ACROSS

5: 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.
 by Rey Anthony A. Cuenca

It has been 33 years since Development Science Writing and Research is also offered in the college.
Communication was offered in Xavier University. Vanessa Gorra spearheads the department. Bon Aserios is
DevCom has produced many graduates who are also the head of Educational Communication.
experts in their chosen fields, both in journalism and
educational communication. DevCom department have Higher
switched colleges, survived obstacles and went through
transformations. Yet, they still held on to the fundamental DevCom also has its new building. Standing tall
essences of development communication. Let’s fast in Manresa, development communicators still connect
forward 10 years into the future and see what DevCom to agriculture as their classes are held in Manresa. The
has become. building also has state-of-the-art equipments and The Nov. 23 massacre in Maguindanao was a barbaric act that should shake the consciousness of the world. It
facilities that cater to the new advancements in media. manifested a breakdown of security and freedom in an otherwise democratic society, constricting Filipinos in fear.
Stronger There is a separate video studio for broadcasting students. Subsequently, the massacre reflected the kind of administration we have in our country – one too weak or too complacent
Separate rooms for audio and video recording and editing to safeguard peace and order and protect the rights of its people.
Xavier University now has seven colleges. Why? were allotted to accommodate the number of students. A
Due to insistent public demand, the Development spacious and elegant theatre house is also open for regular Words are not enough to describe and define the bloodbath in Maguindanao. Today, the death toll from the mass
Communication Department has reached the College theatre shows. murder stands at 57. We mourn for the victims, but we are outraged most of all.
status. The continuing increase of enrollees prompted
Is life so cheap to these murderers?
the department to expand. Despite the department’s Further
independence, it still had loyalty to its roots: agriculture. We find ourselves threatened not just because we reside in a country of troubled security, not just because we are
The XU College of Development Communication young, but also because we have chosen to build our future in journalism. The 27 journalists killed in the carnage warned
Maria Theresa Rivera or simply “Maam Mayette” (XUCDC) is also in the forefront in DevCom in the us about the very real possibility of a grim fate. The Philippines has now dislodged Iraq as the most dangerous place for
is the dean of the college. After years of optimism and hard Philippines. XUCDC has gained prominence and journalists in the world. Another feat for the Philippines: the most number of journalists killed in a single day in a single
work, her dream that DevCom would be a college is now a recognition after winning and garnering various awards. In incident.
reality. Assisting Maam Mayette is Sir Evans Yonson as the the annual DevCom Congress, XUCDC won almost every
Associate Dean. Aside from achieving the college status, major category from essay writing to video production. In We feel humbled, even ashamed, because the massacre threw out all our efforts to make our country more livable. We
DevCom has also offered additional majors. Broadcasting addition, XUCDC has partner schools and organization cannot help but be concerned about our nation’s image to the world.
is available for students wanting to be future anchors, outside of the Philippines. The On-the-Job (OJT) training
Because of that, we are indignant about the ruthless perpetrators of this enormous crime. We condemn their arrogance
reporters and artists. Shiella Balbutin, the department is regularly done out of the country. and lawlessness. We also condemn the neglect of duties by the forces that were supposed to guard peace and justice.
head of the Broadcasting Department, envisions having a
TV station. DevCom also offers a major in Community *** The massacre was so huge in proportion that it may well have been premeditated, arguably by a powerful political
Journalism headed by Imma Rae Gatuslao. A major in clan in Maguindanao. It was all too great to overlook, so what went on with the peacekeepers?
DevCom has gotten a long way since its humble
beginnings. Before we look forward to the best days of Now is an opportunity for our pillars of justice to prove that they are still accountable. There is no excuse for the
DevCom, let us remember the essence of DevCom: Arroyo administration not to crack down hard on the perpetrators.
change.
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.

This is a combined statement of the DC87 class condemning the Maguindanao Massacre. May justice to the victims be served.
|14|
 The real glitz and glamour
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.
