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As a development communicator in-training, finding a development-oriented topic is such a difficult task for me. Not only is it hard to find but also it is very confusing to differentiate it from other types of news. Fortunately, as I gathered information, I’ve come to realize the differences and characteristics that make a topic a development-oriented. Here’s what I got:  

Purposive. By this, it only means that a development-oriented topic isn’t just something that provides information to the readers. Instead, it seeks to achieve larger objectives, such as social justice, improving health, education and lastly, bringing people together. It also serves as the voice of those people who are in need of telling their own stories. (George, 2009) Additionally, it should also be aligned to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and the 4 E’s of Development Communication: Empowerment, Environment, Entrepreneurship, and Equity.  

Promotive. Sharing and interpreting the facts to the readers shouldn’t be the only task a development journalist should accomplish in his news topic. He/she should also know how to promote it and bring them home to the readers. It must bring realization to them how serious the development problem is. With that, it would help them think about the problem, help them to be open about the possible solutions and lastly, could bring them together in putting action towards the problem. (Chalkley, 1968) 

Participative. In connection with the second characteristic, a development-oriented topic involves the people. It gives focuses on the totality of real-life situations. To put it more simply, it allows the people to talk. After all, the community is the most important thing when it comes to development.  

All things considered, a development-oriented topic highlights what the people are trying to do to transform and improve their lives. Obviously, with the help of communication.  

References:  

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

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

Having a hard time thinking of a development- oriented topic? Worry no more because here are some characteristics of a development- oriented topic that may help you in crafting one!

1.It is goal- driven.

Every topic, whether in the academe or not, is purposive in nature. But what’s special about a development- oriented topic is it’s beyond purposive. A development- oriented topic transforms facts and informations to something significant which can make people understand how serious a development problem is, and make them open their eyes and minds for its possible solutions. (Chalkey, 1968) It is an eye- opening, and truth- slapping instrument combined, and that’s what makes a development- oriented topic different from the others.

2.It is mass- oriented.

Just like what they say, we are communicators with a heart. And our hearts are for the people of the nation. As development communicators in progress, we are tasked to design concepts and ideas which are for the benefit of the people. After all, we are iskolars ng bayan para sa bayan.

3.It is relevant.

A development- oriented topic should be relevant in a way that it is inclusive for all. It should have an impact to the community where all people can relate to it. Aside from being inclusive, a topic is said to be relevant if it is timely. Remember that a development-oriented topic should be an up-to-date one.

Basta development- oriented topic, dapat #GoMaRe. Goal- driven. Mass- oriented. Relevant.

Reference:

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

We had an activity wherein we would rate ourselves based on the qualities and skills of a media writer, this is what came about:

I would say that I need to work on my industriousness because as a person, I always tend to procrastinate my way into doing my requirements, and in doing so, it hinders me into producing a much better and more well-written outputs.

What keeps me from getting that 1.00 rating is my tendency of not doing my ultimate best and my hundred percent. I tend not to exert my total effort in doing these things, giving me a feeling of dissatisfaction and an inner voice saying that I could’ve done better.

I developed the highest competency in being proficient in the operation of communication tool/devices simply because I am immersed with these various things, giving me enough knowledge to use and handle it.

Based on my self-rating, I would like to improve my data gathering habits and in validating and clarifying information, because I tend to be lazy about it, giving minimum efforts in doing those tasks even though it is important.

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Over-all I am far from being an excellent and efficient media writer. there is a lot that I need to improve in terms of my qualities and skills. Nonetheless, I am looking forward into my journey of becoming better and doing my ultimate best in every things that I do.

News. Features. Editorials.

As a former campus writer in high school, these terms are not new to me — gathering facts, arranging the information, describing  the events and people, expressing an opinion subtly, and put a number sign (#) after the last period to end the article. They are all part of my growing life who’s continually searching for the purpose of why I keep on pursuing communication-related programs even if I am not that articulate and spontaneous. But it all changed because of an exam result, I passed UPCAT with Development Communication as the degree program which I am not well- oriented about but still I considered for the reasons: I am desperately eager to learn and grow as a good communicator and; hopefully apply it for development.

After knowing the essential qualities, skills and tools that a media writer must have, a common objective every DevCom professor has reminded us that struck my supposed to be ready self— “Everything you will be doing must be DEVELOPMENT- ORIENTED”. How can I/ we identify the characteristics of that kind of orientation?

Considering myself as a “makulit” and an always excited freshman, I followed many upper classmen in CDC including some alumni which I actually befriended through social media chats. I asked for tips for survival and some backgrounds about the course including a fresh Magna Cum Laude graduate who topped the college’s Class of 2019 with an inspirational personal story and passion to reach out people who needs the voice of development

— Ms. Samantha Johanna T. Timbreza.

An issue is development-oriented if it tackles inclusivity among the people.

