ACROSS5: DevCom chairperson ‘09-‘10

6: The term ‘Development Communication was first coined in 1972 by ________

8: Pioneer of DevCom in the Philippines

12: ‘the medium is the message’

14: The theory and study of signs and symbols, especially as elements of language or other systems of communication and comprising semanties, syntactics, and pragmaties.

16: _________ Development Goals

17: Develop a ______ partnership for Development

18: _______ Dissonance Theory

19: _______ conditioning

20: DevCom Soc president ‘09-’10

DOWN

1: Sendre, message, receiver and _____

2: _____ Extreme poverty and hunger (MDG#1)

3: Writing for publication

4: DevCom is the use of communication to promote social _________

7:  _____  noise  occurs  when  there  is  no  shared  in  a communication. This often occurs when dealing with medical professionals who use terminology that lay people may not understand.

9: _____ noise is mental interference that prevents you from listening. If your mind is wandering when someone is speaking to you, the noise in your head is preventing communication. 

10: ____ noise is any physiological issue that interferes with communication. For example, if you have a migraine, it may be difficult  to  speak  to  other  or  listen  to  them when  they speak to you.

11: structural and _______ theories

13: __________ reinforcement theory

15: ________ noise is external to the speaker and listener. It  includes  things  such  as  the  sounds  of  road  construction outside your window  that make  it difficult  to hear what  is being said.

It has been 33 years since Development Communication was offered in Xavier University. DevCom has produced many graduates who are experts in their chosen fields, both in journalism and educational communication. DevCom department have switched colleges, survived obstacles and went through transformations. Yet, they still held on to the fundamental essences of development communication. Let’s fast forward 10 years into the future and see what DevCom has become.

Stronger

Xavier University now has seven colleges. Why? Due to insistent public demand, the Development Communication Department has reached the College status. The continuing increase of enrollees prompted the department to expand. Despite the department’s independence, it still had loyalty to its roots: agriculture.

Maria Theresa Rivera or simply “Maam Mayette” is the dean of the college. After years of optimism and hard work, her dream that DevCom would be a college is now a reality. Assisting Maam Mayette is Sir Evans Yonson as the Associate Dean. Aside from achieving the college status, DevCom has also offered additional majors. Broadcasting is available for students wanting to be future anchors, reporters and artists. Shiella Balbutin, the department head of the Broadcasting Department, envisions having a TV station. DevCom also offers a major in Community Journalism headed by Imma Rae Gatuslao. A major in

Science Writing and Research is also offered in the college. Vanessa Gorra spearheads the department. Bon Aserios is also the head of Educational Communication.

Higher

DevCom also has its new building. Standing tall in Manresa, development communicators still connect to agriculture as their classes are held in Manresa. The building also has state-of-the-art equipments and facilities that cater to the new advancements in media. There is a separate video studio for broadcasting students. Separate rooms for audio and video recording and editing were allotted to accommodate the number of students. A spacious and elegant theatre house is also open for regular theatre shows.

Further

The XU College of Development Communication (XUCDC) is also in the forefront in DevCom in the Philippines. XUCDC has gained prominence and recognition after winning and garnering various awards. In the annual DevCom Congress, XUCDC won almost every major category from essay writing to video production. In addition, XUCDC has partner schools and organization outside of the Philippines. The On-the-Job (OJT) training is regularly done out of the country.

***

DevCom has gotten a long way since its humble beginnings. Before we look forward to the best days of

DevCom, let us remember the essence of DevCom: change.

|14|

The Nov. 23 massacre in Maguindanao was a barbaric act that should shake the consciousness of the world. It manifested a breakdown of security and freedom in an otherwise democratic society, constricting Filipinos in fear. Subsequently, the massacre reflected the kind of administration we have in our country – one too weak or too complacent to safeguard peace and order and protect the rights of its people.

Words are not enough to describe and define the bloodbath in Maguindanao. Today, the death toll from the mass murder stands at 57. We mourn for the victims, but we are outraged most of all.

Is life so cheap to these murderers?

We find ourselves threatened not just because we reside in a country of troubled security, not just because we are young, but also because we have chosen to build our future in journalism. The 27 journalists killed in the carnage warned us about the very real possibility of a grim fate. The Philippines has now dislodged Iraq as the most dangerous place for journalists in the world. Another feat for the Philippines: the most number of journalists killed in a single day in a single incident. We feel humbled, even ashamed, because the massacre threw out all our efforts to make our country more livable. We cannot help but be concerned about our nation’s image to the world.

Because of that, we are indignant about the ruthless perpetrators of this enormous crime. We condemn their arrogance and lawlessness. We also condemn the neglect of duties by the forces that were supposed to guard peace and justice.

The massacre was so huge in proportion that it may well have been premeditated, arguably by a powerful political clan in Maguindanao. It was all too great to overlook, so what went on with the peacekeepers?

Now is an opportunity for our pillars of justice to prove that they are still accountable. There is no excuse for the Arroyo administration not to crack down hard on the perpetrators.

Due process is crucial at the same time, and all the officials involved in that process must be free of any vested interests. We demand for an independent panel to conduct the investigation. Since the current administration is involved, this independent body can provide transparency and thereby block malicious political interventions.

At the end of the day, change must begin in our selves. We as citizens must break away from the binds of fear and be more vigilant than ever. We must advocate for the re-examining of our public officials, the reinforcement of our laws, and the review of our nation’s values and principles.