By Rey Anthony A. Cuenca
The word ‘politics’ for a Filipino will always be
DevCom in XU holds two majors: Educational linked to corruption and empty promises. Politics, they
say, is a science as well as an art. It is a science because it
Communication or EDUCOMM and Development involves steps and measures in order to stay in power or get
Journalism or DEVJOURN. the position. Likewise, it is an art because it is a craft that
can ultimately be a ‘talent’. Whatever angle you look at
EDUCOMM majors color the world with politics, the whole sphere revolves around the people using
visual productions of puppetry, posters and AVPs, it, the politicians.
to cater non-formal education. You may see a lot of In this day and time, politics in the Philippines
informational and educational posters around. That is has already taken criticisms and is compared to a decaying
one of the multihued activities they do. Studied and masterpiece. However, through the efforts of patriotic
evaluated carefully to convey the right meaning of the and devoted Filipinos, much of the negative perception
about politics is bound to change. It begins with a vote.
message.
Every vote counts. Television companies and activists
have already started to turn the wheel in choosing the best
DEVJOURN, on the other hand, is not just and appropriate President in 2010. But before drowning
the ordinary journalism. They are taught to bring ourselves with fearless rebuttals and piercing comments
science from clouds to sky because they are to ease from aspiring presidents, let us first know the different
kinds of politicians.
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 So those are the different kinds of politicians you bet
hearts, mold minds and transform lives. 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.

by James Michael Flordeliz
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
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?
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 particular community, the money goes straight
election comes. It says, “VOTE WISELY!” with into the pockets of those filthy and greedy
that black-or-white background that is not so politicians.
appealing to anyone’s eyes. Why vote wisely?
It lies in our name the crucial responsibility
And again, what is the point?
of our fellowmen. We are continually being titled
We get easily attracted with the colorful as corrupt just because of the ten false moves done
posters and other eye-catching materials used by the people leading us. We should take within
by running officials to promote their selves. We our hands the reprimands of the people who have
regard it as ‘fashionable’ as to how they present seen in their naked eyes the actions of those in
their egos and oftentimes, we choose them as our position. In our small ways, we should strive to
next leaders! be honest. Just as how we put an effort in paying
seven peso coins every time we ride a jeepney –
The worth of those attractive propagandas
even though we could get out f rom there without
will not match the money they can grab f rom
the driver knowing it.
the innocent Filipino mob. An anti-corruption
documentary titled, “ehem!plo” showed facts We can lead our own way and fight for
about this. A 52,000-worth hospital bed was every Filipino’s right to be served and cared for.
priced half a million in the receipt recorded by If not, then, it only goes to show that we let
the Commission on Audit. Another equipment, corruption kill three quarters of this nation.
an outdated machine, costs Php14,000 which
was then recorded as 1.4 million. Instead of
purchasing more things that later would help a
|4|
 “Lingaw siya and at the same time ang important
things na dapat i-discuss naa. But then wala kaayo na
A dventu res The Adjustment Stage: Since MJay chose his homeland,
achieve ang objectives because dili tanan DevCom students The Boss: he was already quite ‘cool’ with the place. On his work,
present,” shared Diane Riva Tina-an, one of the persons- “Payts man siya, bai. he had difficulties with the works he had to accomplish
in-charge of the GA. DevCom graduate – because, as he states it, ‘usahay, dili man gud ko gasugu-on
man gud.” bisa’g gapangayu nako’g trabaho’.

Ta s k s : Major Problem: “I had to deal with boredom. Unsa ma’y

MJay was a bit buhaton kung wala’y mabuhat?”
dissatisfied with his OJT
experience. When asked Lessons Learned: It is very important that before you
about what kind of jobs he approve the office and the place, be sure that it’s the one you
The DevCom students posed and smiled for a picture-taking during the does, MJay said, “Well, sulat want and the one you can bear. When already drenched in
DevCom 2nd General Assembly on November 2 at the Searsolin AVR. article, field work, video, photography ug facebook.” the office, you need to be versatile with all DevCom things.
