Lessons learned: may natutunan nga ba ako?

Isang linggong pagtitiis na lang nag natitira para sa aming mga estudyante. Yehey! Sembreak na. Kung babalikan ko ang oras, hindi na ako magtataka na mabilis nga ang panahon. 

Pero dahil patapos na ang semester ko, nararamdaman ko na talaga ang PRESSURE. Sa sobrang dami ng mga gawain halos hindi na ako makahinga (OA lang).

Sabi ko nga, patapos na ang semestreng ito. May natutunan ba ako? Ano nga ba ang natutunan ko? Naiisip ko, sa tagal ng pag-aaral sa kolehiyo at sa buong buhay ko, hindi pa ba ako nai-info overload? Syempre hindi. Kaya nga hanggang ngayon nandito pa din ako sa unibersidad at nag-aaral, di ba?

Magsulat at magsulat at magsulat. Iyan ang gawain sa aking kurso. Nakakapagod din minsan, pero wala akong magagawa kasi ginusto ko naman ito eh. LAHAT kakayanin para maipasa at makapagtapos na.  at syempre higit sa lahat MATUTO. Wala naman sa akin ang GRADES eh, mas mahalaga kung natuto ako. Iyong grades, bonus na lang iyon. :))

  Isa sa mga subjects ko  ngayon ay DEVC 122 (SCIENCE REPORTING). Inaamin ko ayaw ko talaga sa science partikular na sa biology. Nahirapan talaga ako dito kasi una sa lahat, wala naman akong interes sa SIYENSYA. Aba, ang mga tinuturo sa amin ay kahalagahan ng siyensa, at ang importansya ng pagpapaalam ng siyensa sa mga nakararami. Unang tanong ko noong simula ng sem, paano ko ito maisusulat kung ako mismo nahihirapan intindihin ito. 

Makalipas ang ilang buwan ng pag-aaral at pagtitiis na mahalin ang subject na ito, tingin ko naman ay nagtagumpay ako. Una sa lahat, natutunan kong mahalin ang SIYENSA. Natuto na akong ma-appreciate (di ko talaga alam ang Tagalog ng appreciate ) ang gawa ng siyensa—teknolohiya man o “discovery” sa mga halaman o hayop o kahit sa tao pa iyan.

Pangalawa, kahit na medyo hirap pa din ako, natuto na akong ipaliwanag iyong mga bagay na masyadong technical. Kahit papaano naman, nagagawa ko na isulat ang mga teknikal na impormasyon sa pinakamababaw na paraan na kaya ko na hindi nawawala iyong TRUTH.

Ano pa ba? Masasabi ko ding natuto akong mag-edit ng gawa ng iba. Natutuwa din ako kasi hindi na ako nahihiyang ipakita sa iba iyong gawa ko. Does it mean I am confident enough to show them my articles? (EWAN) Siguro nga na-aapreciate ko na iyong kahalagahan ng peer review (parang scientist lang ah, gusto din nila ang peer review. Natutunan ko din ito sa DEVC122 ).

Alam ko kahit hindi pa medyo halata, na-develop din ang aking interviewing skills (aba, dapat lang). Sabi nga ang journalist, he knows how to deal with the high and low of the society. Well, naexperience kong lahat ito. Hindi lang naman sa DEVC122, kahit sa ibang devcom subjects din. Pero nakakatuwa talaga na hindi na ako kinakabahan kapag kailangan kong mag-inteview (makapal na daw ang mukha ko ). 

Bago ako magtapos, gusto ko lang din i-share iyong feelings ko for this subject. Masaya ako kasi alam ko kahit iyong ibang articles ko ay patapon, nabibigyan ako ng encouragement na ipagpatuloy iyong nasimulan ko na. Isa pa, iyong feeling na alam mong may nakaka-appreciate ng gawa mo- teacher mo man iyan, iyong ininterview mo, magulang mo, kaibigan, o kahit kaklase. Masaya lang ako na hindi lang mga technical terms at jargons ang natutunan ko sa subject na ito, hindi lang mga dos and don’ts ng pagiging science journalist, mga beats o science stories, o simpleng pagsusulat. Natuto ako na magsipag pa, magtiyaga sa pag-aaral at higit sa lahat ay mahalin kung ano man ang ginagawa ko. Napag-isip isip ko lang na kung talaga palang mahal mo at gusto mo ang ginagawa mo, walang magiging mahirap para sa iyo. Lahat ay kayang kaya, and at the end of the day, you’ll wear the biggest smile. :)

challenge of writing science stories

We had our last laboratory exercise last Friday for Animal Science 1 (Ansc1). I and some of my classmates were on our way to our room when one of them asked me, “Ate, ano’ng course mo?”. I smiled and said “Devcom”. They asked me, why I am taking Ansc1. Maybe they were thinking I should only take communication courses. I told them Ansc1 is one of my electives.