As aspiring journalists, we must stay firm in our roles as agents of truth and stewards for social change. Members of the media, including us communication students, must serve as watchdogs more than ever, instead of cowering in fear.

The massacre should not remain to be a memory. It should be a turning point for our nation, a thrust for us to be stronger as a people. The government has showed its incompetence to lead and protect its people. When there is a need to guard the guards, the ones we can depend on most are ourselves.

by Rey Anthony A. Cuenca

This is a combined statement of the DC87 class condemning the Maguindanao Massacre. May justice to the victims be served.

So those are the different kinds of politicians you bet you’ll see around the political atmosphere. Have you found yours? If you have spare time to play a little bit of matching type, better match your presidentiables with the descriptions of the different politicians. You’ll surely be astonished with what you will discover.

The word ‘politics’ for a Filipino will always be linked to corruption and empty promises. Politics, they say, is a science as well as an art. It is a science because it involves steps and measures in order to stay in power or get the position. Likewise, it is an art because it is a craft that can ultimately be a ‘talent’. Whatever angle you look at politics, the whole sphere revolves around the people using it, the politicians.

In this day and time, politics in the Philippines has already taken criticisms and is compared to a decaying masterpiece. However, through the efforts of patriotic and devoted Filipinos, much of the negative perception about politics is bound to change. It begins with a vote. Every vote counts. Television companies and activists have already started to turn the wheel in choosing the best and appropriate President in 2010. But before drowning ourselves with fearless rebuttals and piercing comments from aspiring presidents, let us first know the different kinds of politicians.

What comes first to your mind when you hear the word DEVCOM? It is really hard to digest and explain the real meaning of the course in a snap. Friends mistakenly see DevCom limited only in the field of broadcasting, photography, puppetry, theater, video production, poster making and the like. But DevCom is just beyond that.

The questions, “Why are you in the College of Agriculture, why not in Arts and Sciences?” or “is DevCom same as MassCom?” sadden me. Others also think that being a DevCom student is a glamorous thing. It might be perceived as that, but I am sorry to say that we are not meant to walk in red carpets and do all the glamour we want by sprinkling the world with so much glitz.

FYI, DevCom is biased with the poor because it is rooted for development working and for social change. Yes, we do broadcasting, photography, puppetry, theater, video production, poster making and the like but we do not do this for mainstream media.

We have a message to convey and that message is education, we educate people to adhere positive social transformation. That is why agriculture and the other fields of science need us.

DevCom in XU holds two majors: Educational Communication or EDUCOMM and Development Journalism or DEVJOURN.

EDUCOMM majors color the world with visual productions of puppetry, posters and AVPs, to cater non-formal education. You may see a lot of informational and educational posters around. That is one of the multihued activities they do. Studied and evaluated carefully to convey the right meaning of the message.

DEVJOURN, on the other hand, is not just the ordinary journalism. They are taught to bring science from clouds to sky because they are to ease topics or articles that are hard to understand and make it readable so that even grade 5 students can understand the printed materials. Bridging the gap in communication and technology transfer jargoned terms in laymen’s language.

Nowadays, many are enthusiasts of photography. DevCom students are proud to wear their cameras which hang on their necks. The formal study of photography is done by both majors in their third year. In DevCom, we are not advised to overly edit photographs. Based on what I have learned in our class, a photograph conveys a message. You will distort the story if you will alter it. Hence, it will not be a photograph anymore but a digital art.

The real glitz and glamour of DevCom is not from the lights of the limelight, flashes of camera, nor red carpet premiers and even mainstream media. The real glitz and glamour is that Devcom students are agents of social change who are not meant to distort reality and cover the real faces behind the picture. Instead, DevCom students are destined to touch hearts, mold minds and transform lives.

The real glitz and glamourBy Rey Anthony A. Cuenca

by James Michael Flordeliz

|4|

What is the point?

What is the point of uttering memorized words and swearing in f ront of a wishful flock when all will end up in a dreadful impeachment and a wallow over thaousands of cases faced?

Carved in every Filipino’s eyes is the truth: we are numbered as the 11th most corrupt country in the world. Most choose not to mind it. Some sit and try to indulge every criticism coughed out f rom their mouths. A few walk a hundred miles, shed thousands of tears and boost millions of hope for our country. Only a FEW.

We have seen that reminder after those propagandas played on the television every time election comes. It says, “VOTE WISELY!” with that black-or-white background that is not so appealing to anyone’s eyes. Why vote wisely? And again, what is the point?

We get easily attracted with the colorful posters and other eye-catching materials used by running officials to promote their selves. We regard it as ‘fashionable’ as to how they present their egos and oftentimes, we choose them as our next leaders!

The worth of those attractive propagandas will not match the money they can grab from the innocent Filipino mob. An anti-corruption documentary titled, “ehem!plo” showed facts about this. A 52,000-worth hospital bed was priced half a million in the receipt recorded by the Commission on Audit. Another equipment, an outdated machine, costs Php14,000 which was then recorded as 1.4 million. Instead of purchasing more things that later would help a

particular community, the money goes straight into the pockets of those filthy and greedy politicians.

It lies in our name the crucial responsibility of our fellowmen. We are continually being titled as corrupt just because of the ten false moves done by the people leading us. We should take within our hands the reprimands of the people who have seen in their naked eyes the actions of those in position. In our small ways, we should strive to be honest. Just as how we put an effort in paying seven peso coins every time we ride a jeepney – even though we could get out f rom there without the driver knowing it.