Your major will be disregarded when you’re already there.
Fun and informative - two words that best
describe the recently held Development Communication If you can rate your OJT experience from 1 to
General Assembly (GA) titled, “One Dev Com” at the 10; 10 being the highest, what score would you
SEARSOLIN AVR, Manresa Complex on November 2. give?
four.
The Boss: “ Lahi ang supervisor
XU students were struck in awe as they saw the different photographs of and editor. The editor, who was
To make GA more exciting, each year level Lansad 3 which ran from October 5 to 10 at the XU-AVR1 Lobby.
much closer to us, was nice. Because
presented a creative and cheerful presentations. The he teaches us on how to improve
freshmen presented a hilarious skit that entertained the
crowd. The ever energetic and engaging dance number
Lansad 3 launches our article and how to work on the
next stories better. “
three or more articles
(depending on the
from the sophomores kept the students awake and alert.
For the seniors’ last GA, they serenaded the spectators with “Himamat CdeO” Tasks: Mark was assigned in an
events) in 5pm.

Lessons Learned:
a very romantic song, “Can’t take my eyes off you.” by James Michael Flordeliz agency that sends news online. His
It is the time in our
work was plain journalism. He also
It wasn’t just all fun. Relevant information also college life that we
had to pass photos from the events
overflowed during the assembly. Ms. Shiella Balbutin , the had to learn everything
The DC89 class formally launched the third Lansad covered.
DevCom Society moderator, emphasized the “oneness of we need to learn. As of
Photo Exhibit in XU history with a red-carpet opening now, we are still at the
DevCom” in her opening remarks, which was the theme of The Adjustment Stage: Since Mark
on October 5 at the XU-AVR 1 Lobby. The opening of tip of the iceberg. Work
the assembly. is from Bukidnon and had to board
the exhibit was attended by notable guests like Mr. Roel is different. Work is work.
Ravanera, the Dean of the College of Agriculture, and in CdeO to study in Xavier, his
The program allotted a portion to give brief If it’s hard, deal with it.
OJT days were just like the usual
introductions to the new DevCom faculty members. After Mr. Hobart Savior, the Director of the Xavier Center for I have also learned to
day-to-day college student life. The
the introductions, Tanya Grace Padilla, the DevCom Culture and the Arts. The DevCom Department decided accept, embrace and
difference was he had to do ‘time
Society Secretary, presented the financial report of the to hold the exhibit with the theme, “Himamat Cdeo.” love journalism more.
in’ when he arrives in the office.
society Secondly, he had to wake up earlier
“This exhibit will be brought to different parts If you can rate your OJT experience from 1
than the typical school day.
Mrs. Ma.Theresa Rivera, the DevCom Department of Cagayan de Oro,” said Mrs. Ma. Theresa Rivera, the to 10; 10 being the highest, what score would
Chairperson, provided the students with the progress of DevCom Chairperson, in her welcome remarks. The
The Major Problem: you give?
the department. An increase of enrollees this semester was exhibit ran from October 5-10 at the same venue. The deadline ran different this time.
noted which highlighted the growing population of the
DevCom family. The students’ outputs for this semester
were also shared among the students.
This year’s photos were captured from the
different corners of Cagayan de Oro City telling the
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
***
nine.
untold stories of the city immortalized in photographs. Different places, diverse jobs and dissimilar experiences. Only one thing is common: they have seen the real and bloody
James Michael Flordeliz, the DevCom Society The photographs were taken during the class’ exercises on work – from enduring boredom to fitting the limited hours in a day. OJT is truly a unique venture to think over the
President, enlightened the audiences with the upcoming various concepts such as composition, action photography 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
activities for this semester. He happily assured the students and photojournalism. Photographs from the city fiesta it twice; think it over and over again. Are you on for this?
for a fun-filled semester. were also included.   NOTE: If you noticed, the names of the offices were never mentioned. It’s for you to find out.
 Stories of OJT
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.
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.
The contestants of the Essay Writing contest in the 3rd MAF were
in full concentration as they batlle against each other.