Honestly, when I was thinking on what to put in my POS, I did not know why it is important for us, Devcom students, to take hard sciences as our electives. But as time goes on, I began to understand that it is useful in so many ways. We are exposed with these sciences, and it gives us background knowledge about the things we usually don’t deal with like chemistry, biology, zoology, etc.

As I read the article entitled “Bad Science in the Headlines”, I realized that in reality when we (future journalists) are already out of our comfort zone, we will be dealing with science stories. And with dealing with these stories, we have to have knowledge about it for us to be able to report it truthfully. Studying science during our years in college is a great help.

It is our duty to report stories as honestly and as accurately as we can. If we write something that does not have empirical proof, we might mislead the public that would affect their behavior toward the subject.

For me, reporting science is really something. Extra care should be given. Extra research should be done. Extra control should be observed. Science is a very sensitive topic to put into public. Whatever new discoveries in the world of science would surely affect the public because it somehow answers their questions about the world. If not, it gives the public new things that would help them make life easier.

Maybe these are the reasons why there are but few science journalists existing in the industry. We seldom see science headlines in the newspapers. And this reality is quite saddening. As it is mentioned in the article, people seldom read scientific journals. They mostly depend on newspapers, or news on TV or internet. It is our responsibility to give them the information they need without distorting the truth from the experts. However, the experts should also partner with the journalists so that there will be understanding from both parties to avoid producing information that might mislead their audience—the general public.

The lesson to be learned is that never write something you do not know. Aside from it being difficult, it may cause confusion to all the parties involved—the experts, the journalists, and the intended audience.

pressured :)

I always hear things like, “madali lang naman ang devcom eh”. I don’t agree. Definitely, it is not. It is never easy to write when you do not know what to write, how to write, and why write something. I admit that when I was in the early years in college, I said to myself that I was not challenged by the course I take, and I even thought that this is not for me. But now, the only thing I can say is that my course is too challenging, too demanding that it requires time, dedication, and most of all passion.

I remembered when I was in grade six; I wanted to be a journalist. Then came highschool, I changed my mind and decided that what I wanted is to be an engineer. However, my fate brought me to a communication course, which is DEVCOM. And here I am now, struggling with all the deadlines of the requirements, yet enjoying what I’m doing.

What we experience in the academe is nothing compared to the real practice of being a journalist. This is what our instructors always say when we are complaining about a deadline or an exercise. Everytime I think about being journalist in the near future, I get excited, and on the other hand, frightened and pressured. I always think of what I will be or if I will ever survive the challenges when I am already out of my comfort zone.

I always look up to those journalists who already marked their names in the media industry. Though our training here in the university is different form the training of mass communication students, I always dream of working in mainstream media. I want to work in CNN like Maria Ressa, or to other stations that are known in the country. It may sound ambitious, but I never know. It’s better to be ambitious than having no ambition at all.

With all the social media present in our generation nowadays, it is no longer too hard for us writers to get the attention of readers. Though journalists are known to be using only print media, we are now taking a step higher and utilizing the social media to engage readers. I believe that we have the same goal and purpose—that is to inform people and encourage them to act, but, this time we are using different media.

This would certainly put pressure on us future journalists. As Serlie Jamias mentioned in the symposium held last September 19, 2012 at SEARCA auditorium, the new journalist is a one man team. It only means we have to be flexible in every area. We are to learn using different media aside from print. We should know how to write for a certain medium, what to write in that medium, and how to write it effectively that readers would be encouraged to read it.

As development communicator in training, we are dealing with information that is not as palatable to the public compared to entertainment news or crimes. We are dealing with developmental information, science data, and other boring stuff. These information we are writing about turned out to be the more important information everyone should know. But since it is boring to the eyes of many, our problem is how to sell these information to people.