We can lead our own way and fight for every Filipino’s right to be served and cared for. If not, then, it only goes to show that we let corruption kill three quarters of this nation.

play an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases. More evidently, organically grown vegetables provide even more nutrients and minerals. It is high in carbohydrates and lower in fat content than meals with meat and other animal products.

People who are indecisive towards a vegetarian food-style are called semi-vegetarians. These people are eating less animal-produce foods but are not ready to give them up. Eggs, milk products and partial amounts of fish, chicken and sometimes meat are still eaten.

More and more people convert to vegetarianism because of its health benefits. The vegetarian way of food style has been called “a healthier way to eat” because of many reasons.

Based on researches, vegetarian diets can prevent the severity of heart disease, hypertension, colon, prostate, breast and lung cancer. It also thwarts the development of gallstones and osteoporosis. The health benefits of vegetarianism go beyond simply having better eating habits. For many years, religious followers of vegetarian diet are healthier because they avoid or control their intake of alcohol, preserved foods and caffeine. People also embrace the totality of a healthy lifestyle including being more physically active, being non-smokers and having less stressful lifestyles.

Now, are you a vegetarian?

Since the pre-Spanish colonization, Filipinos practice backyard agriculture or farming. They grow vegetables and spices in their own backyards and later, harvest them for food on their tables. In this modern era, urbanization did not affect the long-time Filipino practice of backyard farming. They still grow vegetables not in plots but in pots.

Filipinos love to eat. Here in the Philippines, we are lucky enough to choose a wide array of Filipino cuisines because it is part of our rich tradition. Some classic Filipino dishes are still cooked and served in our homes today.

Balikbayans are excited to go home because they say that nothing beats the taste of Filipino food. During fiestas, family gatherings and other special and important occasions, we just couldn’t miss dishing lechon, kare-kare, adobo and other Filipino classics in our banquet.

In this modern age, different people around the world from all walks of life, including Filipinos, are getting conscious of what they eat. Delicious as they may look and taste, many of the foods, if not all, contain high cholesterol, saturated fat, sugar and preservatives that if taken in large amounts, may cause diseases.

What is the new trend in diet? It is vegetarianism. Nowadays, the vegetarian diet has increased in popularity. Many people are vegetarian because of cultural, religious or ecological reasons. Vegetarianism is a more recent phenomenon not just here in the Philippines but also in other countries around the world. The term ‘vegetarian’ is used mostly to describe persons ranging from true or pure vegetarians to lacto-ovo and semi-vegetarians.

The vegetarian diet includes plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It also provides fiber, antioxidants, nutrients and phytochemicals which

Fun and informative - two words that best describe the recently held Development Communication General Assembly (GA) titled, “One Dev Com” at the SEARSOLIN AVR, Manresa Complex on November 2.

To make GA more exciting, each year level presented a creative and cheerful presentations. The freshmen presented a hilarious skit that entertained the crowd. The ever energetic and engaging dance number from the sophomores kept the students awake and alert. For the seniors’ last GA, they serenaded the spectators with a very romantic song, “Can’t take my eyes off you.”

It wasn’t just all fun. Relevant information also overflowed during the assembly. Ms. Shiella Balbutin , the DevCom Society moderator, emphasized the “oneness of DevCom” in her opening remarks, which was the theme of the assembly.

The program allotted a portion to give brief introductions to the new DevCom faculty members. After the introductions, Tanya Grace Padilla, the DevCom Society Secretary, presented the financial report of the society

Mrs. Ma. Theresa Rivera, the DevCom Department Chairperson, provided the students with the progress of the department. An increase of enrollees this semester was noted which highlighted the growing population of the DevCom family. The students’ outputs for this semester were also shared among the students. James Michael Flordeliz, the DevCom Society President, enlightened the audiences with the upcoming activities for this semester. He happily assured the students for a fun-filled semester.

The DC89 class formally launched the third Lansad Photo Exhibit in XU history with a red-carpet opening on October 5 at the XU-AVR 1 Lobby. The opening of the exhibit was attended by notable guests like Mr. Roel Ravanera, the Dean of the College of Agriculture, and Mr. Hobart Savior, the Director of the Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts. The DevCom Department decided to hold the exhibit with the theme, “Himamat Cdeo.”

“This exhibit will be brought to different parts of Cagayan de Oro,” said Mrs. Ma. Theresa Rivera, the DevCom Chairperson, in her welcome remarks. The exhibit ran from October 5-10 at the same venue.

This year’s photos were captured from the different corners of Cagayan de Oro City telling the untold stories of the city immortalized in photographs. The photographs were taken during the class’ exercises on various concepts such as composition, action photography and photojournalism. Photographs from the city fiesta were also included.

Lansad 3 launches “Himamat CdeO”

by James Michael Flordeliz

“Lingaw siya and at the same time ang important things na dapat i-discuss naa. But then wala kaayo na achieve ang objectives because dili tanan DevCom students present,” shared Diane Riva Tina-an, one of the persons-in-charge of the GA.

The DevCom students posed and smiled for a picture-taking during the DevCom 2nd General Assembly on November 2 at the Searsolin AVR.

XU students were struck in awe as they saw the different photographs of Lansad 3 which ran from October 5 to 10 at the XU-AVR1 Lobby.

A dven t u re sThe Boss:“Payts man siya, bai. DevCom graduate

man gud.”

