Galleries

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In order for media writers to create outputs that will fulfill their purpose in informing their purpose, they had to have the right qualities and skills. As I explored my potentials as a development communicator, here is my self-assessment of my current qualities and skills:

• Curious/Inquisitive – 1
• Intelligent – 2
• Industrious – 2
• Resourceful – 1
• Persevering – 1
• Imaginative – 1
• Puts a premium on accuracy and truth – 1
• Loves to read – 2
• Interested in and loves people – 1
• Service-oriented – 1

Among the qualities listed, the quality that I think I need to work on the most is loving reading. As a development communicator who writes news and communicates to the people, I see that it is necessary to be knowledgeable enough to the current events and we can only get this through reading. Also, this quality can help us to improve our vocabulary and even the language we use.

What keeps me from getting the 1.00 self-rating is my low confidence with my skills. There are also times that my laziness is keeping me from maximizing my potentials. I’m also scared of what other people might say with my outputs.

Skills

• Gathering data – 1
• Validating and clarifying information – 1
• Organizing information – 1
• Writing clearly and effectively – 2
• Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices – 2

Among the skills listed, the skill I have developed the highest competency is the skill of gathering data. My extroverted personality helps me a lot to get along with other people and makes the atmosphere more comfortable for both parties. My debate skills also help me communicate my concerns to the organizations in a professional way.

Among the skills listed, the quality that I think I need to work on the most is the operation of communication tools/devices because of the lack of resources and education for these kinds of platform. I believe it is an advantage for every development communicator to be proficient in these tools/devices because it will be easier for the production of media outputs that are part of this field.

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            From the rice granary and fruit basket of South Tagalog, Oriental Mindoro, Mark Vincent R. Mercene chose to shift from BS Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship to BS Development Communication. Unlike other shifters, his first-degree program is really his forte but when he found out that his bigger purpose is to help the people using his communication skills, he decided to change the path. Even if he still has insecurities with his communication skills, Mark is confident that he can turn his weaknesses into his strengths.

            Besides being a student, Mark is also a debater of The Parliament: UPLB Debate Society. He loves to read books and articles about economics, business ethics, social movements and international politics that made him be more interested in doing something for the development of our society. Hearing the different perspectives of the people in debate rooms is one of the tipping points of his choice to be part of the narratives of the people in the different parts of our society as he dwells in the field of development communication.

            As an advocate for the development and protection of the Mangyan community, he is eager to learn the communication theories and principles that will help him to know more about the things he can do for the community. Moreover, he is also looking forward to understand how to bridge the knowledge to the people through development communication in different forms of development journalism, community broadcasting, education communication, and science communication. Whatever happens and wherever this journey will take him, he knows that he will be happy and satisfied for he already started to break the glass ceiling of his identity and found his bigger purpose.