There are several ways to attract readers and sell our ideas to them. It is just we have to know our audience well. We have to be aware of what they want, and what they need. As the first rule in Devcom, before making a material, writing an article, and planning for an activity, you have to know your audience well. This, I won’t forget. J

I would like to share a quote by Patricia Evangelista that moved the inside of me. She said that “in every statistics, there’s a name, there’s a story, and it is our duty to tell their story in the best way we can.” As a future journalist, I will definitely not forget this. Writing stories of people or events I don’t know is never easy, but I know that this is the call of my duty. I will not underestimate the power of my pen and paper. What I write might not be significant to all, but might be useful to one—and that one is enough for me to continue to write. And now I realize, it is never too hard when you started loving what you are doing. For me, writing is a delight, and I am willing to learn everything to be an effective writer. J

changes that we have to face

Few weeks ago, we were surprised by heavy rain brought by the monsoon. It flooded in some part of the country, and it rained almost everywhere. Classes were suspended in many places including Laguna. I, personally was surprised to know that almost 18 ‘bayans’ here in Laguna were flooded.

There was no typhoon then. I say that this is one of the ill-effects of climate change. It does not only happen in the Philippines but this is a global phenomenon. The world experience drastic change in climate that brings destruction. With this, nations as well as international organizations are alarmed.

A year ago, I wrote an article about the effects of climate change in the marine biodiversity. I focused on its effect in Coral Triangle—a rich marine biodiversity lies in the coastal areas of six countries including Philippines. Through research and interviews I made, I found out that Coral triangle is at risk due to several factors including coral bleaching caused by climate change.

Climate change has been a global issue of our time. Studies are made to predict its possible effects in our world. Now, we are experiencing it undoubtedly. In a seminar held last August 16, 2012 in our college, the speaker mentioned some of the calamities happening in other parts of the world like Flooding in Australia, landslide in Brazil, severe drought in US, etc.

Global warming is one of the results of climate change. It is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. According to wildlife.org, our atmospheric concentrations of CO2 are 3% higher that it was before. Rich countries contribute a lot to the emission of GHGs because of industrialization, and unfortunately, it’s the poor countries experience more of its impact.

 Continuous increase of GHGs in our atmosphere will result too much trouble. It may lead to flooding, drought, landslide, rise of sea level. Worst is that these four may happen in one geographic area simultaneously.

Effects of climate change will not only be felt through the calamities. It will also be felt in area of agriculture, economics, environment, tourism, etc. The speaker also mentioned that 4-5% of the GDP will be lost if a country fail to address this problem. He also mentioned that climate change is the new normal. We cannot just sit back and wait how this phenomenon will destroy us. We have to do something.

In agriculture, there will definitely be decrease in yield of crops, and it will result to increase in food prices. Then, there will be this problem of food security. There will also be salinization of fresh water, coral bleaching, decrease in the thickness of sea shells.

If the amount of carbon in our atmosphere continues to increase, it will sink in the ocean that will lead to acidity. Acidity may cause reefs to collapse. If it happens, there will be a large consequence for many species depending on the corals.

These problems are no longer far away from us. Most of these are now visible in some parts of the world. But as I said earlier, we cannot just sit back and wait. We have to act on it. We have to work for this not to destroy our world. We have to do our part in preserving our planet.

Our country made specific laws for our environment. There are 21 of them, but we cannot see it fully implemented. Some of these laws are regarded as best in the world. The problem is in the implementation of these laws. We, people, should be responsible in obeying these. And the government, on the other hand, should see to it that it is implemented. Laws are made to be implemented and obeyed not to be stacked in a file and forgot about it after.

Adaptation and mitigation are the two ways that will help us address climate change. These two backed up with the best laws for environment, and discipline of the people will surely take effect. It may help us provide solutions to the problems brought by climate change.

It is important that information about the effects of climate change, laws being implemented to address this problem, and call for action reach the general public. Not all information about this will be understood by all. The educated, yes, but how about those who are not? We have to laymanize it for them. This is where our role as development communicators comes. The problem cannot be solved by the elites, educated, and those who understand alone. It can be solved if and only if there is complete participation among all the key players of the society which includes every people.