T a s k s : MJay was a bit

dissatisfied with his OJT experience. When asked

about what kind of jobs he does, MJay said, “Well, sulat

article, field work, video, photography ug facebook.”

The Adjustment Stage: Since MJay chose his homeland, he was already quite ‘cool’ with the place. On his work, he had difficulties with the works he had to accomplish – because, as he states it, ‘usahay, dili man gud ko gasugu-on bisa’g gapangayu nako’g trabaho’.

Major Problem: “I had to deal with boredom. Unsa ma’y buhaton kung wala’y mabuhat?”

Lessons Learned: It is very important that before you approve the office and the place, be sure that it’s the one you want and the one you can bear. When already drenched in the office, you need to be versatile with all DevCom things. Your major will be disregarded when you’re already there.

If you can rate your OJT experience from 1 to 10; 10 being the highest, what score would you give?

The Boss: “ Lahi ang supervisor

and editor. The editor, who was much closer to us, was nice. Because he teaches us on how to improve our article and how to work on the next stories better. “

Tasks: Mark was assigned in an agency that sends news online. His work was plain journalism. He also had to pass photos from the events covered.

The Adjustment Stage: Since Mark is from Bukidnon and had to board in CdeO to study in Xavier, his OJT days were just like the usual day-to-day college student life. The difference was he had to do ‘time in’ when he arrives in the office. Secondly, he had to wake up earlier than the typical school day.

The Major Problem: The deadline ran different this time.

After he covers news from 9 to 12 in the morning, he had to write the article in the afternoon of that day and pass

three or more articles (depending on the events) in 5pm.

Lessons Learned: It is the time in our college life that we had to learn everything we need to learn. As of now, we are still at the tip of the iceberg. Work is different. Work is work. If it’s hard, deal with it. I have also learned to accept, embrace and love journalism more.

If you can rate your OJT experience from 1 to 10; 10 being the highest, what score would you give?

Different places, diverse jobs and dissimilar experiences. Only one thing is common: they have seen the real and bloody work – from enduring boredom to fitting the limited hours in a day. OJT is truly a unique venture to think over the course you are taking up, the kind of work you’ll get in the future AND if you really want the job you are to get. Think it twice; think it over and over again. Are you on for this?NOTE: If you noticed, the names of the offices were never mentioned. It’s for you to find out.

nine.

four.

***

By Maria Sozina L. Alamban

After three years, a DevCom student could already say that he/she knows a lot about the vital details of DevCom in Xavier University, including that of the hours you need to spend to finish loads of assignments and productions, the kind of teachers you meet and stay for eight hours a week and the different and extreme attitudes of your classmates that you need to deal with everyday.

For junior DevCom students, summertime is the most awaited period in their academic year. Practicum, internship, on-the-job training or OJT: no matter what you call it, the experiences you can gain will change your perspective about DevCom and in life.

Stories of OJT XUCA delegates top MAF Competition

Xavier University College of Agriculture (XUCA) student delegates lorded over the different events of the 3rd Mindanao Agriculture Forum (MAF) hosted by XUCA with the theme, “Investing in Agriculture; Securing the Future” on November 24 to 26.

Various agricultural schools and colleges in Northern Mindanao attended MAF. The delegates from Central Mindanao University (CMU), Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC), Misamis University (MU), Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT), Mountain View College (MVC), MSU-Naawan and XUCA participated in the different events of the MAF.

One of the most awaited competitions was the Battle of the Brains held at the XU-Little Theater. Many of the agriculture students converged and cheered for their respective schools.

Each of the schools and colleges had four delegates vying for the top spot. Three schools (CMU, XUCA and CPSC) were left in the difficult round. During this round, CPSC was eliminated resulting to a tie between CMU and XUCA.

The audience held their breath in the tie breaker round when XUCA committed a mistake. However, CMU dived down after obtaining two mistakes. With only one mistake, the round ended with XUCA as champion. The XUCA delegates were Elmer G. Abitria Jr. , Paul Ignatius Araña , Gladys L. Rosalada (all BSA 4 Major in Animal Science students) and Richie A. Morales (BSA 4 Major in Agricultural Economics).

Right after the Battle of the Brains was the Extemporaneous Speech Competition. Still, XUCA grabbed the 1st place. Kathleen G. Araña (BSDC 4 Major in Development Journalism) got a hold of the top spot.

Simultaneously, the On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest took place at the DC laboratory, 5th floor, Agriculture building. Compared to the other contests, this was done in a silent place where no distractions should occur.

Once again, the XUCA delegate Hyacinth J. Tagupa was crowned as champion. Second place went to Jessa D. Pabillore from CPSC followed by Rhenesa O. Punay from MU.

Ms. Tagupa had unique preparations. It was her “background in journalism and constant writing” that made her to the top. “I feel honored ‘because it’s not everyday that one gets to do something like that for the Aggies,” Hyacinth confidently shared with a smile.