All the members of the community or society are affected, be it positively or negatively. There could people be gaining or losing, but one way or another, a development-oriented issue always has implications on the lives of the collective, regardless of their social status, heritage, upbringing, education, etc.

An issue is development-oriented if it tackles the living conditions of all the members of the community.

Besides the people, an issue affecting how people live is development-oriented. So issues regarding the ecology and the economy are all development-oriented issues because they deal with how people co-exist and deal with one another, the nature, and with technology.

An issue is development-oriented if it affects the individual’s potential.

Any issue— be it a hindrance or a help to a person’s holistic growth (meaning not just physical but also psychological, emotional, spiritual, financial, etc.)—is development-oriented.

PURPOSE

It must have a good intention which benefits everyone.

CONCERN ON PEOPLE

It must concern the people in all levels but most especially the uneducated and deprived in all means.

SUSTAINABILITY

In the verge of working for the progress of a certain community through empowerment of individuals, we should also consider the sustainability of the programs that we will be featuring, since our works are also intended for the use of the next generation.

On the other hand, I asked Ate Sam what pushes her to pursue DevCom and she said:

“Early ko na-assess na ang strength and interest ko ay communication skills ko. Pero ayokong gamitin yun for private companies to put more money in the pockets of the already rich. I wanted communication with a deeper purpose. And DevCom is the one aligned with my goal. 🙂”

Truly, in becoming a Development Communicator it requires the passion to serve the people, because  it is not only a merely chosen career path but like the things we will be working on, it must have a purpose.

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“to accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan but also believe”

No one starts off being fully skilled . In my case, I am an alien to my college. I only have a little knowledge for starters. But I am a development communicator-in-training, I am supposed to develop and learn first.

I learned that a development communicator must use his/her knowledge and share it to others to achieve developmental changes. One way is to write a news— news  that are not just  for entertainment nor popularity or fame but rather, it must be be one with a development-oriented characteristics. 

A month of stay in DevCom has me thinking, “What should I consider when writing a development oriented news/article?”. I don’t really know that much about development-oriented topics but luckily I found this site: 

http://fccm.cccomdev.org

It contains studies, reports, and articles published by experts and practiced people in the field. As I take a closer look in their works and with my knowledge, I have come up with my top 3 characteristics of a development-oriented topic/output:

  1. PURPOSIVE

It aims to do good to people–to effectively relay a message that they understand, a message that can help them. It has a clear purpose–an end goal. We influence people, and so it must have a clear path to channel what-to-do’s properly.

2. RELEVANT

Timely and audience can relate to— an article/output must be up-to-date where it still affects them, it is for the people, the reason we are writing is to let them read our works so we better make sure that people benefits from these development-oriented outputs. 

3. PEOPLE-CENTERED

I believe in the bottom-up approach. The most important and useful force in a nation is from the lowest sector. They are the machines that keeps the nation going. To write for the mass and about the mass is to help them in understanding the important ideas and/or conflicts, and to help them in relaying their problems or even solving the probem themselves.

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A good newspaper, I suppose, is a nation talking to itself.

 Arthur Miller 

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As a development communication practitioner and a beginner, my first insights in the characteristics of the development-oriented topic are, it encapsulate the sustainable development goals, it was inclusive, and it leveled on the apparent concern for the social and cultural impacts. However, my prior knowledge was widened through the learning from my development communication training and upper-class devcom student. Here are the perceptions of the following person that helps me to magnified the accurate views of what a development-oriented topic/output is.

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Being a Development Communication student can be very daunting at times. From numerous reportings, interviews, papers, and field work, the life of a Devcom student is truly stressful at first glance. However, with these five proven and tested tools, I guarantee you can survive the rigorous struggle that every Devcom student faces easier.

Smartphone

If there was one item or tool that a Devcom student needs the most, it would probably be a smart phone. A smart phone is capable of a lot of things, from recording important interviews, writing down notes, taking pictures, sending files, and so much more. A smart phone is truly one of the most versatile tools in the arsenal of a Devcom student and is of top priority in any Devcom student must haves.

Laptop

A laptop similar to a smartphone is very versatile in nature, however, a laptop allows you to do more complicated tasks compared to a smartphone. From numerous editing tools to the standard Microsoft tools, a laptop is definitely another must-have in a Devcom student’s arsenal.

Earphones w/mic

Although smartphones have built in mics, there are times where background noise overpowers the interviewee’s voice, this is where earphones with a built-in mic comes into play. In your first month in Devcom you realize the importance of interviewing since almost every week you have a new recording assignment. A good quality mic may save you one day from random background noise that may ruin the quality of your interview. Which is why earphones with a built-in mic is another thing in the Devcom student survival kit.

Powerbank

Since most Devcom students are probably on their phones 24/7 a powerbank will always come in handy. Whether you use it during your interviews to make sure you don’t run out of battery or to conserve energy for your videos for a devcom assignment, having a powerbank in your arsenal will ensure that you never miss an important opportunity.