But the most important is we have to remember who we really are in this world. In Genesis 1:28 and Genesis 2:15, God said, “…rule over the fish in the ocean, the birds in the sky, and every animal on the earth.”, “The Lord God put the man in the Garden of Eden to take care of it and to look after it.”. We are stewards to look after the earth. But what is happening nowadays? Climate change happens because of our irresponsible actions. It is us who devastated the world. We should have learned how to be good stewards. We do not own this world. This is something the Almighty lent us.

Now, let us give our best to address this problem that might destroy the world. We are responsible for this. We have to do something before it is too late. Let us get back to our duty, our duty to be the stewards of this beautiful world.

I am a food lover. I enjoy foods, and I know that this is also true to most of us Filipinos. Most of the time, I am not aware where the foods I eat came from as long as it satisfy my cravings. Sometimes I think what important is that I am able to eat my meals to feed my starving stomach. I seldom check labels which includes the nutrition contents of the food I eat. As long as it is not expired yet, then it is okay for me to eat it.

Food incorporated is one of the most intriguing documentary I ever watched. It was long, yes, but it is worth watching. It awaken my consciousness in the foods I eat. I admit that I am guilty loving fast foods. I enjoy eating burgers, fries, etc. etc. with my family and friends not knowing where and how it was processed.

Food incorporated revealed something that is not known to most people. Though the context of this documentary is Western, it made me think if it applies in the Philippines given that those fastfood chains are also visible in the country.

Food industry all over the world is undeniably growing. It answers the needs of the growing population of the world. These industries do everything to supply the increasing needs of the people, and of the big fast food chains.

Based on the documentary film, I observed that the food industries try to manipulate the production of farm products such as meat and vegetables. It seems to be unfair for the small scale farmers and growers. One example is how the Monsanto forbids farmers to keep seeds from their crop. They encourage farmers to use GMOs. In case of the meat production, the process they apply seems to be brute.

I realized that we are often unconscious in what we eat. We don't even dare to be curios on how the foods we take arrive in our plate. We might take foods not knowing that it is infected with bacteria that may cause death. The importance of looking into labels and asking where our food come from may help us avoid taking in foods that may cause our sickness and even death.

In one of my subjects two semesters ago, the importance of looking and understanding the food labels are reiterated to us. Only after i watched the documentary, Food Incorporated, I realized its importance. It has to be done by us consumers to ensure our health. I have decided to put into action what I have learned in that subject before it is too late. Better to eat fresh foods that eat in fast food chains. It is better to spend a lot for nutritious foods, than to spend a lot for medication because of wrong choice of foods.

122: Biodiversity in Makiling

I've been here in Los Baños, Laguna for three years now. I still remember the time when I first set my feet in the campus. The peaceful surrounding that welcomed me as I arrived gave such impression that it's worth staying here.

I am aware that Forestry is one of the best courses offered here in the university. I am also aware that UPLB through College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) is responsible in taking care of Mt. Makiling. It is said to be rich in flora and fauna. The view of this mountain from afar is amazing to the extent that you would want to explore it.

Just last week, June 26, a seminar about the biodiversity in Makiling Peak 3 was held at CFNR. This was a great opportunity given to me because it's really worth attending. The seminar was titled Biodiversity Expedition to Peak 3 of Mt. Makiling.

I am not really interested with the different species of animals, insects and plants that can be found in Makiling forest. In fact, I found it hard to listen to the different scientific names the speakers seems to know so well. But it is really to know that our very own Makiling serves a haven for many species of animals, insects and plants. Surprisingly, most of them are endemic.

Dr. Manny Castillo, one of the speakers and one of the members of the team who went up to Peak 3, said that there are many species of flora and faunas found in Makiling. He wished they are with some experts, particularly in fungi, to help them identify other species.

Based on the report of Mr. Juancho Balatibat, another speaker and also part of the team, there are some species of stick insect and grasshoppers that are potential to be new species. It's amazing that these explorers who went up to Makiling for almost a week found something new in the field of biological science. This would be a great contribution to the field.

I really admire the team for their hardwork, patience and guts to climb Peak 3. And of copurse, they should be appreciated for sharing to their co-faculty, students, and others what they found in the Makiling forest.

As Dr. Castillo said before he started his presentation, presenting the information they gathered about Peak 3  is for the progression of science especially the exploration for the species of animals and plants in Mt. Makiling.