DevCom bags awardsin Aggie lantern contest

One of the highlights of this year’s celebration of Manresa Days was the lantern parade held on November 23 at Divisoria. All co-curricular organizations under the college participated in the event with the theme, “Investing in Agriculture Securing the Future.” The Development Communication Society (DevCom Society) won two major categories: The Best Lantern and The Liveliest Delegation. The lantern was cube-shaped, five meters in height and was made out of indigenous materials. The images projected in the lantern were the logos of the Gahum Scholarship Program and DevCom which expressed the role of communication in promoting agriculture. The lantern was majestically placed in a float adorned with white and blue balloons. Following the float was some members of the DevCom faculty and about 100 students carrying minature lanterns and was lighted by candles. In one strong voice, the delegation chanted ‘DEVCOM! DEVCOM! DEVCOM!’ which caught the attention of the passers-by and made them win the liveliest delegation decided unanimously by the judges. “It was not in my expectations that we’ll win the best lantern category. As one of the project heads, I’ve worked hard from the design to its actual making,”Sharnae Llona said in an interview.

by Ancheden Pacamalan

by James Michael Flordeliz

The contestants of the Essay Writing contest in the 3rd MAF were in full concentration as they batlle against each other.

The Boss: “Nice man siya kay siya ang nag una ug approach.”

Tasks: Juna’s tasks were divided into four categories: BroadComm (radio magazines, radio plugs and the like), Journalism (news writing and profiling), ScienceComm (editing the write-ups of researchers), and EduComm stuffs.

The Adjustment Stage: First, the environment. I had to adjust with the people and the language they use. Second, which can also be connected to the first reason, is the requirement to get along well with other on-the-job trainees. It’s not at all times that I am assigned to work with James Michael Flordeliz, my partner from XU. Instead, the boss partners us with DevCom students from UPLB. The hardest part in the adjustment process is dealing with various scientists such as chemists and researchers. When we interview them, some words are too complicating and we have never encountered in our whole lives. The worst part, I think, is doing a job that we are not used to and requiring us to get out from our comfort zone most of the time. Mind you, we had to endure the job for six long weeks!

Major Problems: “Usahay, naa’y conflict sa mga tao sa sulod sa office, gakadalahig mi sa akong partner. Grabe ang pressure tungod kay kasagara sa among gina-interview kay scientists. Tapos, daghan kayo assignments – dili lang pang journ, apil gyud ang educomm works. Didto gyud ko nakatuon ug Photoshop.”

Lessons learned: With nose-bleeding, nerve-racking, and mind-boggling words we had to understand and the Photoshop, MixCraft and Ulead we need to master, the six-week experience was something I will hold as the shortest time I had so much things learned.

If you can rate your OJT experience from 1 to 10; 10 being the highest, what score would you give?

eight.

Photos by Ronnie Glen Sim

bajon and Quinn A

rthur Pedroso

The Development Communication Society, in line with their vision to form socially-aware communicators and to achieve universal primary education (Millenium Development Goal #2), has come up with the Gahum Scholarship Program (GSP). It all started when Mrs. Estrella Borja began her involvement with the Joint Together Society (JTS) in 2003. Later on, she discovered the rural place of Kagahuman, Malitbog in Bukidnon that seeks for JTS assistance. She brought her first year students for a three-day immersion and was then followed by other Devcom classes.

In 2005, Mr. Paiko Zapanta, a third-year intern back then, was assigned to JTS for his summer practicum and got to visit the rural project areas including Kagahuman in Malitbog. One of his practicum outputs was to write stories about the project. His stories include a special child who was, at the same time, a blind boy which was enrolled at a SPED school in Talakag, where the school was built by JTS.

The aunt of Mr. Zapanta, who was visiting the country, is a member of the Kagay-anon Internatonal (KI) Hawaii chapter and was able to get a copy of the story. She was eventually moved by it and committed to help with the scholarship program. With that, KI gave a check of $5,000.00 in July 2005.

Mrs. Borja formalized the scholarship program and met up with Fr. Jet Villiarin, SJ and requested for a special fund account which was then granted. Then Ms. Borja decided to make it a DevCom Soc project. To date, the present administration of the Society bannered Gahum as their main project and placed it under the managerial operations.

Now, the program has a new structure that is currently headed by the GSP Head Carmel Neri. Under her is the monitoring committee which asses the needs of the scholars and the business team which deals with the donations and fund-raising projects.

Last March 2009, GSP produced one graduate, the total scholars of the program are nine, five of which are from

Agusan National High school, one from Regional Science High School, two from Libona National High School and one from San Luis National High School of Malitbog. The GSP head is proud to say that seven of these scholars will graduate this coming March.

The DevCom Society received a prize money that they won during the Aggie Lantern contest last November 21 for the opening of Manresa Day’s ’09 and decided to hold a special Christmas celebration with the scholars. This is a venue in which the officers and GSP volunteers will have a chance to know better the scholars and let them feel the real meaning and spirit of the season.

Although bombarded with the scarcity of funds, GSP still tries its best to find ways and means to sustain the program. One of the means is the Gahum Scholarship pins which is a fund raising project and will be available this coming January 2010, not only to the DevCom population but also to the whole university. There are seven beautiful designs to choose from which were designed by talented DevCom students.

In the coming months, there will be a fund-raising concert for the GSP. At of the moment, the program can only afford to send scholars in the high school level. However, who knows, in the near future, GSP can send them even up to college. This is what DevCom is all about - affecting change to the marginalized and the poor.

Artists. Films.A d v o c a c i e s . It’s rare to see these elements together. In a field dominated by commercialism and obscenity, developmental movies are things of the past. However, the recent rise of independent films and the sprouting of bold and promising

directors have given a venue for developmental movies to come back.

The DC96 class showcased their talents and unleashed their potentials in film-making. Photomontages, experimental films and documentary films headlined Estreno. Running on its third year, Estreno exhibited fresh concepts, cinematography and angles. Let’s take a closer look at the different films Estreno offered.

