PUP-DCR Advances Progress with Freshman VGA; Elected CORE Officers Swear Oath of Office
To uphold the department’s mission to bring progress, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines–Department of Communication Research (PUP-DCR) held a two-day virtual general assembly led by PUP Circle of Research Enthusiasts (CORE), the department’s premier academic organization, via Zoom last October 28 and November 7.
The event entitled “Diary ng CommRes: A Fresh Snapshot of Newly COMMstructed Perspectives and Experiences” aimed to welcome and strengthen the foundation of first-year students about the degree program. With 117 participants on the first day and 64 attendees on the second day, the orientation was deemed successful.
However, due to Typhoon Paeng’s aftermath, the organizers have decided to reschedule the event’s second day from October 29 to November 7.
In CommRes, There’s Progress
Dr. Rudolf Anthony Lacerna, the chairperson of PUP-DCR, presented “Four-key COMMpilation: Discussion of the Updated Course Curriculum of the Department of Communication Research,” in which he introduced the newly adapted curriculum for the school year 2022 to 2023.
Lacerna explained that specific improvements were made regarding the lineup of courses offered by the department to meet the standards for career prospects imposed by the fast-evolving industries.
“‘Yung paglalagay natin ng mga subjects, may basis tayo. Kinuha natin ‘yung talagang kinakailangan at ‘yun ang pagtutuunan natin ng pansin para kapag natapos natin ang curriculum na ito, tayo ay ready agad sa industry,” Lacerna shared in his talk.
[“We have a basis for integrating these subjects. This is what we will focus on so that when we finish this curriculum, we are prepared to be in the industry immediately,”]
The changes include adding the Introduction to Broadcast Media course, encompassing the subjects of the old curriculum, such as Media Construction and Deconstruction, Media Research, and Introduction to Broadcasting. This is in response to the CHED requirement to offer an Introduction to Broadcasting subject based on the PUP Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO).
Moreover, the newly mandated curriculum includes additional communication electives, like Health Communication and Science Communication, to improve communication in science, especially during this pandemic.
He also mentioned potential career paths for BACR students, such as Field Researcher, Research Analyst, Political Communication Specialist, and Communication Consultant.
Meanwhile, Ma. Gheia Arrianne Marañon, a DCR alumna who served as PUP CORE President last academic year, 2019–2020, and pioneer member of UNDERSCORE, discussed “WelCOMMe to DCR Perks: Enumerating the Significance of Communication Research.”
In her talk, she highlighted the opportunities open to BACR students despite the constant and unpredictable societal developments.
“Maraming job opportunities kasi iba-iba kami ng mga pinag-iinternship-an. Some are in the media, some are in advertising, and some are in e-commerce. It is really mind-blowing for me kasi na kahit saan pwede tayong mga CommRes students,” Marañon expressed.
[“There are many job opportunities because we do internships in various fields. Some are in the media. Some are in advertising, and some are in e-commerce. It is mind-blowing for me how versatile CommRes students are,”]
Currently, Marañon is employed as a brand presenter and Livestream shop host. She is also a trainee in data management, proving the versatility of CommRes students.
In concluding her talk, she encouraged the participants to stabilize academics, networks, and passion, as these will help them discover who they are.
DCR’s Building Blocks, Assemble!
On the event’s second day, the new set of elected PUP CORE officers took their oath of office.
The recently elected officers of the executive board are as follows: President: Althea Agustin; Vice President: Jemima Laurenciano; VP for Internal Relations: Bea Sevilla; VP for External Relations: Bianca Ayes; VP for Marketing: Rovicheds Lejano; Secretary General: Cielo Marie Bacani. The organization is currently guided by its adviser, Associate Professor Kriztine Rosales-Viray.
External Relations Committee led by Extension, Linkages, and Logistics Head Justine Mae Albaniel, together with the External Officers: Aljhelyn Piador, Feanne Mei Paglinawan, and Janine Joy Huganas.
Members of the Internal Relations Committee include Gabrielle Montiel as the Academic Head, Aez Almarines as the Membership and Welfare Head, Aira Palacio as Academic Officer, Brianna Buan as the 1st Year Representative, Noah Ferariza as the 2nd Year Representative, John Michael Alaman as the 3rd Year Representative, and Ma. Ronneth De Ocampo as the 4th Year Representative.
Marketing Committee comprises Creatives Head: Janzen Alaine Magsombol; Content and Copywriting Head: Lauren Manglicmot; Communications Head: Ezekhyna Naval; Marketing Officers: Cyril dela Cruz, Rochelle Bautista, Jeremiah Lomague, Joshua Vagilidad, Sophia Bendecio, and Nicole Miraflor.
In the Secretariat Committee, Bea Katrina Mitre serves as the Deputy Secretary, Hannah Bea Velasquez as the Head of Research and Analytics, Jia Mei Delos Reyes as Documentation Officer, Gianne Faye Macatangay and Alec Marc Reguya as Secretariat Officers.
Furthermore, PUP CORE and UNDERSCORE PUP-DCR, the department’s official student publication arm, used the opportunity to call for progressive first-year students to join their respective organizations and serve the DCR community.
PUP CORE president, Althea Agustin, provided an overview of the organization’s purpose, elaborating on its mission to promote academic and professional breakthroughs and foster amicable relationships within the community amidst diversity through various initiatives aligned with the organization’s purpose.
Meanwhile, Sophia Rose Caramat, Editor-in-Chief of UNDERSCORE PUP-DCR, spoke about the organization’s role in today’s era, where the information epidemic is prevalent.
“So, as the publication arm of a research department, UNDERSCORE has committed to building a data-driven and solutions-oriented society. And with high hopes, UNDERSCORE would want to take part in combating infodemic through mobilizing scientific information,” Caramat said.
Despite the continuous impact of the pandemic on the educational aspect, the department remained persistent in pursuing its mission to bring progress. The exchange of information between the speakers allowed students to engage in the changes that were made by the department and gain a broader grasp of the program, its foundation, and the organizations involved.
The said event was in partnership with UNDERSCORE PUP-DCR, UTOPIA CVSU, PUP Statistics Students’ Clique, The Communicator, and Rotaract Club of Metro Valenzuela; UST Communication Arts Students’ Association (CASA) as the official media partner; and sponsored by Aunt Flo.