XUCA delegates
top MAF Competition
by Ancheden Pacamalan
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 awards
in Aggie lantern contest
by James Michael Flordeliz
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.”
Photos by Ronnie Glen Simbajon and Quinn Arthur Pedroso
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.
 “ More than the
by James Michael Flordeliz
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.
usual films
to create unique concepts that range from fantasy to horror.
Artists. Films.
Advocacies. The films also take you to an adventure that stimulates
It’s rare to see your imagination, analysis and reason. Some films were odd
these elements while others were a disambiguation of conventional ideas
together. In a field and principles.
dominated by
More than a story
commercialism
and obscenity, Documentary films show the truth behind the
developmental realities of the daily experiences of people. As what an
movies are audience commented, “[d]ocumentary films are the fortes of
things of the DevCom students.”
past. However,
The documentary films featured the lives of coastal
the recent rise
police, urban farmers and bio-ethanol activists. The films
of independent included interviews and testimonials aid supported with
films and the research in order to explain sensitive issues and commend
sprouting of bold admirable individuals or groups.
and promising
directors have given a venue for developmental movies to The films also gave a glimpse of the future inclinations
of DevCom students. It was clear that the audience got
come back.
relevant and significant realizations from the films. It was
The DC96 class showcased their talents and humane, interesting and masterfully done.
unleashed their potentials in film-making. Photomontages,
experimental films and documentary films headlined Estreno. ***
Running on its third year, Estreno exhibited fresh concepts, The Estreno Film Festival proved what DevCom
cinematography and angles. Let’s take a closer look at the students are capable of. They made films that were not
different films Estreno offered. only original and artistic but also transformational. Estreno
may be far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or
More than photos
Philippine show business. Yet, it attested to the rise of the
A photomontage is a series of photos about any new breeds of an imaginative and responsible development
topic that is placed in a particular sequence in order to relay communicator.
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
 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.
SOURCES:
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/
http://philippineconstitution1987.wordpress.com/
http://www.europe-solidaire.org/
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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”
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.”
DevCom???
“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.
 from p. 6, DEMOCKRATIC DYNASTIES...
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
This investigative report is one of the course for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may
requirement for DevCom journalism students in DC 85.The be defined by law.”
article that you are about to read is a product of journalistic
However, political dynasties still govern in different
efforts to expose the truth behind political dynasties. The group
parts of the country. You pick a province, a town, or a
embarked on a journey from Cagayan de Oro to Iligan City
city and you can identify established as well as up and
in search of the facts and evidences on an alleged election fraud
coming political dynasties. These political dynasties
and political domination.
are often wealthy families who were influential in the
Amid all the dangers that surround the field of establishment and development of their community.
journalism, remember that no story is worth your life. However, Professor Simbulan said that approximately 250 families
as future journalists, we must continue to uphold truth through dominated politics in the Philippines, both in local and
national. These families have been in power for 30 years
our stories and articles. Through this investigative report, we
have experienced a glimpse of being a responsible, objective, and more.
transparent and unbiased journalist.
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.
The Filipinos have been witnesses to colonizers, Over the years, elections have been the site of massive
conquerors and dictators. Yet despite the efforts of our cheating, violence and fraud, all attributed to the presence
forefathers to attain true and genuine freedom, we of political dynasties who wanted to stay in power for
are still under the same families, the same surnames more generations.
that are “destined” to sit on
thrones consecutively – or even, “Ang ilang gihimo, they drove away As a testament
simultaneously. Even in our island, the watchers of Cong. Belmonte, pointing a to the rampant
some regions are often hailed as cheating happening
‘cheating ’ where entrenched gun, ilang gipagawas, and they ransacked the in Mindanao, we
surnames emerge every election and room where the ballot boxes were stored.” travelled to Iligan
never miss to gather massive votes City, Lanao del Norte
in search for answers
from the locals. Pelaez, Baculio,
Emano, Duterte, Zubiri, and Dimaporo - do any of these and explanations on
the election controversy that happened during the 2007
ring a bell?