More than photos

A photomontage is a series of photos about any topic that is placed in a particular sequence in order to relay a message. Most often, it is aided with a voice over. Among the entries were films about friendship, family and death.

All the films captured the imagination of the audience with a mix of romance, humor, suspense and mystery. It also took up issues on family values, gender and equality, and acceptance. In one of the films, it depicted a strange love story between members of the ‘third sex’. It was comedic yet it discussed a sensitive topic on homosexuals. In another film, Maria, a lost soul, is searching for meaning. These were just two of the many films in the photomontage category.

More than experiments

Experimental films are considered to be the new trend in film-making today. Coupled with experimental films are ‘indie’ films that have become popular these days. It is test of creativeness and ingenuity for the young film-makers. The experimental films were done in black and white without sound. It provided the student film-makers

to create unique concepts that range from fantasy to horror.

The films also take you to an adventure that stimulates your imagination, analysis and reason. Some films were odd while others were a disambiguation of conventional ideas and principles.

More than a story

Documentary films show the truth behind the realities of the daily experiences of people. As what an audience commented, “[d]ocumentary films are the fortes of DevCom students.”

The documentary films featured the lives of coastal police, urban farmers and bio-ethanol activists. The films included interviews and testimonials aid supported with research in order to explain sensitive issues and commend admirable individuals or groups.

The films also gave a glimpse of the future inclinations of DevCom students. It was clear that the audience got relevant and significant realizations from the films. It was humane, interesting and masterfully done.

***

The Estreno Film Festival proved what DevCom students are capable of. They made films that were not only original and artistic but also transformational. Estreno may be far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or Philippine show business. Yet, it attested to the rise of the new breeds of an imaginative and responsible development communicator.

More than theusual filmsby James Michael Flordeliz

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Even the opponent of Imelda has a history of an arising political dynasty. From an article written by Lino de la Cruz (2007), it articulated that, “another known political family led by Representative Cirilo Alipio Badelles of the First District of Lanao del Norte and son of the late congressman Mariano Badelles will field his daughter lawyer Angelique Badelles-Bacareza to replace him this coming May 2007 election.”

Five (5) candidates ran for the congressional seat in the 1st District of Lanao del Norte during the May 2007 elections. Vicente ‘Varf ’ Belmonte, a businessman turned councillor, was Imelda Dimaporo’s number one opponent. It was also the first time that the Dimaporo’s took the chance to run in the 1st district of Lanao del Norte.

It was a fierce race between Dimaporo, Badelles and Belmonte. Dimaporo had previous success in Lanao del Sur and planned to take her political ideologies to Lanao del Norte. Dimaporo believed that she could win in the 1st district elections. Badelles, whose family is also one of the arising political dynasties in Lanao del Norte, also ran as representative. However, in Iligan City, where the total population was the highest compared to the other municipalities included, the people sided with Belmonte.

In an act of desperation, the side of Dimaporo allegedly forced the ballot boxes from Bacolod, Maigo, and Kauswagan open. Attorney Cuevaz said that despite the security measures applied, there was still a security breach. They asked the intervention of the National Bureau of Investigation or NBI for the investigation of the security infringement. “Definitely there was a security breach, and sad to say the findings of the NBI resulted to, may nag-rally rally.”

The provincial board of Canvassers that were tasked to canvass the votes from the COC inhibited themselves. They confirmed that they did not open the tampered ballot boxes and asked COMELEC Manila to create a new board of canvassers for the province. There were many speculations that the hired people who were allegedly tasked to do the tampering passed through the office of the vice governor which was just near the secured room where the ballot boxes were kept.

‘Attorney Roger’ said that the election fraud that was committed was crude, inhumane and disrespectful to the right of the people to vote. The case has yet to be finalized. Even if many believed that Dimaporo did cheat, no substantial and concrete evidence was presented in order to detain and arrest Dimaporo.

Equals: a manipulated democracy?

“There is no such thing as real and genuine democracy. Genuine democracy can only be attained if people have already attained economic liberation”, quotes Attorney Leo Zaragoza, election lawyer and professor residing in Iligan City.

The election is an exercise of democracy towards the people. It is the “will of the people” that must be casted. However, election frauds and manipulations have continued to stain the canvass of fair and honest elections. In this report, Iligan City and the first district of Lanao del Norte became the testing grounds for acts of cheating and deception.

The Philippine election resembles a kind of society ruled by kinship. It seems that cheating during elections is a norm and honesty is a rare commodity. According to Attorney Zaragoza, “Lanao del Norte has been consistently involved with cheating scandals.” In addition, he stated that most of the officials, even kind-looking ones, cheat in one way or another. Despite all the infamous stories that people hear every election, they still yearn that one day an ‘Ideal politician with a modest intention’ will come along.

“The big losers are the people. Their voices are supposed to be heard during elections. But because of cheating, their voices are muffled and their will subverted,” Chris G. Sienes wrote on Sun.Star Davao.

With the upcoming 2010 election, we will again hear whispers from right to left of the iniquitous forms of election cheating. Perhaps some of us have never seen and have no firsthand experience of it. As a result, we have to generate some ways to prevent this from deceiving us again and again. The remedy for this seemingly incurable illness is for us to be vigilant and educated about the ways of cheating.

