PUP–DCR holds virtual general assembly; new CORE officials take oath of office
Polytechnic University of the Philippines — Department of Communication Research (DCR) hosted a 2-day virtual general assembly last October 14–15, 2021 to chart the path of students, faculty members and academic organizations with the new normal setup.
The event, titled Update and Restart: Setting New Motions and Breaking MisCOMMceptions, was organized by Circle of Research Enthusiasts (CORE) and attended by over 160 CommRes students exclusively via Zoom.
On the first day, Associate Professor Kriztine Rosales–Viray gave the participants an overview of Communication Research as a field and what to expect from the program.
“Napakalaki ng role ng communication research sa society kase ito ang nag-claclarify sa communication process as it investigates on the facts of a certain phenomenon. You might not know it, but you are already doing research [because] it is always an innate trait that is present when you communicate,” Prof. Viray said.
She further mentioned that in the Philippines, only two schools provide Communication Research as a degree program: the University of the Philippines (UP), which has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the Commission on Higher Education, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). According to Viray, since its inception in 2006, the PUP Department of CommRes has aspired to be the center of education for Communication Research, ‘but we are getting there.’
“Naniniwala kami sa Department of CommRes na ang pinaka laban natin upang tayo ay makaagapay sa COD (or Center of Development) at COE na ito ay ang curriculum na meron ang PUP commres. We offer advanced and more specialized courses in Communication Research. This means that students are better equipped with knowledge and skills in the field of Communication Research after completing the course,” she added.
Mr. Jerome Papa Lucas, a University Lecturer, and Mr. Francisco Bautista Jr., from the University of Glasgow in Scotland, led the second day of the assembly, which focused on Communication Research stereotypes and network building.
Lucas began his discussion by presenting the findings of a mini survey he conducted with nearly 40 CommRes students to describe their experiences in the program. It was discovered that 50% of the respondents are sometimes happy, sometimes sad; 36.8% are happy; 7.9% are very happy; while 5.3% are sad.
Concerns have been expressed by DCR about students changing programs in the middle of their undergraduate careers, which appears to be a common occurrence in the Department citing the lack of popularity of the program, among other factors.
“Most of us in our batch (2020) didn’t really expect to be in this program due to several reasons. And I really think that this [session] should serve as a discerning lesson for the students — the slot given to us is as important as the slot for other programs as well. Students should know that Communication Research is more than the program that they’ve already known,” said Bea, a sophomore student.
Lucas added, “Kung i-aanalyze natin ito [survey results], marami pa rin ang mas masaya kaysa sa mas malungkot na mga estudyante.That probably has something to do with the environment in the College.”
During the final session, students had the opportunity to ask Mr. Francisco Bautista Jr. questions. He advised students to join groups and maintain positive relationships with teachers, as both are important in forming networks and a successful career path.
The 2021 Virtual General Assembly of Department of Communication Research was spearheaded by Circle of Research Enthusiasts (CORE) in partnership with The Communicator, Advertising and Public Relations Organization of Students (ADPROS), Viva Voce — COC, UP Communication Research Society (UP CRS); Underscore PUP–DCR, the official media partner; and sponsored by Hannah Bea’s Beads and Threads.
CORE officers take oath at virtual general assembly
Geared to live up to the responsibilities and challenges as the official academic organization of Communication Research students, the newly installed executive board, and committee members of the Circle of Research Enthusiasts (CORE) took their oath of office on Thursday, October 14, 2021 as officiated by the organization adviser, Prof. Jeffrey Ancheta.
Newly elected members of the executive board include President: Gianne Macatangay; Executive VP: Althea Agustin; VP for External Relations: Bea Sevilla; VP for Internal Relations: Jonalyn Pakinggan; VP for Marketing: LJ Sandoval; and Secretary General: Ronneth De Ocampo.
CORE envisions future CommRes students as critical thinkers, leaders, and achievers through a variety of innovative activities that will hone character, passion, and holistic thinking.
“I’m so excited for everyone to know about the projects CORE has in store. There will be events that will be returning and a month full of celebration for the CommRes Community. I hope you all stay tuned on our pages as we respectively announce all the activities CORE lined up for the academic year. Don’t miss out! See you all around!” said the newly elected President of CORE, Gianne Macatangay.
Members of External Relations Committee include Networking Officer: Mary Gold Lazaro; Outreach Officer: Justine Mae Albaniel; Logistics Officer: Aljhelyn Piador; and Marketing Representative: Nicole Miraflor.
Internal Relations Committee include Academic Officer: Sarah Jane Saladaga; Membership Officer: Jia Mei Delos Reyes; 1st Year Representative: Eddora Janna Pascua; 2nd Year Representative: Angelica Buenavente; 3rd Year Representative: Lanzel Javier; and 4th Year Representative: Leabel T. Fabella.
Marketing Committee is led by Communications Head: Chinie Ann Mendoza; Research and Content Head: Rovicheds Lejano; Creatives Head: Ezekhyna Naval; Documentation Head: Trixie Landrito; Communication Officer: Rico Leandicho; Research and Content Officer: Alexis Limin.
While members of the Secretariat Committee include Deputy Secretary: Cielo Marie Bacani; Participants Relations Head: Louise Bianca Ayes; Finance Officer: Andrew Palangdao; Analytics Head: Meynard M. Villanueva; and Secretariat Officer: Diether Navarosa.
