IN THIS SERIES OF BLOG POSTINGS, WE FEATURE OUR ALUMNI AS THEY TALK ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE BEING IN THE PROGRAM AS WELL AS THEIR UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS AS FORMER XU DEVCOM STUDENTS.

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Why did you choose XU DevCom?

When I graduated in High School, I had the scholarship opportunity to select any course of my choice in Xavier University. Aside from being grateful with this rare chance, it also meant broadening my field of dilemma.

I prayed, sought for signs, and even had a raffle draw of course choices.

I had imaginations as to what would people react when I tell them what my course is; Would I get a “wow” or would I get an “ahhh” reaction? However, it dawned unto me that the most important thing in selecting a course is not on selecting the most prestigious-sounding courses nor impressing people, but on selecting the one where you could be best at.  Well, I had this weird analogy that a cat could only vie on being the best cat, but never on being the best fish.

I felt too young to decipher what could be the best decision, but with my campus journalism experience back then, I had the feeling that BS Development Communication could better hone my interests and skills.  

Tell us about your experience with the program.

Taking up BS Development Communication felt like a new world to me.

Instead on competing academically with each other, my batchmates stood up on their different strengths which harmonized the batch as a whole—we had those who were unquestionably incredible when it comes to writing, exemplary in photography and layouting, and heavily talented in reporting and hosting among others! The challenge then was to be that jack of all trades, and little by little, master all of them.

Through the program also, we were immersed in different communities. We have been to many places but my favorite one is into the hearts of the people (one more cliché line and this would sound like a song already.) Kidding aside, we were guided into venturing to purposive efforts. We were taught not only on how to do things, but also on why we are doing such—for the people, with the people.

DevCom offered holistic learning. The four years were filled with enhancing one’s knowledge, skills, and attitude/practice.

Eventually, I graduated as Magna Cum Laude but more than that honor, I boast the rich experience I had through the course I decided to take—BS Development Communication Major in Development Journalism.

What is your current job?

I am currently employed as Local Government Operations Officer at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10, designated as the Regional Information Officer.

I document and present the Department’s projects, programs and activities in the Region through news and feature stories and even through infographics.

Also, I handle the communication and information team of the Department, conducting enhancement trainings for the members.

Are you using what you learned in college?

Definitely. I kept in mind what Sir Ryan Madrid, one of my teachers, said in college that in the real world, you have to do everything in terms of writing, layouting, taking photos, etc.; thus, you need to learn everything.

True enough, when I entered the ‘real world’, you have to be that ‘package’ that companies would be looking for, especially in the field of being a DevCom graduate.

Now, I apply everything I learned in college—from crafting and editing stories, layouting our magazines and coffetable books, documenting activities through photographs, and even organizing trainings and seminars!

Would you recommend studying DevCom?

If one has the heart and skills in the art of communication and community, then BS DevCom should be one of their options. This course is one of the best sanctuaries for aspiring writers, editors, community organizers, and reporters to name a few. It is a portal to boundless opportunities after college.