Attorney Zaragoza shared a true example based on the process of election in ancient tribes in Africa. Those who wanted to be leaders will just line up along the plaza and the voters who wanted to choose among those aspiring leaders will just drop a seed to their corresponding choice. Even the aspiring leaders who lined up are tasked to count the votes they received. “What a simple way of choosing a leader: simple, honest, pure, and fast. Yet with the advent of technology now, we make the rules of conflict, too complicated where manipulations are so easy to do. As I was saying, I have a common statement, figures won’t lie but liars can figure.”

Fr. Al Mendez (Head of Social Action Center; Iligan City Archdiocese)Atty. Leo Zaragoza (Election Lawyer; Candidate of May 2007 election)Atty. Hamilton Cuevaz (Supervisor; Region X COMELEC )Erma Jean D. Rosales (Election Assistant II; COMELEC)“Atty. Roger”

SOURCES:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/http://philippineconstitution1987.wordpress.com/http://www.europe-solidaire.org/

Philippine Daily Inquirer

“Unsa imong course?” a family friend asked me almost a year ago.“Development Communication,” I hesitantly answered back because I can easily see the annoying question coming next.

“Unsa na siya gang? Unsa dayon imung trabaho ana? ”

I know, I know. You’ve experienced this when you bravely chose this course among the famous courses that your parents have told you to take up instead.

But this is not the worst case scenario. Do you know what? It is when you do not even know how or what to respond to those queries. In short, you have no idea at all.

You took up DevCom and yet you do not have the slightest idea what you got yourself into. How embarrassing, right? However, I am sure you have something to say about this course but I bet it would be far from what DevCom really is.

The next thing to do? Be well-versed about Dev Com. You might have already encountered Nora Quebral’s definition of Development Communication (Dev Com is the art and science of human communication…).

However, if you use this definition as an answer for those inquisitive friends and relatives, it would surely freak them out, right? They will end up asking you for clarifications. So, I think the best way to define communication is from your point of view. Your own simple, uncomplicated understanding of the course. Might as well cite an example of what you do, like, how a simple day goes for a DevCom student.

If you are a freshman, an avalanche of communication theories and development concepts come your way. Overwhelming but I am sure by now you catch a glimpse of what DevCom is.

Most people only notice the “communication” part of DevCom but what is really important and should be emphasized here is the “development” part. At this point, you encountered the simplest definition of Dev Com which is “using communication as a tool to push for development.”

Fortunately, you pass and now a sophomore. Once you are in your second year, it is tougher and hectic but you are having fun (as always). This time, you are introduced to “educational communication (EduCom)” and “development journalism (DevJourn).” You begin to think “what will be my major?” “Where do I belong?” Say, you have an answer to the questions above and you’re off to your major in your third year. Being a junior is like you are always in a hurry and always have a deadline. If you are an EduCom major, your life is probably surrounded with colors, graphic arts such as posters and videos. But if you are a DevJourn, a pen and a paper are the best companions.

If you are a good student, you now reached your fourth year. A senior? You should be proud of yourself because what you had went through were not easy. At this moment, all your majors are getting into your nerves and there will be “communication research” that will consume most of your time. But if you are done, you are the most satisfied person in the whole wide world.

At the end of the day, you will be asking yourself this “Will I be an agent of change?” Because this is what development communicators do.

C – H – A – N – G - E It may not be for the whole world but at least in your own respective community such as your family, friends and neighbors.

DevCom???

This investigative report is one of the course requirement for DevCom journalism students in DC 85.The article that you are about to read is a product of journalistic efforts to expose the truth behind political dynasties. The group embarked on a journey from Cagayan de Oro to Iligan City in search of the facts and evidences on an alleged election fraud and political domination.

Amid all the dangers that surround the field of journalism, remember that no story is worth your life. However, as future journalists, we must continue to uphold truth through our stories and articles. Through this investigative report, we have experienced a glimpse of being a responsible, objective, transparent and unbiased journalist.

***

The Filipinos have been witnesses to colonizers, conquerors and dictators. Yet despite the efforts of our forefathers to attain true and genuine freedom, we are still under the same families, the same surnames that are “destined” to sit on thrones consecutively – or even, simultaneously. Even in our island, some regions are often hailed as ‘cheating ’ where entrenched surnames emerge every election and never miss to gather massive votes from the locals. Pelaez, Baculio, Emano, Duterte, Zubiri, and Dimaporo - do any of these ring a bell?

These and other prominent names recorded through history have continued operating under the influence of the same bloodlines and heritage of similar political ideals. Some would assume that there is nothing wrong with political dynasties. However, if law freely permits this, our nation is likened to a company:

continually breeding exclusive political family franchise.

Exposing political chains

According to Roland G. Simbulan, a Development Studies Professor from the University of the Philippines (UP) in Manila, a political dynasty is “a line of hereditary rulers of a country.” A political dynasty is also “a succession of people from the same family that play a prominent role in politics” he added. In Article II (Declaration of Principles on State Policies) of the 1987 Constitution, specifically in Section 26, it is stated that, “the state shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

However, political dynasties still govern in different parts of the country. You pick a province, a town, or a city and you can identify established as well as up and coming political dynasties. These political dynasties are often wealthy families who were influential in the establishment and development of their community. Professor Simbulan said that approximately 250 families dominated politics in the Philippines, both in local and national. These families have been in power for 30 years and more.

As if being part of a political dynasty is not enough, staying in power is even better. Political families are often associated with election fraud and vote manipulation. Over the years, elections have been the site of massive cheating, violence and fraud, all attributed to the presence of political dynasties who wanted to stay in power for more generations.

