpose of media writing is to unearth the more important issues people have no knowledge about.  To put in their mind’s consciousness all the pivotal things which people try to hide, or not given importance.  Which is why if I were to pursue a career in the world of news I would like to cover that kind of topic, a development-oriented topic.

      I do not really have that much of an experience in media writing.  But going back in my senior high school days, we were given a task by our Media Literacy teacher to watch the news and must answer the 5Ws and 1H of the news to be reported the next day.  Although we did something news-related, it is still far from the concept of media writing because it is more complex than what we did. 

      In relation with the topic I want to cover, it never really came into my mind to pursue that topic in the first place until my eyes were opened up in the real situations happening in our society.  Before, all my interests were focused in sports-related news stories in the country, or even in the global stage.  But as I get older, my awareness widened.  I started being concerned of the different situations or issues happening in the society especially the ones people were neglecting like unjust killings, a country’s sovereignty, etc.  I want to be part of a change and being a journalist is one of the many ways that will allow me to be part of it.  I want the world to realize what they are missing – the real important issues that need more attention.

      With my lack of skills and knowledge about media writing, it is still a long way to go.  I will still have to face all the challenges especially the field I want to take in is known to be dangerous.  But I can assure myself that the motivation that drives me will keep myself on taking the path to change, being a journalist.

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