As usual, at the end of the seminar, question and answer was held. An old man, who according to him also worked in Makiling years ago, extended his appreciation to the team of explores. He also mentioned the need of preserving records of the findings through database. As Development Communication student, I felt that this is where we can help. I might not be so interested in going up to Peak 3 and study the different species there. And I might not understand how they work with the species, but I can be a tool to help preserve records of their findings, and inform people about the richness of Makiling through my writings. I came to think that maybe as communication student, it is our worth in this field-- to write about what they found so that the world may know it and help aid development of science through our writings.

122: Green vs. Gray

Developing would be difficult without technology. It seems to be one of the basis of how developed a country is. In an article written by Freeman J. Dyson, there are two kinds of technology: the green technology and the gray technology. Honestly, I wasn't aware of this classification until I read Dyson's article.

Green technology has something to do with agriculture like seeds, farm animals, and other agricultural products we utilize. On the other hand, gray technology refers to computers, gadgets, electricity, and the like.   Both are useful in our everyday lives. It addresses most of the needs of the society. But, at present, we are aware that gray technology is fast advancing compared to the green technology. 

Well, according to Dyson, gray technology's dominance will come to end. Maybe not now, but it will be dominated by the green technology soon. With the new studies in biology, biotechnology, and other branches of science, the growth of green technology would possibly be faster than the gray.

So what's the advantage of the green overtaking the gray? Well, Dyson said, green is more environmental friendly. Many of our needs can be grown rather than made. But how will people appreciate green technology when we are used to with the gray one? 

I agree with what Dyson said. He mentioned that the politics and economy of a certain country would allow the use of these new technologies.He mentioned many more factors that would affect the utilization of these technologies like religion.

It is true that all has its "dark sides". Though we may now think that it's green technology that we need, there are still things we should understand about it. Green technology may be used in such a way that would ruin the "nature of human beings". Surprisingly, science has now its way on how to do that. That is through Genetic Engineering. Dyson said, with this advancement, free market of human genes would be possible. And i think, it will be favorable for the rich.

I guess whatever development in our technology, so it be green or gray, what's important is it must be utilized by everybody. And of course, there should always be limits in using such technologies. It will be helpful to the world if people would know the limitations of using it, like the limit of using genetic engineering. Technologies, if not utilized accordingly might yield to unwanted results. Let's just be aware of how we use technologies in pursuing development. It is indeed helpful when used with caution.

DEVC122. A Reflection

Science seems to be a big word. When I was a child, I used to think that it is meant only for scientists...those geniuses. But well, of course, I came to realize that it is for everyone.

As it is always said, science is a body of knowledge. In fact, in almost everything, science has an explanation. It is indeed amazing how we are consciously or unconsciously affected by works of science.

If science affects our individual lives, it will also affect us as a nation. it certainly has something to do with the development as we go modernize our country. Nowadays, technology has been advancing, and i believe it is all because of science. It seems that technologies have been one of the precursors of development.

Science is about research. Thorough research is made to verify something that is asked. And it is said in an article titled "Public Understanding Science" by Flor Lacanilao-- "Development depends on the quality of information disseminated, which relies on the way research is done. If it's that so, then there might be wrong in how we conduct research, because as we can see, development here in our country seems to be so SLOW. For me, at least this is true.


Research to science to technology to development. This is one of the diagram I saw in Lacanilao's article. These four, I agreed, are connected and dependent on each other. It is clear that science or the body of knowledge is from  quality research. And technology is the application of science which may lead to development-- the utilization of technology. If until now we can't see development, then it all boils down to poor quality research. Lacanilao seems to be so sure that "development will hardly follow...without the correct research output. Well, it's indeed agreeable.


Why have correct research output? Is it because of lack of funding? Well, Lacanilao said no. Though we are aware that the government spend less in S and T, still it is not the greatest factor affecting the research output. As it is said, it is the wrong practices how research is done that makes poor quality outputs. Maybe because most of us research only for the sake of having a research paper. We oftentimes ignore small details that would affect the whole study. And sadly, these poor research outputs serve as the basis of the laws, development programs, and policies made. It would now be obvious why most of our programs, laws and policies fail.


I believe that through shaping young generation's mind in right ways of researching, we will be able to reach development. As our professors always say, write not only for your grades, but write as if everyone will read your work.Same as with this issue. Let's do research so that it may be utilized by everyone not just for self-benifits. I believe we have the brain, we just have to use it not only for our own, but for all the Filipino people.