As a testament to the rampant cheating happening in Mindanao, we travelled to Iligan City, Lanao del Norte in search for answers and explanations on

the election controversy that happened during the 2007 1st District Congressional race.

Lanao del Norte -- Genuine enquiry

Tension arose as waves of human barricades stood firm at the face of Iligan City Legislative Hall last May 20, 2007 blocking the local COMELEC from bringing the ballot boxes to the provincial canvassing hall in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. The event spurred out from the rumoured cheating in the canvassing of votes for the 1st district Congressional race.

Five candidates contested for the Congressional seat in the 1st District in Lanao del Norte. Among them, Vicente ‘Varf ’ Belmonte, Angelique ‘Nikki’

Badelles, and Imelda ‘Angging’ Dimaporo were the lead contenders. It was a tight race between

the three rivals where votes from Kauswagan, Bacolod and Maigo of the province of Lanao del

Norte became the vital stations for determining the winner. At the same time, these locations turned out

to be the hives where election fraud occurred.

“Ang ilang gihimo, they drove away the watchers of Cong. Belmonte, pointing a gun, ilang gipagawas, and they ransacked the room where the ballot boxes were stored.”

from p. 6, DEMOCKRATIC DYNASTIES...

The night before the canvassing of votes, eight (8) ballot boxes containing the Certificate of Canvass (COCs) from Iligan City and seven (7) municipalities in Lanao del Norte were secured by the provincial guards. Doubtfully, why were the strict security measures breached and the three ballot boxes ransacked?

The COCs from the municipalities of Maigo, Bacolod, and Kauswagan were tampered. The votes casted for Belmonte were ‘SnoPaked’, giving favour to Dimaporo. Belmonte’s supporters led the way in probing the alleged tampering of the ballot boxes. A reliable source, a lawyer hidden in the name ‘Attorney Roger’ narrated what happened during the cheating incident. “Ang ilang gihimo, they drove away the watchers of Cong. Belmonte, pointing a gun, ilang gipagwas and they ransacked the room where the ballot boxes were stored.”

Fr. Al Mendez, the director of the Social Action Center (SAC) of the Archdiocese of Iligan, said that the tampering of votes were clearly ‘SnoPaked’. “Obvious kaayo ang mga nag sunod na mga investigation. Naa’y basa pa nga mga [COCs tungod sa] gi-tawag nato ug liquid eraser, basa pa jud. Duna man pud ‘tay kopya sa Certificate of Canvass, muna nga duna gyu’y maingon ta nga lahi nga mga entry nga nahitabo tungod kay duna ta’y kaugalingon nga kopya ug labeling nga gi-entrust sa atoa sa COMELEC. Significant gyud kaayo ang evidences”, he added.

Belmonte’s followers camped outside the Legislative Hall in support of the case against his rivals. Emotions ran high when Imelda Dimaporo arrived at the hall together with uniformed military and several COMELEC representatives. The supporters prevented Dimaporo’s group to get inside the hall. Forming what may seem as a human wall, the supporters insisted that the boxes stay in the hall until further notice from COMELEC Manila. It was only when Atty. Joseph Cuevas, the provincial supervisor of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) during the May 2007 election in Lanao del Norte, issued an order to the COMELEC deputies and to their escorts to leave the ballot boxes in the Legislative Hall. After that, the atmosphere around the vicinity of the Iligan City Hall visibly lightened.

Because of these series of events, the camp of Belmonte decided to file a case against the people responsible for the election fraud. In an appeal filed by Belmonte and his band of election lawyers, they accused the Special Provincial Board of Canvassers, Dimaporo and Badelles as the masterminds behind the tampering of votes. However, the case did not prosper because there was insufficient evidence that could link Dimaporo and the others to the tampering of votes. Most of the residents and supporters of Belmonte believed that it was the power and influence of the Dimaporo clan that prevented the progress of the case.

“Definitely there was a security breach, and sad to say the findings of the NBI resulted to, may nag-rally rally.”

On that note, the question whether the prominence of Dimaporo’s, who are established and well-known political powerhouses in Lanao del Sur, used their influence and power to execute what may seem to be dirty tactics in order to get the position. In a wider sense, does this support the claim that political dynasties affect the country’s political system?

Dominating the royalties

Part of the political history of Lanao del Norte are the Dimaporo’s. The political history of the Dimaporo’s started during the regime of late president Marcos where the late Ali Dimaporo served as mayor and with his charm, later on, became governor of the entire province.

Bobby Dimaporo succeeded his governorship and was then wed to Imelda Quibranza from an influential family whose father was the former governor of Lanao del Sur, Arsenio Quibranza. Imelda Quibranza- Dimaporo became the governor of the

province succeeding her husband. She remained in power for many years. Her husband is the current representative of the second district of Lanao del Norte. Adding to the chain is the one succeeding Imelda: her own son, Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo.

At least four members of the Dimaporo clan in Lanao del Norte ran for the top provincial and congressional posts despite criticisms over dynasty issue. During the May 2007 election, Imelda, the outgoing governor, ran as the representative of the first district of Lanao del Norte. Marcos Abdulrahman Dimakuta Dimaporo, a brother of Bobby, who also filed his certificate of candidacy, ran as rival candidate of Khalid for the Second Congressional District of Lanao del Norte.

“...figures won’t lie but liars can figure.”