1st District Congressional race.
These and other prominent names recorded
through history have continued operating under the Lanao del Norte -- Genuine enquiry
influence of the same bloodlines and heritage of similar
Tension arose as waves of human barricades stood
political ideals. Some would assume that there is nothing
firm at the face of Iligan City Legislative Hall last May
wrong with political dynasties. However, if law freely
20, 2007 blocking the local COMELEC from bringing
permits this, our nation is likened to a company:
the ballot boxes to the provincial canvassing hall in
continually breeding exclusive
Tubod, Lanao del Norte. The event spurred out from the
political family franchise.
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.
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 On that note, the question whether the
prominence of Dimaporo’s, who are established and well-
ang mga nag sunod na mga investigation. Naa’y basa pa nga
mga [COCs tungod sa] gi-tawag nato ug liquid eraser, basa known political powerhouses in Lanao del Sur, used their
influence and power to execute what may seem to be dirty
pa jud. Duna man pud ‘tay kopya sa Certificate of Canvass,
muna nga duna gyu’y maingon ta nga lahi nga mga entry tactics in order to get the position. In a wider sense, does
nga nahitabo tungod kay duna ta’y kaugalingon nga kopya ug this support the claim that political dynasties affect the
labeling nga gi-entrust sa atoa sa COMELEC. Significant country’s political system?
gyud kaayo ang evidences”, he added.
Dominating the royalties
Belmonte’s followers camped outside the
Legislative Hall in support of the case against his rivals. Part of the political history of Lanao del Norte are
the Dimaporo’s. The political history of the Dimaporo’s
Emotions ran high when Imelda Dimaporo arrived at
started during the regime of late president Marcos where
the hall together with uniformed military and several
the late Ali Dimaporo served as mayor and with his charm,
COMELEC representatives. The supporters prevented
Dimaporo’s group to get inside the hall. Forming what may later on, became governor of the entire province.
seem as a human wall, the supporters insisted that the boxes
Bobby Dimaporo succeeded his
stay in the hall until further
governorship and was then wed to
notice from COMELEC “Definitely there was a security Imelda Quibranza from an influential
Manila. It was only when breach, and sad to say the findings of
family whose father was the former
Atty. Joseph Cuevas, the
the NBI resulted to, may nag-rally rally.” governor of Lanao del Sur, Arsenio
provincial supervisor of the
Quibranza. Imelda Quibranza-
Commission on Election
Dimaporo became the governor of the
(COMELEC) during the
province succeeding her husband. She remained in power
May 2007 election in Lanao del Norte, issued an order
for many years. Her husband is the current representative
to the COMELEC deputies and to their escorts to leave
of the second district of Lanao del Norte. Adding to
the ballot boxes in the Legislative Hall. After that, the
the chain is the one succeeding Imelda: her own son,
atmosphere around the vicinity of the Iligan City Hall
Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo.
visibly lightened.
At least four members of the Dimaporo clan in
Because of these series of events, the camp
Lanao del Norte ran for the top provincial and congressional
of Belmonte decided to file a case against the people
posts despite criticisms over dynasty issue. During the
responsible for the election fraud. In an appeal filed by
May 2007 election, Imelda, the outgoing governor, ran
Belmonte and his band of election lawyers, they accused
as the representative
the Special Provincial Board of Canvassers, Dimaporo
of the first district
of Lanao del Norte. “...figures won’t lie
and Badelles as the masterminds behind the tampering of
votes. However, the case did not prosper because there was
Marcos Abdulrahman but liars can figure.”
insufficient evidence that could link Dimaporo and the
Dimakuta Dimaporo,
others to the tampering of votes. Most of the residents and
a brother of Bobby,
supporters of Belmonte believed that it was the power and
who also filed his certificate of candidacy, ran as rival
influence of the Dimaporo clan that prevented the progress
candidate of Khalid for the Second Congressional District
of the case.
of Lanao del Norte.