Folders/Organizers

  Being a Devcom student usually means having tons of important documents. Making sure that these documents are safe and sound in a good folder always comes in handy, especially if you need to pass the documents to an important person. In my first month in Devcom, I realized that I cannot leave the house without my two trustee  folders.    

By Maria Louisse Angela H. Parado

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I love what I don’t like. I love what I hate.

I love the sarcasm because it is who I believe I am meant to be.

This article you’re reading is written by someone who hates to write, surprising, perhaps? She barely reads books ’cause she literally fells asleep after reading a 2-page story. Speaking in front of people is not her forte as well ’cause before she can even say a word she shivers and stutters. Funny and surprising, perhaps? Because that girl is me.

I am Maria Louisse Angela H. Parado or you can call me Louisse for short. I am a 1st-year college student taking BS Development Communication as my course choice here in the University of the Philippines Los Baños. I bet many of you may ask what brought me here knowing my incapabilities and fears, what must be my reason for taking up this challenge? This is my story.

As UPCAT application season began, I started filling up my application, I placed 3 courses that really captured my interest since I aspire to become a director someday, but my application can’t push through since I need to choose 2 courses in both campuses so guess what? I chose Development Communication to fill up my 2nd choice course in UPLB. UPCAT results came out and I didn’t pass so I underwent reconsideration and failed the second time around, but I tried again and finally, on my last try, I was able to passed. Today, I am here unexpectedly writing for the course I never expected I’ll choose, knowing that my heart is really for film, digital arts, and design. As I ponder and think of who I really am, who needs me and what I want in life,  I realized that God knows me better than myself. He really knows what is here deep in my heart that I don’t seem to see or even think the thought of it and as I tell my story it’s amazing how the Lord mend and allowed me to grow through my experience, to tell you it’s not easy but I know that He placed me here for a purpose.

As I told awhile ago, I am an aspiring director, an avid fan of indie films, art, and writings. I really love things that are made by our fellow Filipino people because I agree with what Ninoy Aquino said that “The Filipino is worth dying for ” worth dying for meaning, worthy to give attention to, worthy to be served, to be known for something, to be someone. I believe that progress starts within us, by loving our own country and our people. And now that I am currently taking up BS Devcom I was reminded of my passion to reach out to the people, to serve them and help them ’cause this is what I believe the purpose God gave me.

Aside from the things I mentioned above, I can say that my purpose in taking up BS Devcom is to grow, to go out of my comfort zone and to be the person God wants me to be with a growth in the sense that I’m not boxing myself in my knowledge in designing, digital arts and the like but discovering the other perspective of art which is writing, reading and speech ’cause as a future director I believe that besides having the heart to serve people through widening their horizon,   skills in doing it important as well, thus achieved through exploring the other side of the coin.

With this, I can that what I am now may sound opposite of what I am to be, but this means going out of my shell and enhancing what I can’t do yet, to become the best version of myself by serving the people and see the future person I am born to become.

When I get asked what exactly development communication is, or what even a development-oriented topic is all about, I get this imagery in my head that I am a cartoon character filled with question marks on the top of my head. The thing is, entering the world of devcom for the first time, I really had no idea what the course is all about, and I didn’t exactly know how to explain it.

So, with the help of our upper class Devcom students from Batch 2018, I asked them for a video-interview to know what are the factors they consider in choosing a development-oriented topic, and some advice for those who are devcom freshies, like me!

From the answers of our upper class Devcom ate and kuyas, I manage to sum up their answers that stood out upon the rest and came up with these top 3 characteristics of a development-oriented topic:

1. It is feasible
   In the video, Ate Ricel said that if she is going to feature a story, all factors must be considered and must be easy to attain so that the result will be fruitful. It must also be research-based or scientific-based to know its feasibility. This category may also fall under Kuya Gabriel’s answer of aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and the 4 E’s of Development Communication (Empowerment, Environment, Entrepreneurship, Equity).
   
   
2. It is progress with the participation of the community
   I think this one is the most common thing that Kuya Gabriel, Ate Ricel and Kuya Ijanver answered. It is to consider if the project is people-centered. If the project benefits the people involved in the community. You don’t just help them by implementing a project, but you help build the skills of the community so that they can share it with others and somehow, you are sharing a responsibility from both sides.
   
   
3. It has an effect on the people
   Of course, we must also consider the effect of the project in the long run, just like what Kuya Ijanver said. Considering its effect on the people will make you see the behavior change, the change in policymaking, and the legacy on what the project did to the community.

Overall, development-oriented topics are really for the people. These projects are an avenue for growth, expansion, sustainability, and you name it. Asking those who have more experience than me in the field really did give me a lot of insights and a lot of inspiration to work even harder as a development communicator in the making, and I hope you did too.